Teaching and Mentoring

As a teacher I value and build on existing knowledge and skills, encouraging people to learn through reading, playful writing activities, sharing and discussion. I'm committed to creating learning spaces that are caring and inclusive, in which everyone feels able to ask questions, make mistakes, and take risks.

I've taught creative writing for over two decades, in higher, further and adult education and in a range of community settings from workplaces and care homes to the Royal Opera House. I've taught poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literature, media studies and more.

I've previously worked for for City University London, the University of Oxford, and Royal Holloway, University of London. I'm currently teaching for Middlesex University and the Poetry School, as well as doing private mentoring and editing work. I have an MA in Creative and Life Writing (Goldsmiths College), a PGCE in post-compulsory education (Institute of Education) and a PhD on radio poetry (Royal Holloway). I'm a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the National Association of Writers in Education.

Tutoring and mentoring

I offer one off sessions, regular sessions or 'term' blocks of 10 sessions with a focus or topic of your choice. Subjects have included: creative inspiration/ starting points; overcoming stuckness and writer's block; revising and submitting your work; responding to visual art; writing sonnets; poetic form and music; flash fiction; essay writing; and lyric essays.

Tutoring focuses on building and strengthening your knowledge and skills in a specific area, and tends to include prompts, assignments or exercises, and set reading - as well as feedback on your work.

Mentoring is broader in scope, and can include setting and working towards goals and deadlines, developing your writing practice and processes, and overcoming blocks, as well as feedback and advice on work in progress. I also coach writers working towards completing particular book or manuscript projects. I'm particularly interested in helping writers to build their confidence, develop a sustainable writing practice, and manage and overcome imposter syndrome.

Individual tutoring, mentoring and coaching sessions are available at £60p/h, or £50p/h concession/ low-waged. please enquire at poet@katepotts.net.

To book an initial chat or a mentoring session, please email poet@katepotts.net.

Learner feedback

'Kate is a transformative poet and educator. I credit much of my success, in both academic and creative domains, to the University of Oxford ‘Writing Poetry’ course, which Kate expertly tutored. Kate’s support of her students was unwavering, her excitement around poetic craft was infectious, her feedback comprehensive, constructive and sincere. Where I had previously felt dispirited around tertiary education, Kate’s teachings kindled a hunger to return to university, and set me on a path to literary publication and two subsequent Masters degrees. She fostered in me a confidence predicated on a greater understanding of poetic form and function, and a sort of writerly instinct that ultimately affords me the ability to interrogate my own work.'
- Elizabeth Morton, author

'I have always felt insecure about my desire to write and I think that is why I decided to take my first chance in my second language instead of the first. I took an online course in Writing Poetry at the University of Oxford where my tutor, Kate, introduced me to forms, techniqes and poets. When I finished the course, I realised I needed to continue exploring my own voice, so I asked Kate to offer me private classes. We spent one year writing and editing poems and I couldn't be more grateful for the way she has introduced me to poetry. Her patience, love for the language and passion for the art are values I still carry with me.'
- Maria Agustina Pardini, author

'All praise and gratitude to Kate, a gifted and inspirational teacher. I desired to master the art of poem-making. However, it was difficult to find an instructor well versed in traditional prosody. I am fortunate to have found Kate. She has been tutoring me one-on-one for several years online. The result: I feel knowledgeable about traditional forms and have confidence in my composition skills. Several of my poems have been published online, and included in an an anthology of contemporary traditional poems.'
- Mary Jane Myers, author

To enquire about teaching or mentoring, please email poet@katepotts.net or use the contact form below.

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