Published author & journalist can help you read and write

Most of my teaching experience has been with non-native speakers of English, who wanted to learn how to speak English more fluently and more grammatically. Nearly all of these students spoke Spanish as their native tongue, but I can work with students from any ethnic and national background. (I have a monthly book conversation with a native Chinese speaker.)

In addition, I have taught journalistic writing skills to college interns at IBM. These students were in their late teens or early twenties. I believe that people who begin improving their writing and reading skills at a younger age have a better chance at becoming more effective writers.

I have helped several high school seniors write college essays. Each one was accepted into the college of their choice.

As for my professional credentials, I am a published author (fiction and non-fiction), a long-time writer for institutions such as IBM, Montefiore Medical Center, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Ciba-Geigy, Teachers College (Columbia University) and IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers). I have contributed journalism pieces to The New York Times, Newsday, The Plain Dealer, The Philadelphia Inquirer and HeadButler. Most of my commercial work has focused on technology issues. My contributions to HeadButler all consist of essays about books.

I believe that we learn best by doing. If you have a hard time conjugating verbs, we'll spend more time doing that. If you have a hard time understanding a sentence, we'll review it until it starts to make more sense. The main thing is to keep at a problem until it's no longer a problem.

With time you will believe, as I do, that self-esteem comes from having true mastery of a subject.

Barbara's Subjects

English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, grammar, literature, proofreading, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, SAT reading, SAT writing
Elementary Education:	grammar, reading, spelling, vocabulary
Corporate Training:	grammar, proofreading
Homeschool:	English, reading, SAT reading, writing

Vocabulary

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I was obsessed with having a big English vocabulary. I acquired a subtle and sophisticated use of language by reading fiction of all kinds -- British and American novels, French and Russian literature in translation and even less "literary" novels on the bestseller list. My obsession has stood me in good stead: I have made my living as a commercial writer for 20+ years. I have also been lucky enough to have my fiction, non-fiction and essays published by major... Read More

Writing

My writing career began on Wall Street when I wrote a company newsletter. Since then, I have written for many mainstream newspapers, a news service, corporate websites, culture websites, blogs, university presidents, CEOs and publishing companies. My first novel was nominated for two literary awards. I received an award for my speechwriting expertise at a major IT company. If you are serious about acquiring solid writing skills, I may be able to help you.

Read all subject qualifications »