Mike
Specialist Learning Support Tutor & Mentor
About Mike
Mike is a UK qualified teacher with over 18 years of experience in secondary, post-16 and adult education. He has taught psychology, history, science and humanities across both the UK system and internationally in the International Baccalaureate MYP (secondary) and Diploma Programme — the IB equivalent of VCE. He brings that breadth of curriculum experience directly to his work supporting students at Positive Learners.
Mike works with students in high school and tertiary education across a wide range of needs — developing literacy skills, reading comprehension, essay writing, and exam technique. He also has extensive experience supporting Years 6–10 students across the Maths curriculum and helping VCE students through Foundation and Further Maths.
In 2013 Mike completed a certificate in counselling, and in 2015/16 studied for a Level 5 qualification in supporting learners with dyslexia through Dyslexia Action in the UK, focusing on areas including study skills and the use of technology. Prior to teaching, Mike worked in the IT field and later combined his teaching experience with studies in Online and Distance Education — giving him a strong understanding of how technology can genuinely support learning rather than distract from it.
Mike believes in a blended learning approach: structured, teacher-led instruction combined with student-focused inquiry using mixed media and research tools. This includes the thoughtful and responsible use of AI — Mike actively helps students understand how to harness AI tools to support their learning, build their skills, and work more independently, rather than simply using AI as a shortcut.
Qualifications
- BA Hons Psychology, University of Newcastle, UK (1986)
- PGCE (PCET) Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of East London (2005)
- PGCert in Integrative Counselling, London Metropolitan University, UK (2013)
- PGCert in Online and Distance Education, The Open University, UK (2014)
- Level 5 Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties, Dyslexia Action (2015/16)
Areas of specialism
- Secondary and VCE learning support
- VCE English Language and English Literature
- Literacy, reading comprehension and essay writing
- Maths support — Years 6 to 10, Foundation and Further VCE
- Dyslexia and co-occurring learning difficulties in adults
- Study skills, exam technique and executive function
- The Writing Revolution — structured writing from sentence to essay level
- Jenny Baker Expressive Writing Method
- Responsible and effective use of AI as a learning tool
- Counselling-informed mentoring and confidence building
What students and families say
"Mike at Positive Learners has been an absolute game-changer for our son as he started senior school. Mike's ability to assist students in developing reading skills and comprehension, refining essay writing and mastering challenging areas in mathematics is truly impressive. More recently our son's confidence has grown significantly, with school grades improving to all new highs. Mike's multi-faceted approach, blending traditional instruction with modern tools, creates a dynamic and effective learning experience where our son is always fully engaged."
Dr A. Sutton & Dr D. Sutton, Geelong"I was fortunate to have Mike tutor me through Year 11 and 12 where I successfully passed all subjects in VCE. Mike took the time to work out my best learning style, strengths and weaknesses, then assisted me to achieve my best. Mike was always very encouraging, supportive and had a sense of humour throughout our sessions. He has helped me achieve my goal of successfully completing VCE which will now enable me to move into further studies."
'F', Torquay — VCE student"Mike made our son feel at ease with his warmth, calm presence and sense of humour. Mike was creative and flexible in finding approaches that would support his particular learning needs. Our son has grown in confidence and willingness to try new challenges — even in the areas where he does not have natural ability. Mike's sessions have always left him feeling good about himself. He never wanted to miss a lesson!"
'Z', Torquay — parent of secondary student with learning difficulties and anxiety"Mike was able to support our son not only in comprehension and English, but work with him to develop the confidence and understanding of how to solve problems. The by-product was a really significant increase in confidence, while soothing his anxiety. Each session has led to significant advances on a personal and academic level. His confidence to learn has also carried outside of lessons and back home. I know he will never want to miss a session."
'BW & JM', Geelong — parents of international student"Throughout my 2 years working with Mike he has guided me in the right direction and made me significantly more confident in my English. Mike's sessions are well thought out to ensure maximum learning within the hour. He makes learning fun — there hasn't been a time where I have been bored or not wanted to be there. Within the first few months I saw a huge improvement in my grades not just in English but all my other subjects."
'W', Geelong — secondary student"Our son worked with Mike for almost two years on his transition to VCE studies. Mike worked with him on developing a deeper understanding of the requirements of more analytical work in English and History, and how to structure study and assessed work. He also provided us with feedback and co-ordinated with our son's teachers in an ongoing process of skill-building, motivation and reflection. We were really happy with the work Mike and our son did together and would happily recommend Mike."
'H', Geelong — parent of VCE student with specific learning difficulties"Michael is knowledgeable about learning differences including dyslexia, high functioning autism, ADHD and EAL, and has many strategies to help such students access the curriculum and raise their self-esteem. Michael has great empathy for students with learning difficulties and tremendous rapport with all his students. It has been a pleasure to work with Michael."
Sandy Tam, Learning Support Department, The International School of Azerbaijan