Postdoctoral Fellow (TCD), PhD graduate (UCD), Lecturer (TCD, UCD, UCC & The Red Door Gallery), Tutor (TCD & UCD) and previously a secondary school teacher (History) available for Art History tutorial

Find out more about Dr Rachel

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

  My interest in Art History began during my Leaving Certificate. We were left to our own devices to study for the written part of the exam as our teacher was only interested in the practical exam. I found that the written exam was actually very manageable, and once you had a broad grasp of Art History you could tackle any question!
  I then did my BA and MA in Art History (receiving a first-class honours MA). However, it was only during my PhD, when I was a tutor for the School of Art History and when I was correcting essays and exams that I found my true passion for education.
  As a corrector, I have excellent skills in essay planning, formatting and writing and I know what is needed to achieve an 'A' at the university level.

• 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 PhD thesis focuses on sixteenth-century Venetian portraiture, I absolutely love Venice and portraiture and these are both my specialist subjects.
  However, I also have a broad knowledge of European Art (1350-1800) and have taught courses on the 'Art of the Renaissance' and 'Baroque to Romanticism'.
  I also have experience working on modern and contemporary art, with a vast knowledge of Impressionism up to contemporary art in Ireland and abroad.

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

  My grandfather taught History and is definitely my role model, but I am also hugely inspired by my supervisor, who is a fantastic speaker.
  I am also a big fan of the art documentaries by Dr. James Fox!

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

  To be a good tutor, you need to be a good listener and an excellent proofreader.
  I have a keen eye for detail and can easily spot mistakes in formatting, and inconsistent arguments and find where there is room to improve - ultimately I will improve my students' grades!

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

  My grandfather always told me that you can crack any subject and I thoroughly believe this! This is something that I want to pass on to my students.

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

  There are new themes coming up in art history that are new to me such as solely focusing on feminism, gender and race and I am constantly reading up on these themes to keep up to date with the curriculum.

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

  I love research and teaching but have a particular interest in essay writing.

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

  I give students one-to-one undivided attention and will follow up after the calls with recommended readings and to hear how they got on with their grades! I am fully flexible with my time and can adapt my lessons according to each student's needs.