Courtney

Certified Tutor

Call us today to connect with a top tutor

I am currently an Assistant Professor of English and Women's Studies at the University of New Hampshire. I hold a BA in English and Women's Studies from Rutgers University, an MA and PhD in English from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I also hold a graduate certificate in Women's Studies from UCLA. At UNH, I teach courses in American literature, feminist theory, and prison studies . I'm currently teaching the English major gateway course, Introduction to Literary Analysis, and a senior seminar, "Women In Prison." I enjoy working with literature outside of the classroom, so I volunteer as a reading group facilitator at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility.

I have been teaching in a variety of capacities for 15 years and worked as a tutor while in graduate school in Los Angeles. I enjoy helping students reach their educational goals, celebrating their successes, and finding solutions to problems. When I'm not teaching, I work as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and health coach here in New Hampshire.

Courtney’s Qualifications

Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, English

Graduate Degree: University of California-Los Angeles - PHD, English

Hobbies

obstacle course racing, leading group fitness classes, reading, cooking

Tutoring Subjects

College English

College Essays

Comparative Literature

English

English Grammar and Syntax

Essay Editing

High School English

Homework Support

Other

Study Skills

Study Skills and Organization

Summer

Test Prep

Writing

Q & A

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I introduce myself and say a bit about my role as a tutor. I'd then ask the student about his/her goals, learning style, and study habits.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

First I'd ask the student what being independent means. I think some students think that this means that they're thrust out on their own. My philosophy is that students become independent learners when they take responsibility for their work and see themselves as scholars. I'd begin by having a student keep a calendar of assignments. Just knowing when things are due is a big step towards independence. I'd encourage the student to meet with her instructor and introduce herself again. We'd work on note-taking strategies.