Science and Biology Teacher with 13+ Years of Experience Using Diverse Teaching Methodologies

Find out more about Cássia

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My interest in biology started when I was a child. I was always curious about nature, animals, and understanding how living things interact with the environment. That curiosity eventually led me to study Biology and later build a career in education.
  
  Teaching came naturally to me. Over the last 14 years, I have worked with students of different ages and backgrounds, from secondary school students to university learners, professionals, Indigenous communities, and people with diverse learning needs. Private tutoring allows me to personalise learning and help students build confidence at their own pace, which is something I really enjoy.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Biology is an incredible subject because it helps us understand life itself. I particularly enjoy discussing ecology, marine biology, conservation, evolution, genetics, animal behaviour, and environmental sustainability. As a marine conservation educator and diver, I love connecting scientific concepts to real-world examples and experiences from the field.
  
  What I enjoy most is helping students see that biology is not just a collection of facts to memorise but a way of understanding the world around them.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I have been inspired by several teachers throughout my life, but the ones who made the biggest impact were those who genuinely cared about their students and made learning engaging and meaningful.
  
  I am also inspired by educators who use alternative teaching approaches, encourage curiosity, and create opportunities for students to learn through experience rather than simply memorising information. These experiences have strongly influenced my own teaching style.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs patience, empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to different learning styles. Every student learns differently, and it is important to find approaches that work for each individual.
  
  I believe a good tutor should also be encouraging and help students develop confidence. Learning becomes much easier when students feel supported and comfortable asking questions.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of my favourite experiences happened while working on environmental education projects with communities. During a field activity, a student who initially believed science was "too difficult" became fascinated by marine ecosystems after observing organisms in their natural habitat.
  
  By the end of the activity, that student was asking complex ecological questions and actively sharing observations with the group. Moments like that remind me why I love teaching biology. Sometimes all it takes is the right experience to spark curiosity and confidence.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  One challenge I often see is that many students believe biology is mainly about memorisation. While there are concepts and terminology to learn, biology is really about understanding relationships, patterns, and systems.
  
  As an educator, I constantly look for creative ways to make complex concepts more accessible and meaningful. Finding new ways to engage different learners is a challenge I enjoy and continue to work on.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I have two major passions: education and conservation.
  
  I am passionate about helping people learn and grow, but I am equally passionate about protecting our natural environment, especially marine ecosystems. I enjoy combining these passions by creating learning experiences that connect people with nature and encourage environmental stewardship.
  
  I also have a strong interest in alternative education methodologies and experiential learning. I love finding creative ways to make science engaging, relevant, and enjoyable.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I bring together a unique combination of scientific knowledge, real-world experience, and years of teaching practice.
  
  I am a qualified biologist, educator, trainer and assessor, marine conservation practitioner, and environmental educator. I have worked in schools, community projects, environmental programs, and with learners from many different backgrounds.
  
  Most importantly, I genuinely enjoy helping people learn. I believe that every student is capable of success when they are given the right support, encouragement, and learning approach. My goal is not only to help students improve their results but also to help them discover that biology can be fascinating, relevant, and enjoyable.