I have taught high school English at both public schools (in Gary, Indiana) and a private Waldorf high school in Northridge, CA. My degree is from Indiana University with majors in literature and creative writing (minors in comparative literature and psychology). I've worked as a social worker, practiced as a Gestalt therapist, and served as a "literary therapist" and editor for various writers, including Jimmy Komack (who once had seven shows on television at once). Most of all, however, I enjoy teaching English...literature, the essay, research papers, creative writing...
and I was successful enough at it that the high school parent-association at Highland Hall Walforf School paid me to return and teach a six-week literature course as their gift to the graduating Seniors.
I have some unique methods of working with students who are having trouble with their writing, and in fact, employed some of my techniques in a short SAT Prep class I conducted for only five twenty-five minute sessions during the students' lunch-period.
I was able to raise the students' scores an average of 100 points in that brief time, but NOT through concentrating on facts, information, or drills!
I have an abiding love of literature, and care deeply that students often leave high school or college with no joy in reading. So, it is always deeply satisfying when I am able to find the perfect topic, assignment, or book for my students to work on, and then see them develop a new-found belief in their own intelligence and make life-changing self-discoveries. Many of my students still maintain contact with me, even in their thirties.