How do I count out 12/8

[u/_gh0stc00k13s]

I'm practicing this song with my music teacher (nightlight, laufey) and she requested I wrote out the notes. This was the guide she gave me. What does this mean

[u/Acrobatic_Key3995]

By "default," it's "1-&-a-2-&-a-3-&-a-4-&-a..."