At junior high school in the UK, I studied one of the few computer courses available at the time. There were very limited routes into higher education in computing in those days, so I joined a computer company and studied programming and mathematics part-time. Teaching wasn’t on my mind at all.

Years later, I returned to university as a mature student, first planning to study Ancient Greece and Rome. I later focused on philosophy, and after graduating, I was invited to teach undergraduate classes. That was my first real teaching experience.

One course, Truth in Fiction, made a lasting impression on me. I loved discussing books and creating a space where students could share ideas and ask questions. I even had a small office in the library, and students would drop by to talk about their essays—or sometimes about life more generally.

After marrying my wife, who is from Osaka, I prepared to move to Japan. While waiting for my visa, I taught at a traditional private elementary school. Young students ask endless “why” questions, and in many ways, they are better philosophers than some undergraduates.

Before moving to Japan, I completed a TEFL certificate and discovered how enjoyable it was to teach students from many different countries, each with their own relationship to English. In Japan, I went on to teach at a large conversation school for sixteen years. I often say I never had a bad day. Of course, there were occasional lessons that didn’t quite go to plan, but they were usually followed by good ones. I still remember students from my very first classes.

After a year running a dairy farm in Ehime, I moved to rural Shiga and began teaching online with Cafetalk.

What do I love most about teaching English?

English is an enabling subject. My role is simply to help you develop the tools. What you choose to say with them is entirely up to you.

Language help (A2 level)

by accident
Meaning: not planned
Example: I became a teacher by accident.

routes into higher education
Meaning: ways to go to university
Example: There were few routes into higher education.

mature student
Meaning: someone who goes to university later in life
Example: I was a mature student.

made a lasting impression
Meaning: something you remember for a long time
Example: The class made a lasting impression on me.

creating a space
Meaning: making a friendly and safe place to talk
Example: The teacher created a space for discussion.

drop by
Meaning: visit for a short time, often without a plan
Example: Students would drop by to talk.

more generally
Meaning: about life, not only one topic
Example: We talked about essays and life more generally.

endless “why” questions
Meaning: many questions, especially from children
Example: Children ask endless “why” questions.

relationship to English
Meaning: how someone feels about and uses English
Example: Everyone has a different relationship to English.

I never had a bad day
Meaning: almost all days were good
Example: I never had a bad day teaching there.

an enabling subject
Meaning: something that helps you express yourself
Example: English is an enabling subject.

develop the tools
Meaning: build skills and confidence
Example: I help students develop the tools.

entirely up to you
Meaning: your choice
Example: What you say is entirely up to you.