If You Need To Read, Write, Say Or Remember It, I Can Help

Currently, I teach English at Queensborough Community College in the City University of New York. I have also taught in other CUNY schools. My experience includes the following: Composition, Creative Writing, Literature, Grammar, Business Writing, Remedial Reading and Writing Classes, and Test Prep Classes (CUNY proficiency and placement exams).

In CUNY, I have taught many students who do not speak English as their first language.

In addition to having taught English in CUNY, I have taught poetry workshops to handicapped children and English and History in a private high school.

Wherever and whatever I've taught, I've always been most concerned with the needs and interests of the student. While some students learn well from books and lectures, others learn best by doing. For such students, I try to make learning as interactive and practical as possible. I like to tie what I teach to examples and skills in the "real" world, and whenever I mark a paper or have a session with a student, I end with two or three specific suggestions or goals that I believe the student can reach.

People who have observed my classes have used words like "intuitive," "intelligent" and "improvisational" in their reports. I have also been described as a "good facilitator" and someone who "creates and atmosphere of mutual trust and respect."

One of the reasons I enjoy teaching and tutoring is that I enjoy interacting with people. Another is that I believe knowledge and information become learning when they are shared. Such learning can include, but is not limited to the academic subjects I've taught: I've also conducted classes and workshops in bicycle repair and bicycling, and I have informally tutored friends and acquaintances in everything from how to do an Excel spreadsheet to how to make lasagna.

Finally, in addition to the subjects I've mentioned, I can also tutor Spanish--or give you or your child very specific help in other subjects if Spanish is your first language.

Please write to me or give me a call so I can work with you or your child to help you meet your personal, academic and professional goals by improving your skills and knowledge.

Justine's Subjects

English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, ESL/ESOL, grammar, literature, proofreading, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, TOEFL, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, GED, PSAT, SAT reading, SAT writing, TOEFL
Language:	ESL/ESOL, Spanish, TOEFL
History:	American history, European history, geography, social studies, world history
Elementary Education:	elementary math, elementary science, grammar, reading, spelling, study skills, vocabulary
Corporate Training:	ESL/ESOL, grammar, proofreading, Spanish
Homeschool:	English, ESL/ESOL, reading, SAT reading, Spanish, study skills, writing

American History

My major in college was English,and most of my teaching experience has been in the subject. However, I minored in history and taught American and World History, as well as English, in a private high school. I continue to read extensively in American History because I find it intrinsically interesting, and because a lot of current events make more sense with some understanding of history.

I am familiar with Regents Exams, the SAT, ACT and GRE, and with AP courses. In fact, I have taught... Read More

Vocabulary

I like to use the vocabulary a student already has in order to help him or her expand his or her repertoire of words. I think this is more effective than simply memorizing a lot of words and definitions; people are more likely to use something they've learned if they can relate it to what they already know.

Also, if a student speaks another language besides English, I will use it (to the extent that I know the language) in order to help expand that student's English vocabulary.

Grammar

You might find grammar difficult, intimidating and even boring or dry. I understand: simply memorizing rules is not terribly interesting or, I believe, useful. Instead, I prefer to help students learn grammar through their own reading and writing. Grammar isn't just about correctness; it's about making language work for you. That will be our goal if I work with you on your grammar.

European History

Although most of my teaching experience is in English (writing, literature and language), I have also taught American and world history in a private high school. Also, History was my undergraduate minor, and I continue to read in the subject whenever I have the opportunity.

I like to teach and tutor European, or any other kind of, history as a living subject. It's not just about the past or about distant places; it's about who and what we've become. That's why I believe that the best... Read More

Reading

I have taught reading courses in CUNY community colleges, and I have helped more advanced students improve their reading skills.

Whenever I work with a student on his or her reading skills, the focus is on helping the student to become a more confident as well as competent reader who can apply his or her skills in a variety of situations, from school to work to everyday life.

Spanish

Soy americana.

So now you know I'm American. See how easy it was to learn a Spanish phrase?

That's how I like to teach Spanish. Instead of spending a lot of time on memorizing rules, I prefer to use everyday situations and phrases to help students learn Spanish.

Although I took Spanish in school, I feel I really started to learn it when I used it in various situations. Not only did I learn idioms, I also gained confidence in my ability to use the language. While... Read More

Writing

I have taught and tutored writing for more than twenty years. My experience includes everything from guiding people in writing proposals, reports and other professional and business correspondence to leading poetry workshops with handicapped children. Most of my experience is in teaching college composition; however, I have also taught creative writing as well as remedial classes and test preparation.

Whether you are preparing for state tests or your dissertation, need to write better... Read More

Geography

Most young (and old) people are interested in geography, whether or not they realize it. To get from one place to another, we have to think about where one place is located in relation to another, and what we might find in that place, or in other places along the way. Also, we hear more in the news about other places, as we are more and more interconnected in every way. That is not only the reason why we need to learn geography, but one of the best ways to learn it.

English

I am a writer with more than two decades' experience in teaching and tutoring English. My experience includes all aspects of the subject, including literature, grammar, English as a Second or Foreign Language and, of course, writing.

My work as a writing instructor is influenced by the fact that I am a writer and encompasses creative as well as expository writing, as well as business and professional writing. I have worked with students of all kinds, from elementary school pupils to... Read More

ESL/ESOL

I have taught English to non-native speakers in language schools and institutes as well as in academic settings. I have taught business and professional people, unskilled workers and students how to effectively communicate in their new language. Furthermore, many of my students in regular English classes do not speak the language with their families or in their communities, so I often do the same sort of work as an ESL teacher.

Much of my teaching is based on situations you may encounter,... Read More

Literature

As a writer and longtime English instructor, literature is one of the great passions of my life. I have taught English, American and world literature classes at the high school and college level.

Writing about literature does not require esoteric knowledge or vocabulary. It requires your ability to trust yourself as a reader and to express the thoughts, questions and reactions your reading inspires. My job, in tutoring you in literature, is to help you do those things, based on your... Read More

World History

My major in college was English, and most of my teaching experience has been in the subject. However, I minored in history and taught American and world history, as well as English, in a private high school. I continue to read about world history whenever I have the opportunity because I find it intrinsically interesting and because a lot of current events make more sense with some understanding of history.

I am familiar with Regents exams, the SAT, ACT and GRE, and with AP courses... Read More

Proofreading

I have worked as a proofreader. In addition, proofreading is part of my job as an English instructor.

GED

My teaching has included a lot of work with adult students who had recently earned their GEDs. So, I am familiar with the requirements of the test and the challenges faced by GED students, and want to help you.

SAT Reading

As a longtime writing and reading instructor who has also taught test-prep courses, I can help you do well on the reading part of the SAT. If I were to work with you, I would help you to improve both your reading and test-taking skills.

SAT Writing

As a longtime writing instructor who has also taught test-prep courses, I can help you do well on the writing part of the SAT. If I were to work with you, I would help you to improve both your writing and test-taking skills.

TOEFL

I have extensive experience in teaching English to non-native speakers, in academic settings as well as in language schools and institutes. I have worked with children, university students, business executives and professionals to help them improve their reading, writing and speaking skills.

I am also familiar with TOEFL and, as someone who has taught test-preparation classes, I can also help you with your test-taking skills.

Spelling

I know that spelling can be intimidating. However, it's not just a matter of memorizing rules (although that's a part of it). I think it's more important to recognize and internalize patterns - which are things people of all ages can do. Also, having worked with students whose first language is not English, I understand why they have their own particular difficulties with English spelling, and can work with them.

ACT Reading

I am a longtime English instructor and writer who also happens to be familiar with tests like the ACT. In fact, I have taught test-preparation courses for the SAT and CUNY exams. So, I can help you not only with your reading, writing and grammar, but also with your test-taking skills.

ACT English

Elementary Math

While I have never taught math, I understand some of the difficulties young people face in learning it. I had some of those difficulties myself! In spite of them, I learned basic math well enough to remain on honor rolls and deans' lists through high school - and to balance a checkbook.

Elementary Science

Although I don't have much educational background in science, I know that is something that's part of our lives. That is what can make it interesting and relevant. I understand enough about how young people learn to know that many learn most effectively through concrete examples from their everyday lives. I would tutor through those examples.

Study Skills

In teaching English and history, I often find myself working with students to improve their study skills, particularly if they have to take standardized tests. Also, I have worked in summer immersion programs for incoming college freshmen. Upgrading students' study skills - or, in some cases, helping students acquire any study skills at all - was an important part of the work I did in such programs. Finally, I have helped adults who were returning to school or preparing for civil service exams... Read More

Social Studies

I have taught American and world history in a private high school. In addition, I minored in history in college and often use it in my teaching of English. Also, I have lived outside of the US and in neighborhoods of immigrants, so I am aware of many different kinds of cultural practices and make a point of learning as much as I can about them.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Graduated from Rutgers University (English Literature) Graduated from Brooklyn College-CUNY (Master's)

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $50.00

With Prepaid Discount: $42.50 - $47.50

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Travel Policy

Justine will travel within 15 miles of Astoria, NY 11106.

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Justine V.