Christina

Certified Tutor

As an educator and professional writer, I'm passionate about helping students from all academic backgrounds develop confidence in their verbal skills. I earned my MA in English from Rutgers University, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and distinctions. I've taught and tutored students in English Composition I and II and remedial writing. I also scored in the 98th percentile on the GRE writing section and the 92nd percentile on the GRE verbal section.

As a teacher, I strive to meet the unique needs of each student. While such individualized practice applies to all pedagogies, it is even more important in the area of writing and verbal skills.

Effective educational practices are grounded in evidence-based strategies. Nonetheless, teachers must be prepared to meet the unique needs of students, taking into account their abilities, areas of weakness, and personal motivations.

Too often, students come away from academic experiences with a diminished belief in their capacity to achieve. Teachers need to be honest with students about their current skill level. However, feedback must be given in a tactful way that recognizes the student's inherent abilities, unique talents, and potential for change.

In the classroom, I believe teachers should emphasize a growth mindset. Writers and life-long learners aren't born. They are taught through skill building and practice.

Thus, feedback on student writing must be individualized. When students receive one-on-one attention in this way, they can develop confidence in the teacher's dedication to their success, and more importantly, their own potential. Tailored feedback provides an achievable action plan for student improvement.

Students can go anywhere for automated, generic information. Increasingly, free, open-access courses from organizations like Coursera provide the same knowledge students get in the classroom. However, students enrolled in college-level courses or tutoring deserve individualized, tailored feedback.

I'm excited to work with you!