Individual Tutoring

My Approach: Choice and Voice, Step by Step

For the last 18 years as a high school English teacher and tutor, my approach to teaching and tutoring is always based on the student: starting at where they are, what they need, how they learn best, who they are, and what they care about. The first step focuses on getting to know the student, establishing a partnership, understanding their skills and motivation level, and setting goals.

I center all instruction on choice and voice. I believe that all learners learn best when they can make choices about their reading and writing skills development as well as how and when to challenge themselves, with my coaching. Similar to choice in reading, when students care about what they write, they are more motivated to put in the effort, which leads to a stronger writing voice, more success, and more confidence. With every learning objective, I teach students a step-by-step process that they can take with them into any reading and writing situation, to and through high school, college, and beyond.

When students are faced with taking a standardized test or writing their college application essay, this choice and voice is even more crucial. Rather than seeing the test as an obstacle, I help them to see it as an opportunity for growth. While the test or essay result is important, the greater long-term result is a stronger, more confident reader, writer, and person.

I am currently available for online/remote tutoring. My online hourly rate is $75, with price breaks for 6-session and 12-session packages — details are listed below. I am available Monday through Thursday afternoons and early evenings. We can schedule sessions for once or twice per week. Other days/times may be available if needed.

I recommend a free phone or Zoom consultation before the first session to discuss the student’s learning background and objectives.

I offer tutoring/coaching services in the following areas, tailored to meet the needs of individual students:

Academic Support Coaching
Assistance with work initiation and completion, focus, organization, time management, stress/anxiety management, goal-setting, and other skill-building as needed/requested. Can tailor to students in need of other areas of executive functioning support. Ideal for grades 7-12 and beyond.

Reading & Writing Skills
Student-centered, choice-based, step-by-step approach to reading and/or writing skills development. Includes pre-assessments, goal-setting, and reflection. Depending on the focus, we may examine mentor texts and use them to strengthen our own writing. Can tailor instruction to MCAS, SAT, ACT, or other test preparation. Can tailor instruction to focus more on reading (comprehension, analysis, vocabulary development) or writing skills (all essay writing steps, skills, and types, including the college application essay); creative writing; speech and debate. Ideal for grades 7-12 and beyond.

College Application Essay Coaching
Student-centered, choice-based, step-by-step approach to writing a successful college application essay. Includes coaching and brainstorming to find the best topics and story ideas and techniques for engaging your reader, telling a great story, and showing your best self. I will take the mystery out of the process and help reduce anxiety. Can tailor session to focus on other areas of the college application. Ideal for grades 11-12 and college students of all ages.

Creative Writing
Let’s explore more fun types of writing while strengthening your writing skills, which will help with ALL kinds of writing. Writing poetry helps us to focus on the importance of word choice, imagery, and rhythm in language. Writing short fiction and creative nonfiction helps us to bring our writing to life with rich detail, story structure, and a strong author’s voice. Strengthen your writing while having fun creating. Ideal for grades 7-12 and beyond.

Online Rates and Packages

One-hour trial session and one-hour individual sessions: $75 each

6-Session Package

• 6 one-hour sessions, once or twice per week
• coaching on practice techniques that strengthen student independence, confidence, and resilience
• helpful step-by-step guides and checklists
• a helpful session re-cap and reminder of tasks, emailed to the student as needed
• monthly progress update email to parent/guardian
• 1 make-up session is available in the event of a 24-hour cancellation or illness

Tuition: $430

12-Session Package

• 12 one-hour sessions, once or twice per week
• coaching on practice techniques that strengthen student independence, confidence, and resilience
• helpful step-by-step guides and checklists
• a helpful session re-cap and reminder of tasks, emailed to the student as needed
• monthly progress update email to parent/guardian
• an optional second mid-package phone consultation with parent/guardian to discuss progress, goals
• 2 make-up sessions are available in the event of a 24-hour cancellation or illness

Tuition: $810

Tutoring Registration, Terms, & Conditions

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