Private English instruction · Toronto
English - taught one learner at a time.
One-on-one and small-group English lessons with Ivana Kovačević, M.Ed - in your home in Midtown Toronto, East York and The Beaches, or online from anywhere in the world.
Miss Ivana, Founder
Our philosophy
Every lesson begins with the student - not the textbook.
A teacher who knows how your child learns.
Heart of Learning is a private English academy for children, teens and adults. Each class is built around one student: their goals, their interests, and the places where they need the most support.
That might mean stronger essays for a student at a competitive independent school, the confidence to speak up for an adult learning English, or a steady, patient partner for a young reader. Lessons are personal, structured and carefully tracked, so families always know what was covered and what comes next.
Programs
Find the right kind of English.
Four areas of study, each tailored to the student in front of us. Not sure which fits? That is exactly what the introductory meeting is for.
English Language Arts
For school-age students
Reading, writing and thinking at grade level and beyond. Instruction is aligned with the literacy benchmarks and writing frameworks of Toronto’s independent schools.
ESL / EFL
For newcomers and English learners
Everyday fluency and the confidence to use it. Lessons follow the learner’s interests and real-life needs, so new language sticks and speaking feels less daunting.
Business English
For working professionals
Clear, confident English for the workplace. Practical, work-related communication, shaped around the learner’s own role and the documents they actually use.
Academic English
For post-secondary studies
The skills university and college expect. Research, note-taking, citations, editing and proofreading, taught alongside the student’s own coursework.
Heart of Learning does not offer IELTS or CELPIP test preparation. Get in touch and Ivana will gladly refer you to a specialist tutor.
How you can learn
At your home or on Zoom
Midtown Toronto · East York · The Beaches
In-home classes
The most personal way to learn: a private teacher at your door, with all supplies provided.
Live on Zoom, wherever you are
Online classes
The same one-on-one attention with flexible scheduling. Ideal for students who live outside Toronto.
60-minute classes · One-on-one or small group · Children, teens and adults
Ivana Kovačević, B.A. (Hons), M.Ed., TESOL
Meet the founder
Miss Ivana
English Language & Literacy Private Educator
Ivana has taught English for twelve years in classrooms from Toronto to Havana and Tokyo, and in the homes of families across the city. Her lessons are personal by design, shaped by each student’s needs, interests and goals.
Master’s in Education
Plus a Graduate Diploma in Language & Literacy Education
Honours B.A.
English (Linguistics & Literature) and Sociology
TESOL & D-TEIL
Certified to teach English internationally
York University
Education Alumni Network member and mentor
The Heart of Learning difference
Student-centred, by conviction.
Students learn best when lessons fit how they learn and what they care about.
Their style
Content is taught to suit each student’s learning style, so concepts land faster and stay longer.
Their interests
Lessons draw on what the student already loves, and on real-life situations that give the work a purpose.
A real connection
Students grasp ideas more quickly when they trust their teacher. Ivana builds that relationship first.
How it works
From first hello to steady progress.
1
Reach out
Send a short note about the learner and what you’re hoping for. You’ll hear back within 24 hours.
2
Meet Ivana
A complimentary 20-minute online introduction, generally for students aged 10 and up, to understand level and needs.
3
Tailored classes
Live lessons using materials Ivana creates for the student, homework support, or a mix of both, with direct feedback.
4
Clear progress
After every class, a written summary: what was covered, next steps, observations and optional homework.
Ivana also stays in touch with the other professionals in a student’s life, including learning strategists, occupational therapists, tutors and speech-language pathologists.
Student & parent stories
In their words.
“
With three young and very active children, I was drowning in homeschooling. I looked to various areas of support including well-established tutoring companies within the community that were highly recommended, it was always the same struggle to engage and motivate my kids. Miss Ivana (as our family came to affectionately call her) came into our lives and for the first time, my 5-year-old twins were counting down the minutes for school with her to start.
Miss Ivana is professional, prepared, and knowledgeable. She easily adapted to different learning styles and engaged my kids in a way that made them feel important and part of the learning process. She was able to cover all areas of instruction that I wanted to see incorporated into the children’s learning including reading, writing, and math. She planned her lessons in a fun and interactive way and always came well prepared with various materials and unique educational games or activities. There was no challenge or obstacle that she was not able to overcome. Our kids came to trust and respect Miss Ivana, and I was able to see the engagement process unfold. We hope to have Miss Ivana supporting our children’s educational journey for many years to come.
Kina Lindros
Parent
“
I’ve been learning English with Miss Ivana for over six months, and it has been a truly wonderful experience. She helped me overcome my fear of speaking, and now I feel much more confident when using English in real life. Her teaching methods are very personalized, she customizes each lesson based on my interests, which makes learning both effective and enjoyable. I’m very grateful to have her as my teacher!
Luiza Sadykova
Student
180K
A community of nearly 200,000 on Instagram.
Since 2020, Miss Ivana has shared free lessons, storybook readings and more than 30 educational interviews with families around the world.
Resources
Made by Miss Ivana, for learners and families.
Mindfulness Guide
Twenty parenting strategies to help your child become more mindful.
English for Career Growth
A Business English e-book for North American working professionals.
Printables for the classroom and kitchen table
Teachers Pay Teachers
Ready-to-use printable resources from Miss Ivana’s store.
Book an introduction
Let’s start with a conversation.
Tell us a little about the learner. Ivana replies within 24 hours to arrange a complimentary 20-minute online meeting.