Professional Social Work Tutor for University Students | 12 Years’ Experience | Personal, Supportive Approach

Find out more about Greg James

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

  I first developed an interest in social work through my professional experiences in both Australia and the UK. Over the years, I’ve worked with children, young people, and families across a range of settings, which deepened my commitment to supporting people to feel understood, empowered, and capable of change.
  
  I started to understand how valuable it can be to share knowledge in a more personalised way with student social workers. I want to make social work tutoring more accessible. Superprof then allows me to mix my practical experience with teaching in a one-on-one setting, helping students grow both academically and professionally across their social work journey.

• 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).

  I enjoy teaching areas like intersectionality, social justice, ethics, and reflective practice, because they encourage students to think critically (power dynamics) about their role and the impact they can have. I find students often find it difficult when they have to link abstract concepts to practical case examples or everyday language. I do dislike talking about the administrative or purely procedural elements of social work (like certain policy details sometimes a bit of law) can be less engaging and probably a bit dry. ;) haha.

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

  During my studies at the University of Northampton, several of my lecturers inspired me, Angli Bartoli and Susan Kennedy to name a few. . They showed me that learning can be both rigorous and human, and that good educators didn't just pass on knowledge but they made it fun and encouraged critical thinking and personal growth.
  
  I have to add, Siobhan Maclean, whose work has had a big impact on the way I understand and explain social work theory and practice.

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

  I think personally many of the qualities that make someone a good social worker also make them a good tutor.
  
  Patience, empathy, and active listening are at the core. Being a student can be really stressful at times. Tutors can sometimes forget what it is like to be in education.
  
  Clear communication. In both social work and tutoring, it’s important to break down complex ideas into simple language which is jargon free. I think my students appreciate this the most.
  
  Adaptability. Just as no two clients are the same in social work, no two students learn in the same way. We have to be able to think on our feet a little bit and work to where the student is at.

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

  I always found reflection/critical reflection difficult. I remember a lecture with Siobhan Maclean where a complex social work theory felt completely overwhelming. However, using her Weather Model, we reflected on those feelings and, at the same time, critically examined the power dynamics within the scenarios we were discussing, who had influence, whose voices were heard, and how systems shaped outcomes.
  
  This was the moment for me where I was able to connect theory, self-awareness, and awareness of broader social structures.
  
  I also bring this to my lessons today.

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

  One of my biggest challenges in social work, and something I often discuss with students, is the constantly changing landscape of the profession and the competing demands. Policies, legislation, and best-practice frameworks evolve frequently (which is quite mind boggling), and there’s increasing demand on social workers to respond to complex societal issues.
  
  In addition, fear-mongering or misinformation from the wider social context can make it harder for practitioners to support clients effectively, as public perception of social work and stigma can conflict with best-practice approaches. This makes it hard for both social workers and social work students.

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

  My passion is social work itself. It’s a field that has shaped my life, opened countless opportunities (moved from the UK to Australia) , and allowed me to make a meaningful impact on others' lives.
  
  I cannot describe how much I love sharing that passion through teaching and tutoring, because I can help students see the value and relevance of social work, while also encouraging me to grow both academically and personally.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  Personally, I think it is not just my knowledge of social work, but my approach to tutoring. I aim to be the listening ear that my students need, offering support, encouragement, and understanding while helping them navigate complex concepts during their time at university and/or placement.
  
  I like to offer a very positive environment sop that my students can learn and grow. :)