College Essays, Writing, Public Speaking, ESL and Proofreading

I'm an easygoing, experienced, creative teacher and coach. (Just check my feedback comments, please.) For the past few years, I've been working with doctoral candidates, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as high school seniors working on their college essays and SAT's. What has surprised me most in my latest career as a tutor, is how fascinating, diverse and fun the work turns out to be. I really had no idea! I get to meet all kinds of people and enjoy the challenge of the range of assignments that come to me.

In the past, I've taught Advanced Screenwriting at USC, Business and Personal Writing at DeVry University, high school English and Speech, and I continue to lead College Essay Writing Workshops, as well as Memoir Writing Workshops. As a writer myself, and a member of the Writers Guild of America, I also consult with professional writers.

My tutoring style is tailored to your needs, time frame and personal preference. I work hard to find just the right prompt, exercise or explanation and have a wealth of materials and experience to draw from, permitting me to customize each session.

Those I coach are always surprised at how quickly the time goes when we work together. I don't believe one can teach well without being vibrant, clear and engaging. So should we work together, I know you'll feel both energized and more confident by the end of our session. I refuse to be bored and I know you'll benefit from my insistence that the work be exciting.

Please call me to discuss your needs and how we might accomplish them together.

Shelley's Subjects

Science:	psychology, sociology
Art:	film, theatre
English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, ESL/ESOL, grammar, literature, proofreading, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, career development, college counseling, ISEE, SAT reading, SAT writing
Language:	ESL/ESOL, speech
Elementary Education:	elementary (k-6th), grammar, reading, vocabulary
Business:	business, career development, public speaking
Corporate Training:	business, career development, college counseling, ESL/ESOL, grammar, proofreading, public speaking
Homeschool:	elementary (k-6th), English, ESL/ESOL, reading, SAT reading, writing

Writing

Not only do I conduct writing workshops on memoir writing, screenwriting and college essay writing, but I am also a seasoned English teacher in both high school and college writing (USC and DeVry.) I am also a member of the Writers Guild of America.

I am able to teach important elements of writing in ways that will transform your writing forever. Your work will be polished, lively and rich in substance. And, even more than that, you will find that you actually enjoy writing, as well... Read More

English

I guess I've spent my entire career teaching English in some capacity. For fourteen years, I was a high school English teacher who taught not only the required courses but many electives such as Journalism, Film and Television, and Speech. I moved on from there to teach Advanced Screenwriting at USC and Personal and Business Writing at DeVry University.

For the past few years, I've conducted writing workshops; Memoir Writing for adults and College Essay Writing for high school seniors... Read More

ESL/ESOL

Recently, I have been working with Russian, Iranian and Chinese students on both conversational and writing skills. It is important to me that our work together is not tedious but stimulating and fun. Towards that end, I customize materials for each student, always searching for amusing, relatable and surprising materials. In this way, our time together flies, and students learn easily.

I've been particularly gratified by how quickly their writing skills improve. In addition, I've found... Read More

Proofreading

I have taught English at the high school and college level for many years. I am also a writer myself and am a member of the Writers Guild of America, East. I also am a consultant to professional writers and in all the above capacities, I have acted as a proofreader.

SAT Writing

As you may know, the person who reads and scores your SAT essay will, on average, spend only two minutes doing so! That said, there are lots of tips and techniques to help you get a really good score. You will simply follow the formula that is required. We will look at examples of both good and bad essays, and go over sample essays you write to see where and how you might pick up extra points.

As for the writing questions section, there are just fifteen errors you are being tested for... Read More

Elementary (K-6th)

Presently, I am tutoring elementary students on a private basis with a focus on writing. I am also certified by LAUSD to teach elementary school.

Theatre

I have written and directed plays as well as directed episodic television. I have won major awards in the entertainment industry.

Public Speaking

I have a Bachelor and Master's degree in Speech and have taught public speaking to adults (businessmen and politicians) as well as to high school students. I have personally spoken at very large gatherings where I feel very comfortable.

Career Development

As a speech coach and an Oscar winning director, I have "rehearsed" many adults before they face job interviews, school interviews and auditions.

I have been astounded every time I coach someone at how quickly their presentation improves. In addition, I've also found that even the most talented and brightest of applicants is often unaware of what interviewers look for, appreciate and expect. That is why I find this work incredibly rewarding and stimulating.

College Counseling

I have been working with rising seniors on their college applications for several years. I have also taught in two colleges.

Speech

I majored in Speech in undergraduate and graduate schools and therefore hold two degrees in the subject. I taught Public Speaking at the high school level and also at a professional school for adults interested in improving their public speaking abilities. We worked with politicians and business people for the most part.

Film

I am a member of the Writers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I have an M.A. from The American Film Institute. I have been a winner of the Academy Award. I also taught Advanced Screenwriting at USC. I love working with writers and directors.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Undergrad, Queens College,City University of New York Graduate, Masters, American Film Institute Conservatory Graduate, Masters, Queens College, City University of New York

Brilliant tutor. — Shelley is knowledgeable, patient, and extremely helpful. She is one of the best tutors I have ever had. Highly recommend!

— Maria from Marina Del Rey, CA

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $60.00

With Prepaid Discount: $51.00 - $57.00

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Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Shelley will travel within 30 miles of Santa Monica, CA 90403.

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Shelley S.