All of
Shelley’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Shelley’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
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.
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.
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. Also, I act as consultant to professional writers and am a member of the Writers Guild of America.
I suppose my greatest strength as a teacher is that I never repeat a lesson. I am able to create the right example, the perfect assignment and the most authentic critique on the spot -- this is how my mind works. That is why I find my work so exciting and still a lot of fun.
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 that foreign students who study in the U.S., are a highly motivated and intelligent group, which makes my work all the more successful and important.
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.
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.
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.
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 and happily, they are not difficult to learn. With practice, you will come to recognize the errors easily.
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.
Theatre
I have written and directed plays as well as directed episodic television. I have won major awards in the entertainment industry.
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 as editing.