I am a professional educator with 20 years experience teaching high-school English. I have taught all grade levels and sections including honors, Pre-IB, and AP, but the majority of my career has been spent teaching college-bound 11th and 12th graders. I also worked for five years as an adjunct English instructor at a two-year college where I taught English 111, GED courses, and Pre-College English, was a Homebound Teacher who served the educational needs of students who were unable to attend school due to health issues, and have worked as a private test-prep tutor.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from UNC at Greensboro, a Master of Liberal Studies in English Education from Stony Brook University, and an Education Specialist in Higher Education from Appalachian State University. I have held professional teaching licenses in Ohio, North Carolina, and New York, and have a current Florida license in English 6-12. I was a National Board Certified Teacher from 2006-2016, have worked in two International Baccalaureate schools where I received extensive training in IB philosophy and instruction, and attended Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at Florida International University for English Language and Composition and English Literature and Composition. I have helped students successfully prepare for various standardized tests including state end-of-the-year exams and assessments, the Pre-ACT, PSAT, ACT, and SAT by teaching unique test-taking strategies, critical reading skills, and vocabulary. Since the implementation of Common Core Standards I have consistently been rated as a Highly Effective teacher and several times met the highest level of Exceeded Growth for the gains made by my students on state tests.
I have a strong foundation in the teaching of writing and can help your student become a stronger writer no matter their current level. Whether preparing for the writing section of a standardized test, composing college entrance essays, mastering the mechanics of a five paragraph essay, or writing an in-depth research paper, I possess the experience and skills necessary to help your student become a more fluent, college-ready writer.
I believe that intellectual curiosity is innate and deserves to be cultivated. As a tutor, my goal is to build on present skills, increase academic confidence, and prepare students for success both inside and out of the classroom.