Maths teacher in London and online offers private maths lessons for GCSE, A Level Maths, Further Maths, IB, BSc level.

Find out more about Lazaros Panteleimon

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

  As a student, I had to hire a private tutor for my subjects and I realised how effective it is. Since that moment, I decided to work as a private tutor to help other people achieve their professional and academic goals. That's the reason I began working as a tutor when I was 18 and went to university.

• 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).

  My subject is mathematics. Most of the people seek help with GCSE Maths and A Level Maths or Further Maths or Calculus at University. My subject can be very difficult but with accurate guide and strategic lesson planning, it can be much easier. Understanding mathematics helps one understand how natural laws work and that is so fascinating.

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

  Indeed, my greatest inspiration is my Physics teacher despite the fact that I eventually studied mathematics. I still remember his educational techniques and I try to deploy them during my lessons. He really helped discover who I am and what I can do. My cultural capital was enriched with his influence

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

  The first quality of a good tutor is deep and solid subject knowledge. The next quality is high empotical intelligence and training so the tutor is able to convey knowledge. Knowing something and teaching something are not the same thing. You need to possess the subject knowledge to be able to convey it and the emotional intelligence is necessary to do it in an effective manner. Furthermore, a tutor must be punctual, organised and hard working. All these qualities come into play when it comes to tuition.

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

  The Greek mathematician Eratothenes was able to calculate the Earth's diameter using a rod stuck in the ground and the rule of three. And he did it several centuries before it was demonstrated that the planet is round.

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

  As a tutor working mostly under the british system, I find the order and the depths of topics covered in maths very inconvenient. For example, we introduce differentiation to A Level students yet we never teach them the topic of limits which is necessary to understand before one proceeds to differentiation.

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

  It's true I am passionate about my job and my subject but I must admit I prefer teaching calculus and pure maths. I find topics such as permutations less interesting.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I am a mathematician with very deep subject knowledge, with the skill to convey knowledge and with years of experience in many educational systems. Additionally, I respect my students' schedules, I am punctual and organised but above all, I love my job.