Born and raised in Yorkshire, England. Attended Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln with major in Education and Drama. Moved to United States 1978 and gained MEd from Temple University in 1984. Certified in Special Education in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

I have over 30 years experience teaching. Since 2015 have served as substitute teacher and paraprofessional in Moorestown Township Public Schools. Although I have no formal experience tutoring, I have spent most of my career in individual instruction. Tutoring enables one to focus on the student's needs and content depth.

Thorough grasp of the language and its dialectical variations, evolution and etymology. Very familiar with the works of Shakespeare in particular. Have proofread for foreign-born co-workers and spouse. I consider myself to have a higher than average vocabulary and enjoy introducing synonyms, antonyms and homonyms to students.

Most of my reading comprises History texts. I am, as they say, a History 'buff.' My European background, as well as my life in the USA, grants me different insights and perspectives. "That was the best History lecture ever Mr Pells!"-12th Grade student at Moorestown High School, after impromptu substitute class. Also thoroughly grounded in Ancient History.

The transmission of knowledge is a great privilege and responsibility and I take that responsibility very seriously. It is my firm belief that the informed, critically-thinking and articulate citizen is not just a better citizen but a better person. Fostering curiosity in developing minds is a joy.