About your teacher - Hannah Shipman

I am originally from England and grew up there before leaving home and gaining my MA.

After completing the Cambridge CELTA in 2000, I started teaching in Prague. Although I come from a family of teachers (parents and grandparents!)*, it was in the Czech Republic that I decided that teaching is my passion.

I worked in Estonia for 2 years and took the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry FTBE. I enjoyed the course about Teaching Business English and gained a Distinction in the exam.

In summer 2003, I moved to Vilnius to open a branch of International Language Services. In April 2009, I created 'EnglishTeacher.lt'.

I am always trying to improve my Lithuanian. I understand the frustrations and joys of language learners! I'm still studying because I believe that language learning is a life-long experience...

I worked as an oral examiner at the British Council for Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE and Young Learners exams between 2004-2016. I was also Team Leader for Lithuania for many years. I also enjoy proofreading and editing, as well as voice recording work.

Since September 2009, I have also been working part-time at the Institute of Foreign Language at Vilnius University.

I try to incorporate modern technology into my lessons and show you how you can use your tech devices to learn outside the class. I aim to develop autonomous and self-sufficient learners. If this website looks a bit home-made, that's because it is all my own work through trial and error. So if you have any feedback or find dead links or typos, please let me know! I also love music, reading, and travelling.

In short, I love meeting new people and teaching interesting students. I am not the right teacher for everyone, but if you are enthusiastic and want to learn, then I look forward to meeting you soon. I promise I will work hard and work you hard.

Vilnius is my home now, although of course I go back to the UK to see my family and friends. I sometimes miss pork pie or fish and chips by the sea! When I’m in the UK, I miss your dark bread and opening the fridge and finding a secret stash of sūreliai! 

St Mary's, HorncastleMelton Mowbray Pork Piefish 'n' chips Sutton on SeaAngel Inn, Horncastle, Lincs.                     

 * my dad has just informed me that my paternal, paternal great-grandparents were also teachers! 

Why I love my job

Why I love my job

I love my job because I am privileged to meet with all sorts of different people. I am a life-long learner myself and understand the joys and frustrations of language learning! I also take my professional development seriously and continously strive to take every opportunity to develop outside the classroom - then I can bring new ideas and approaches into my classroom. Teaching can be really rewarding when you are able to help people achieve their aims. That's why I've chosen to make Vilnius my home as I feel I can contribute to society here. Plus, Vilnius is a great place to live!

 

Hannah Shipman

Hannah Shipman

Teacher, Trainer, Lecturer, Voice Artist, Life-long learner, Materials Writer, Language Assessor, Proofreader

Get in touch today to let me know what you need to do in English, and how I can help you to do it more fluently, accurately, and efficiently.
 
As you can see, I am involved in any kind of project connected to improving the level of English here in Lithuania.

How can EnglishTeacher.lt help you?

I'd like to improve my spoken English

All of my classes are hands-on. You will be given plenty of chance to speak in pairs, small groups, as well as with me. To improve your speaking, it is not rocket science to point out that you need to have a chance to speak!

I've got loads of questions!

Great, please ask away! I might not always be able to answer, but I'll do my best to find the answer. Language is not static; it's organic and always changing, which is why it is so exciting. There are also lots of 'Englishes'. I will happily answer your questions about British English and culture.

I know my vocabulary is weak

During our lessons, I will expose you to a lot of new vocabulary, either through exploiting listening or reading texts or while talking to each other. I'll try and point out patterns and make sure you know how to use the new chunks or expressions. You should prioritise about 6 word partnerships to use out of class in your daily life. We'll do some activities or play revision games to recycle the expressions and help you to remember them.

Tenses - they're so difficult!

Sometimes it is clear which tense you should use. The fun starts at higher levels when we analyse why one tense is more suitable than another, which inevitably involves all the interesting nuances of language. What hidden information do we convey when we choose one tense over another?

I would like to understand more TV programmes and music

Fantastic. It means you are already interested in the cultural aspects of learning a language. I'll share with you the programmes I think you will enjoy watching and some useful podcasts. The first step is motivation, so it sounds as if you are in the right frame of mind to learn.

Amateur photos - I'm sharing you some of the fruits of my obsession with taking photos on my phone

News about Lithuania for learners of English

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