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Learn More About Erin's Experience:

elementary (k-6th) I've been teaching elementary school students in and out of traditional classrooms for over twenty years, as part of in-school programs, after-school programs, art camps, writing classes, performance workshops and Saturday Acting classes. I really enjoy a good raport with this age group, and I am an expert at finding fun and creative ways to teach to them. grammar I have a BA in English from Duquesne University, and an annoyingly compulsive obsession with grammar. This was most likely developed by hours of watching SchoolHouse Rock, which I still use to explain the parts of speech to students. I've taught grammar to primary, secondary and college students. proofreading I am an expert proofreader, having honed my skills as an English major at Duquesne University and a grad student at Miami University of Ohio. I've professionally written and edited essays, articles, a literary magazine, web content, grant proposals, newsletters and executive correspondence. I have also taught proofreading at the post-secondary level at Kaplan Career Institute. study skills The reason that I feel more than qualified to teach study skills is, quite frankly, because of the life lessons I learned the hard way, when I didn't apply those skills to my own work. I've always known what makes good study habits; I was a straight A student for most of my education. But there are pockets of time, classes and projects here and there, where I failed, or at least, disappointed myself. I know what demons to look for in students because I've fought them myself: boredom, apathy, laziness, procrastination, insecurity, feeling overwhelmed, or unappreciated. Now that I'm older and wiser I have tools in my toolbox to fight these demons: time management, prioritization, organization, the ability to ask for help, to seek inspiration. The confidence in knowing that slow and steady will win the race, and that little improvements make all the difference. These are things that I can teach students. theatre I have been involved in theater as an actor, director, playwright and acting coach for over twenty years. I have an MA in Directing, and have received awards from the American Alliance of Theater Educators and the Girl Scouts of Southwestern PA for my contributions to theater. I have written and performed my own one-woman show, and was the 1988 recipient of the Vira Heinz Travel Award to study theater in London. I have taught acting, playwrighting, and improv to students in grades K-12, as well as on the college level and to adults. I was team leader for the Pittsburgh CLO's Creative Vision musical theater outreach program for 7 years, and the Director of Education for Prime Stage Theater for 3 years. I actually understand all the Elizabethan puns in Shakespeare's comedies. :) I would be comfortable tutoring any age in Theater.