Veteran English Teacher | Structured Writing & Literary Analysis

Michele R.

I have been a fully credentialed high school English teacher for 28 years, holding a BA in English and Broadcast Journalism from San Diego State University, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, and a MAEd in Technology. Throughout my career in a public high school setting, I have taught freshmen through seniors, working with students across a wide range of academic levels, including struggling learners, grade-level students, honors students, and Advanced Placement students. This experience has given me a strong understanding of curriculum standards, academic expectations, and the skills students need to succeed in both high school and college.

My teaching focuses on academic writing, literary analysis, rhetoric, grammar, and research-based essays. I specialize in breaking down complex writing tasks into clear, structured steps so students understand how to develop a strong thesis, incorporate textual evidence, write meaningful commentary, and organize ideas effectively. I scaffold assignments by modeling examples, guiding practice, and providing individualized feedback tailored to each student’s needs. In addition to classroom instruction, I have worked one-on-one with students who need targeted support in organization, study habits, revision strategies, and writing confidence.

I also tutor students in English skill development for standardized test preparation, including SAT reading and writing. I help students strengthen grammar fundamentals, improve sentence clarity, analyze passages strategically, and apply critical thinking skills to multiple-choice questions. I guide students through the college application essay process from brainstorming to final revision, helping them craft authentic, polished essays that reflect their voice and strengths. My goal in every session is not simply to complete an assignment, but to build lasting skills that develop independent, confident communicators.