Over a decade’s time I have had broad experience in classroom settings: teaching writing to people of all ages as a facilitator of community workshops; working with California Poets in the Schools to develop pilot programs and curricula; teaching poetry to children during the regular academic year and summer school; tutoring; and substitute teaching.
As a poetry teacher I have helped hundreds of people write poems and inspired a love of poetry and the writing craft in many. The success of these writing workshops is based not only on my fervor and knowledge of the subject, but on my ability to establish rapport with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience; to cultivate what is remarkable and unique about an individual’s writing skills and innate intelligence, fostered within a supportive environment.
As a tutor I am able to help students with learning differences find focus and self-esteem. As a substitute teacher I hold high standards for the students I am charged with leading in the absence of their regular teacher.
My enthusiasm for teaching stems from my own love of learning, and I am passionate about devoting my time and energy to improving learning for students — especially in the English Language Arts. I believe I am a gifted teacher. I know that tutoring can have its challenges and I am prepared to meet them to help encourage the next generation of thoughtful and well-educated youth.
Education is not simply about memorizing facts and retaining data (although facts and data are important) but rather it is about inquiry, investigation, creativity, and self-discovery. These are approaches that teach the most important skills — analytical thinking and reasoning, responsibility, and self-motivation — and help nurture and support well-rounded individuals who are prepared to offer much to their communities and society in the 21st century.
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