Qualified Mathematics Teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. Based in Ireland and offering online and in-person lessons. I specialize in Leaving Certificate, Junior Cycle, Olympiad Mathema

Reference Letter for Ms Elena Spalylo
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to provide this reference for Ms Elena Spalylo, who has been teaching mathematics to my son, Vitalij, for several years.
Our family lives in Norway, where we moved in 2014. I have a strong mathematical background myself: I graduated from a physics and mathematics lyceum and completed a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the National Technical University of Ukraine “KPI”. I have always placed a high value on solid mathematical thinking, not only on school performance.
Until approximately third grade, I worked with Vitalij in mathematics myself. However, as he grew older, I felt that it would be healthier and more effective for him to have an independent teacher — someone who could both challenge him intellectually and create a motivating learning environment outside the parent-child relationship.
Elena was recommended to us through personal contacts as a highly experienced mathematics teacher with a strong background in specialized physics and mathematics schools, including preparation for advanced mathematical problem solving and mathematics competitions. From the beginning, it was clear that this recommendation was well deserved.
Elena has an exceptional ability to work with a curious and fast-learning child. She does not simply explain school material; she develops mathematical thinking. She encourages Vitalij to approach non-standard problems, look for different solution strategies, reason independently, and not be afraid of challenging tasks. At the same time, she is attentive to any gaps that may appear in the regular school curriculum and helps close them in a structured and calm way.
Today, Vitalij is in the 8th grade in a Norwegian school, attends mathematics classes at 10th-grade level, and regularly participates in national mathematics competitions, where he has achieved prize-winning results. I believe Elena’s work has played an important role in this development — not only academically, but also personally.
One of Elena’s greatest strengths is the balance she creates between high expectations and psychological comfort. Vitalij enjoys studying with her. She gives him real challenges, but in a way that builds confidence rather than pressure. This is a rare and very valuable quality in a teacher, especially when working with mathematically able children.
Based on our experience, I can confidently recommend Elena as a highly competent, thoughtful, and inspiring mathematics teacher. She combines deep subject knowledge with strong pedagogical intuition, patience, and genuine respect for the student’s individuality. I believe she would be a valuable asset to any school or educational environment that values strong mathematics teaching and the development of independent thinking.
I would be happy to provide any further information if required.
Kind regards,
Julia Dudka
Lead Data & Digitalization Consultant Cegal | Founder Algorithimika - Enterprise Data & AI Strategy consulting

I'm a professional game developer. Previously worked in the school as a programming teacher. Olena gives me full confidence in the mathematical background of our students. Most of the work started in 19-20 as engineers! I highly recommend Olena as a mentor when you need a good mathematical knowledge

We sought out a tutor not because our son was struggling, but because we wanted to provide him with a more extensive and challenging understanding of mathematics than the standard school curriculum offers. Finding Olena was the perfect solution.

Olena has an incredible ability to make learning feel welcoming and engaging. Her teaching style is wonderfully creative, encouraging, and perfectly tailored to our son's individual way of learning, which helped him grasp new concepts very quickly. She doesn't just teach formulas; she fosters a genuine interest in the subject.

The results have been outstanding. Our son is now well ahead of his school's curriculum, and he finds his classwork and assignments to be very easy. More importantly, Olena has nurtured his enthusiasm for the subject, and he is now self-motivated to keep learning more to stay on top of his game.

Professionally, Olena is everything you could ask for: she is punctual, completely reliable, and was always accommodating if we ever needed to reschedule a lesson.

For any parent looking to help their child go beyond the basics and truly excel in mathematics, we wholeheartedly recommend Olena.