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English Teacher | AP Literature, EL, and College Essays| 24+ Years
Laura L.

4.9 (38 ratings)

107 hours tutoring

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About Laura

Bio

Hi! I'm Laura, a high school English teacher with 25 years of experience in the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Southern California. I currently teach AP Literature, Journalism, and Credit Recovery English.

My AP students pass the College Board exam at rates between 87% and 95%, which is well above the national average. I've worked with students at every level, from English Language Learners building foundational skills to advanced students preparing for college. I spent eight...

Hi! I'm Laura, a high school English teacher with 25 years of experience in the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Southern California. I currently teach AP Literature, Journalism, and Credit Recovery English.

My AP students pass the College Board exam at rates between 87% and 95%, which is well above the national average. I've worked with students at every level, from English Language Learners building foundational skills to advanced students preparing for college. I spent eight years as my school's English Language Development Coordinator, so I know how to meet students exactly where they are.

I specialize in college admissions essay coaching, helping students craft compelling personal statements that have earned acceptance to top universities across the country. I also support students with literary analysis, grammar, reading comprehension, and academic writing at the high school and college level. I'm comfortable working online and available in the evenings and on weekends.

I was named District Teacher of the Year for Corona-Norco USD in 2018 and Educator of the Year by the California League of High Schools the same year.

I'd love to help your student build confidence and skills. Feel free to reach out!

*Cancellations under 6 hours notice are charged the full rate. No-shows are charged in full. Rescheduling requires 6 hours notice and must occur within 2 weeks.

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Education

Scripps College
Latin American Studi
Claremont Graduate University
MEd
Concordia of Irvine
MEd
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $55
  • Rate details: Group sessions: $40/hr per student for 2 or more learners. Cancellations under 6 hours are charged the full rate. Rescheduling must occur within 2 weeks.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/2/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

CBEST

CBEST

I bring over 25 years of classroom experience teaching English, academic writing, and literacy at the high school level, including AP Literature. I hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and two master’s degrees in education, and I have extensive experience helping students strengthen reading comprehension, writing clarity, and test readiness. I regularly support students in breaking down complex passages, organizing written responses, and improving grammar and mechanics. My approach focuses on clear strategies, confidence-building, and targeted practice to help students pass the CBEST efficiently.
Common Core

Common Core

I have 24 years of experience teaching English Language Arts aligned with the Common Core State Standards and have designed CCSS-aligned curriculum, performance tasks, and multiple-choice questions as part of my school's literacy leadership team. As a co-leader of our school-wide instructional focus initiative, I created reading and writing templates for every curricular department built directly around Common Core ELA standards and SBAC assessment targets. I understand how Common Core ELA standards translate into classroom instruction, student assessment, and targeted intervention, and I help students build the close reading, evidence-based writing, and analytical thinking skills the standards require. Whether a student needs foundational support in reading comprehension or advanced work in argumentation and literary analysis, I meet them where they are and move them forward with precision.
English

English

I am a credentialed high school English teacher with more than 25 years of classroom experience teaching English across multiple grade levels and formats, including AP Literature, Honors English, English Language Development, and Credit Recovery. I hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, a Master of Arts in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine. My AP Literature students consistently pass the College Board exam at rates between 87 and 95 percent, well above national averages, reflecting my ability to teach close reading, literary analysis, argumentative writing, and vocabulary in rigorous, high-stakes contexts. I have worked with students ranging from foundational English learners to advanced college-bound students, always differentiating my instruction to meet each learner exactly where they are.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

8 years as EL Coordinator — this is substantial and rare California Single Subject Credential in English — relevant and legitimate Record ELD reclassification growth (XXXXXXXXX) — measurable outcome Designed literacy strategies specifically for multilingual learners 25 years teaching in a high-diversity California district where ELL instruction is embedded in daily practice
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have taught essay writing as a core component of my high school English curriculum for more than 25 years, with a specific focus on argumentative writing, literary analysis essays, personal narrative, and college application writing across multiple grade levels. In my AP Literature courses, essay writing is the centerpiece of every unit — students write timed analytical essays aligned to College Board standards, and my students consistently pass the AP exam at rates of 87 to 95 percent, well above national averages, demonstrating the effectiveness of my writing instruction in high-stakes contexts. I assess student writing using detailed rubrics aligned to state and College Board standards, provide written feedback on structure, thesis development, evidence integration, and mechanics, and guide students through multiple rounds of revision to produce polished final drafts. I have successfully coached students through Common App personal statements, UC application essays, scholarship essays, and supplemental writing for competitive colleges and universities throughout my career.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I have over 25 years of experience teaching English and writing, including guiding students in creative and narrative writing at multiple levels. I help writers develop strong storytelling skills, including character development, structure, dialogue, and voice. In addition to my classroom experience, I have edited novels, short stories, and children’s books, providing feedback on pacing, clarity, and overall impact. I focus on helping writers strengthen their ideas while preserving their unique voice and style.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

I have 24 years of experience teaching high school English, including extensive preparation of students for high-stakes standardized tests and placement exams. As a former English Language Development Coordinator, I am deeply familiar with the reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills assessed on high school placement tests such as the HSPT, SSAT, and ISEE. I understand how these tests are structured and what skills students need to demonstrate to place into advanced coursework. My approach combines targeted skill-building with test-taking strategies so students feel confident and prepared on exam day.
Literature

Literature

I have been teaching AP Literature and Composition for six years at Santiago High School in Corona, California, where my students consistently achieve exam pass rates of 86–95%, well above national averages. I hold an M.A. in Education from Claremont Graduate University with a concentration in secondary English instruction, as well as a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. I have 24 years of classroom experience teaching the full range of English and Literature courses including AP Literature, Honors English, English Language Development, and core Language Arts. I am deeply familiar with the College Board rubrics, close reading strategies, literary analysis, and the specific skills — commentary, sophistication, and argumentation — that determine AP exam scores. I also have experience coaching students on timed writing, multiple choice strategies, and essay revision at both the secondary and college level.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I am a credentialed California high school English teacher with 24 years of experience, and college admissions essay coaching is one of my most requested areas of expertise. I have guided students through personal statements, UC PIQs, Common App essays, and school-specific supplements for applications to highly selective universities across the country. My students have earned acceptances to top-ranked schools, and I bring both the instructional expertise of an AP Literature teacher and the editorial instincts of an experienced writing coach to every session. I work one-on-one with students to identify their most compelling story, develop their authentic voice, and produce a final essay that reflects who they genuinely are, not a polished, generic version of what they think admissions officers want to hear. I am deeply familiar with what makes a personal statement stand out in a competitive applicant pool and equally familiar with the common mistakes that cause strong students to submit forgettable essays.
Praxis

Praxis

As a credentialed California English teacher with 24 years of classroom experience, I am well equipped to help aspiring educators prepare for the Praxis Core Writing exam and the Praxis English Language Arts Subject Assessment. I hold a Master of Arts in Education from Claremont Graduate University and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, giving me deep familiarity with the skills and content these exams assess. I help Praxis candidates strengthen their argumentative and informative essay writing, sharpen their grammar and mechanics, and build confidence in literary analysis and reading comprehension. Whether you are preparing for your first Praxis exam or retaking to improve your score, I will help you understand exactly what the test requires and how to demonstrate it.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have spent 25+ years reviewing and correcting student writing at every level, from foundational grammar and mechanics to advanced AP-level academic essays and research papers, making careful, precise proofreading second nature to me. I review writing for grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, clarity, coherence, and academic tone, providing clear and actionable corrections that help writers understand not just what to fix but why. On Upwork I have proofread and edited full-length novels, children's books, memoirs, academic papers, and professional content across multiple genres and formats. I am experienced with both Google Docs and Microsoft Word Track Changes, allowing me to deliver clean, clearly marked corrections in whatever format works best for the client.
Reading

Reading

I have over 25 years of experience teaching English and reading at the high school level, working with a wide range of students from developing readers to advanced AP Literature students. I specialize in helping students improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills by teaching clear, repeatable strategies for understanding complex texts. I have extensive experience supporting English learners and students who need help breaking down passages, identifying main ideas, and building confidence in their reading. My approach focuses on practical skills such as annotation, questioning, and evidence-based thinking so students can read more effectively and independently.
STAAR

STAAR

I have 24 years of experience teaching high school English and am deeply familiar with the reading, writing, and literary analysis skills assessed on the STAAR ELA exam. I understand how the test is structured, from the reading passages and multiple choice questions to the written composition components, and I know how to help students build the specific skills they need to perform confidently on exam day. My approach combines close reading strategies, writing frameworks, and targeted vocabulary work so students are prepared for exactly what the test requires. Whether a student needs foundational support or is working toward a higher score, I meet them exactly where they are and build from there.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

I have taught thesis-driven writing at multiple levels throughout my 25-year career as a high school English teacher, with a particular focus on developing strong, arguable claims supported by textual evidence and logical reasoning. My AP Literature curriculum centers on literary analysis essays that require students to build and defend complex thesis statements under timed, high-stakes conditions, producing consistent exam pass rates of 87 to 95 percent. I hold a Master of Arts in Education from Claremont Graduate University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine, giving me firsthand experience constructing graduate-level thesis arguments and academic research writing. I work with students at the high school and college level, helping them move from a weak or missing thesis to a clear, confident central argument that drives a coherent, well-supported paper.
Writing

Writing

I have taught writing at every level throughout my 25-year career as a high school English teacher, from foundational sentence and paragraph construction to advanced literary analysis, argumentative essays, and college application writing. My instruction covers the full writing process — brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing — and I provide detailed, rubric-aligned feedback that helps students understand not just what to fix but why. I currently teach AP Literature, where strong analytical writing is central to every assignment, and my students consistently pass the College Board exam at rates of 87 to 95 percent. I work with writers at all levels, from students who struggle to get words on the page to advanced writers looking to sharpen their voice, argument, and style.
Grammar
Spelling
Study Skills
Vocabulary
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (38 ratings)
5 star
(36)
4 star
(2)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Dedicated, positive, and understands teacher's expectations

Laura has done wonders motivating and coaching my high schooler through a very long report. Great attention to detail and teacher's expectations. Very diligent on helping student achieve their goals. Grades are up!

Aurelie, 10 lessons with Laura
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much! I have enjoyed working with Artie so much! I hope he enjoys his summer, and I look forward to seeing him in the fall!

Experienced and Dedicated Teacher

My two children started working with Laura in 7th grade, and we have been very happy with her teaching. She is an experienced and dedicated teacher who knows how to tailor lessons to each student’s needs and help them make steady progress in English. The kids really enjoy her classes and appreciate her teaching style. We are grateful for her support and guidance, and we look forward to continuing our lessons with her.

Cy, 8 lessons with Laura

A wonderful teacher

A wonder teacher with thorough knowledges of AP Lang and great teaching experience! She’s prepared for the class and the following up class also great helpful!

Chen , 3 lessons with Laura
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much! I hope you are pleased with your scores! I wish you the best of luck!

Patient and Very Adaptable Tutor

My experience with Mrs. Laura was very positive when I was struggling to understand the Literary elements to process as I came into AP Literature. Despite the technical difficulties during the session, she adapted and helped me think through each question thoroughly, offering tips and tricks for answering MCQs. I would highly recommend the tutor as her experience as a teacher helps me feel better and more confident in second-guessing myself, knowing I should pick the answer, while resources tailored to the course are related to classes.

Lariah, 1 lesson with Laura
Tutor responded:

I enjoyed working with you, and I cannot wait for you to get your scores in July!

Patient and Very Adaptable Tutor

My experience with Mrs. Laura was very positive when I was struggling to understand the Literary elements to process as I came into AP Literature. Despite the technical difficulties during the session, she adapted and helped me think through each question thoroughly, offering tips and tricks for answering MCQs. I would highly recommend the tutor as her experience as a teacher helps me feel better and more confident in second-guessing myself, knowing I should pick the answer, while resources tailored to the course are related to classes.

Lariah, 1 lesson with Laura

Knowledgeable and patient

Laura is a very easy going instructor. I was able to tell her my communication weaknesses and she was able to provide feedback and solutions for self improvement. I am definitely joining another session.

Franklin, 2 lessons with Laura
Tutor responded:

Thanks, Franklin! I hope things are going well! I have truly enjoyed my time working with you!