Certified English Teacher | Reading, Writing & ESL Tutor

Erin D.

I hold a Master of Education in English Education (grades 7-12) from Duquesne University, a B.A. in English/Creative Writing from Seattle University, and a Pennsylvania Instructional I English 7-12 teaching certificate.

I have taught and tutored since 2010, working with students from elementary school through graduate school, including gifted learners, international students, and English language learners. My experience spans several settings. At The Knox School for Gifted and Talented Children, I was Lead Teacher and Reading/Writing Specialist for grades 7-8 and created reading and writing workshops for grades 3-8. I adapted curriculum to individual needs, designed project-based assessments, and wrote progress reports aligned with California standards. As an ESL teacher at ELS Santa Barbara, I was publicly recognized by the school director for helping students labeled “difficult” exceed expectations, and I mentored new teachers. As an adjunct lecturer at Chatham University, I taught Academic Communications and Writing to international undergraduate and graduate students. From 2020 to 2021, I also tutored one-on-one as a private tutor.

My approach starts with the student. I build rapport, identify what is actually blocking their learning, and use their interests and strengths to build confidence and skills. I use empathy and humor to encourage strategies that work for each learner, and I partner with parents to help students manage deadlines and assignments.