I have worked as a professional journalist for 36+ years as writer, editor, graphics designer, online manager...and instructor to beginning journalists. I covered the Jon and Kate Gosselin story for Us Weekly magazine during the summer of 2009 and published a behind-the-scenes book, "The Secret World of Jon and Kate: The Stupidest Story in the History of the Universe and the People who Covered It."
For the past three years, I have taught English Composition, Fundamentals of Speech, Technical Writing and Film Studies at Reading Are Community College, and I love helping students become better writers and public speakers. I understand that students have different needs and skill levels, so I am extremely patient and tailor my classes to the individual students' needs. I tell my students at the beginning of each semester that my goal is to help each and every one succeed.
One of my students described my teaching methods in the June issue of the RACC student newspaper:
"Out of my three teachers this semester, I would pick Mr. Al [as my favorite]. His style of teaching makes me actually want to come to class, and his knowledge of the current news, media, and outside issues makes the class a very fun environment. He teaches us the rights and the wrongs about each different type of essay we are assigned. At first I was very overwhelmed at the thought of writing a college level essay because I have never written one before this course. He took the time to help everyone through and we are now writing multiple essays successfully. When he takes examples from people's work in our class and uses them to show everyone it helps and assists us to see what we are doing wrong and how we can improve. I don't know any other teachers, even in high school, who is so helpful for me and my own personal writing skills. I would like to thank him personally for doing so much and I'm sure others receive the same effort and guidance from Mr. Al."
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