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Donna Ann P.

Experienced English Tutor: Essays, Term Paper Emergencies, and ESL

Experienced English Tutor: Essays, Term Paper Emergencies, and ESL

$35/hour

4.9 (797 ratings)

  • 2,302 hours tutoring

About Donna Ann

Bio

I have been teaching foreign and American students English, essay writing, literature, and grammar for over 7 years. Need late night help with an English literature essay, term paper, college entrance essay or grammar homework? I can help. I have Skype and can tutor remotely or in San Francisco.

I have a B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin. I have taught students in grades 1-12 and college students as well. If you have a term paper emergency or just need a better understanding...

I have been teaching foreign and American students English, essay writing, literature, and grammar for over 7 years. Need late night help with an English literature essay, term paper, college entrance essay or grammar homework? I can help. I have Skype and can tutor remotely or in San Francisco.

I have a B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin. I have taught students in grades 1-12 and college students as well. If you have a term paper emergency or just need a better understanding of what you are reading, I can help. I can also assist you with reading comprehension and SAT test preparation. My students like the fact that I teach them how to find what is important in the reading comprehension section of the SAT as well as manage their time effectively. I also teach them how to prepare essays quickly and succinctly in a timed testing environment.

With all of my students, I patiently teach grammar and essay writing skills to meet their needs. Usually, I assess the student's writing and grammar skills during the first lesson. Then I customize subsequent lessons to cover those areas in which they need improvement. I want to ensure that students develop and improve their writing style as well as expand their vocabulary. I can also provide supplemental homework to help students improve their writing and grasp important grammar skills.

Contact me via Wyzant with your questions and comments. I look forward to working with you.

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Education

University of Texas, Austin
undergrad

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $35
  • Rate details: I charge $35/hr. for tutoring in San Francisco or via Skype. For tutoring outside San Francisco, I charge $40/hr.
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/1/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Business

Career Development,

Career Development

I have assisted many students with their college entrance essays for both undergraduate and graduate programs including personal statements to be submitted with their MBA applications. Basically, you need to tell the school why you are unique and what you can add to their graduate class as well as how their program will meet your unique needs. Stating simply that you wish to obtain a degree in order to make more money is not what the school wants to hear. Instead, the school wants to know what unique projects you have previously completed, and how a degree from their university will help you achieve something special. The purpose of the essay or statement is to set you apart from the mass of applicants, and encourage the school to accept a unique and talented individual who will be an asset to their class. Detailing one's prior work experience is important. If the student is seeking an MBA because it will further their existing career and expand their management and corporate governance capabilities, then these issues should be discussed. If the MBA represents a completely new business path for the student, then their new goals should be described. Professionally, I have a B.A. from the University of Texas. I worked for many years as a Corporate Paralegal Coordinator assisting attorneys and major corporate clients with multi-million dollar transactions at a major law firm. I also completed business courses in both graduate and undergraduate school. I never finished my MBA because I was able to attain a management position without it. Today, I have my own litigation support business and I tutor students part-time. I am personally familiar with the process of entering an MBA program because I was admitted to such a program.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As a paralegal manager for many years, I conducted training sessions for recent college graduates on key topics in the legal profession. I am comfortable speaking in front of an audience, and encouraging others to speak in a relaxed manner. I am also experienced in preparing notes which guide me through a speech so it appears more natural and not as robotic. In college, I participated in debates. As a paralegal, I have over 20 years of experience assisting attorneys at trial. A good debater and public speaker knows both the strengths and weaknesses of their point of view before they speak. Preparation is the key to a successful presentation. I would be happy to assist others in reaching their public speaking goals.
Law

Computer

General Computer

Corporate Training

Career Development,

Career Development

I have assisted many students with their college entrance essays for both undergraduate and graduate programs including personal statements to be submitted with their MBA applications. Basically, you need to tell the school why you are unique and what you can add to their graduate class as well as how their program will meet your unique needs. Stating simply that you wish to obtain a degree in order to make more money is not what the school wants to hear. Instead, the school wants to know what unique projects you have previously completed, and how a degree from their university will help you achieve something special. The purpose of the essay or statement is to set you apart from the mass of applicants, and encourage the school to accept a unique and talented individual who will be an asset to their class. Detailing one's prior work experience is important. If the student is seeking an MBA because it will further their existing career and expand their management and corporate governance capabilities, then these issues should be discussed. If the MBA represents a completely new business path for the student, then their new goals should be described. Professionally, I have a B.A. from the University of Texas. I worked for many years as a Corporate Paralegal Coordinator assisting attorneys and major corporate clients with multi-million dollar transactions at a major law firm. I also completed business courses in both graduate and undergraduate school. I never finished my MBA because I was able to attain a management position without it. Today, I have my own litigation support business and I tutor students part-time. I am personally familiar with the process of entering an MBA program because I was admitted to such a program.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As a paralegal manager for many years, I conducted training sessions for recent college graduates on key topics in the legal profession. I am comfortable speaking in front of an audience, and encouraging others to speak in a relaxed manner. I am also experienced in preparing notes which guide me through a speech so it appears more natural and not as robotic. In college, I participated in debates. As a paralegal, I have over 20 years of experience assisting attorneys at trial. A good debater and public speaker knows both the strengths and weaknesses of their point of view before they speak. Preparation is the key to a successful presentation. I would be happy to assist others in reaching their public speaking goals.
ESL/ESOL, General Computer, Grammar, Law, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

When I started tutoring 7 years ago, I worked for a major tutoring center chain in San Francisco. There, I honed my tutoring skills with younger students, and patiently taught them cursive writing, reading, spelling, and basic grammar and pronunciation. I encouraged them to write complete sentences, and made learning fun and interesting while I followed the center's lesson plans. However, I realized that tutoring students in classes of 25 or 30 does not always meet their needs. Private tutoring can resolve their weaknesses and end their frustration. Students are much more likely to admit they don't understand a concept in a private tutoring session than in a large classroom. Younger children can be especially shy and afraid to admit they don't understand a concept. With private tutoring, I can solve the student's confusion more easily. I also have extensive experience teaching children raised in non-English speaking households. Having studied Russian and French myself, I know how hard it is to become fluent in a second language. Therefore, I have the teaching skills and patience necessary to help students for whom English is a first or a second language.
Phonics,

Phonics

I have been teaching ESL and English pronunciation to foreign students for over six years. Phonics drills, which focus on parts of words and key syllables and their sounds, help the student learn English more easily. Usually I combine phonics drills with vocabulary instruction and grammar in order to improve the student's comprehension and ability to speak clearly. Using phonics flash cards and reading material at the appropriate level for the student help build the student's confidence quickly. I have a B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.
Grammar, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary

English

Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As a paralegal manager for many years, I conducted training sessions for recent college graduates on key topics in the legal profession. I am comfortable speaking in front of an audience, and encouraging others to speak in a relaxed manner. I am also experienced in preparing notes which guide me through a speech so it appears more natural and not as robotic. In college, I participated in debates. As a paralegal, I have over 20 years of experience assisting attorneys at trial. A good debater and public speaker knows both the strengths and weaknesses of their point of view before they speak. Preparation is the key to a successful presentation. I would be happy to assist others in reaching their public speaking goals.
ACT English, ACT Reading, English, ESL/ESOL, Grammar, Proofreading, Reading, SAT Reading, SAT Writing, Spelling, TOEFL, Vocabulary, Writing

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

When I started tutoring 7 years ago, I worked for a major tutoring center chain in San Francisco. There, I honed my tutoring skills with younger students, and patiently taught them cursive writing, reading, spelling, and basic grammar and pronunciation. I encouraged them to write complete sentences, and made learning fun and interesting while I followed the center's lesson plans. However, I realized that tutoring students in classes of 25 or 30 does not always meet their needs. Private tutoring can resolve their weaknesses and end their frustration. Students are much more likely to admit they don't understand a concept in a private tutoring session than in a large classroom. Younger children can be especially shy and afraid to admit they don't understand a concept. With private tutoring, I can solve the student's confusion more easily. I also have extensive experience teaching children raised in non-English speaking households. Having studied Russian and French myself, I know how hard it is to become fluent in a second language. Therefore, I have the teaching skills and patience necessary to help students for whom English is a first or a second language.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.
English, ESL/ESOL, Reading, SAT Reading, Spelling, Writing

Language

ESL/ESOL, TOEFL

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

When I started tutoring 7 years ago, I worked for a major tutoring center chain in San Francisco. There, I honed my tutoring skills with younger students, and patiently taught them cursive writing, reading, spelling, and basic grammar and pronunciation. I encouraged them to write complete sentences, and made learning fun and interesting while I followed the center's lesson plans. However, I realized that tutoring students in classes of 25 or 30 does not always meet their needs. Private tutoring can resolve their weaknesses and end their frustration. Students are much more likely to admit they don't understand a concept in a private tutoring session than in a large classroom. Younger children can be especially shy and afraid to admit they don't understand a concept. With private tutoring, I can solve the student's confusion more easily. I also have extensive experience teaching children raised in non-English speaking households. Having studied Russian and French myself, I know how hard it is to become fluent in a second language. Therefore, I have the teaching skills and patience necessary to help students for whom English is a first or a second language.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.
English, ESL/ESOL, Reading, Writing

Other

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have assisted many students with their college entrance essays and personal statements for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Basically, you need to tell the school why you are unique and what you can add to their student body as well as how their program will meet your unique needs. Stating simply that you wish to obtain a degree in order to make more money is not what the school wants to hear. Instead, the school wants to know what unique projects you have previously completed, and how a degree from their university will help you achieve something special. The purpose of the essay or statement is to set you apart from the mass of applicants, and encourage the school to accept a unique and talented individual who will be an asset to their class. Detailing one's prior work experience is important. If you have done some meaningful nonprofit volunteer work, then your charity work or unpaid internship should be mentioned as well. If you are seeking a degree which will further your existing career or if you are choosing a new area of study and new goals, that issue should be explained. Professionally, I have a B.A. from the University of Texas. I worked for many years as a Corporate Paralegal Coordinator assisting attorneys and major corporate clients with multi-million dollar transactions at a major law firm. I also completed business courses in both graduate and undergraduate school. I never finished my MBA because I was able to attain a management position without it. Today, I have my own litigation support business and I tutor students part-time. I am personally familiar with the process of entering both undergraduate and graduate schools.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.
ESL/ESOL, Law

Special Needs

Phonics,

Phonics

I have been teaching ESL and English pronunciation to foreign students for over six years. Phonics drills, which focus on parts of words and key syllables and their sounds, help the student learn English more easily. Usually I combine phonics drills with vocabulary instruction and grammar in order to improve the student's comprehension and ability to speak clearly. Using phonics flash cards and reading material at the appropriate level for the student help build the student's confidence quickly. I have a B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

When I started tutoring 7 years ago, I worked for a major tutoring center chain in San Francisco. There, I honed my tutoring skills with younger students, and patiently taught them cursive writing, reading, spelling, and basic grammar and pronunciation. I encouraged them to write complete sentences, and made learning fun and interesting while I followed the center's lesson plans. However, I realized that tutoring students in classes of 25 or 30 does not always meet their needs. Private tutoring can resolve their weaknesses and end their frustration. Students are much more likely to admit they don't understand a concept in a private tutoring session than in a large classroom. Younger children can be especially shy and afraid to admit they don't understand a concept. With private tutoring, I can solve the student's confusion more easily. I also have extensive experience teaching children raised in non-English speaking households. Having studied Russian and French myself, I know how hard it is to become fluent in a second language. Therefore, I have the teaching skills and patience necessary to help students for whom English is a first or a second language.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have taught students how to prioritize their homework, and how to focus on key ideas and themes when they read textbooks and literature. Focusing on reading comprehension improves not only study skills, but also SAT scores. I encourage my students to use a highlighter as they read,and highlight key ideas. They should also look for exceptions and contrasting theories when they read a text. In addition, I have taught them internet research skills to supplement their knowledge. I have also encouraged them to evaluate what they read, form their own opinions, and express their viewpoint clearly. Good reading and writing skills provide the foundation for good study skills.
ESL/ESOL, Reading, Writing

Test Preparation

Career Development,

Career Development

I have assisted many students with their college entrance essays for both undergraduate and graduate programs including personal statements to be submitted with their MBA applications. Basically, you need to tell the school why you are unique and what you can add to their graduate class as well as how their program will meet your unique needs. Stating simply that you wish to obtain a degree in order to make more money is not what the school wants to hear. Instead, the school wants to know what unique projects you have previously completed, and how a degree from their university will help you achieve something special. The purpose of the essay or statement is to set you apart from the mass of applicants, and encourage the school to accept a unique and talented individual who will be an asset to their class. Detailing one's prior work experience is important. If the student is seeking an MBA because it will further their existing career and expand their management and corporate governance capabilities, then these issues should be discussed. If the MBA represents a completely new business path for the student, then their new goals should be described. Professionally, I have a B.A. from the University of Texas. I worked for many years as a Corporate Paralegal Coordinator assisting attorneys and major corporate clients with multi-million dollar transactions at a major law firm. I also completed business courses in both graduate and undergraduate school. I never finished my MBA because I was able to attain a management position without it. Today, I have my own litigation support business and I tutor students part-time. I am personally familiar with the process of entering an MBA program because I was admitted to such a program.
College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have assisted many students with their college entrance essays and personal statements for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Basically, you need to tell the school why you are unique and what you can add to their student body as well as how their program will meet your unique needs. Stating simply that you wish to obtain a degree in order to make more money is not what the school wants to hear. Instead, the school wants to know what unique projects you have previously completed, and how a degree from their university will help you achieve something special. The purpose of the essay or statement is to set you apart from the mass of applicants, and encourage the school to accept a unique and talented individual who will be an asset to their class. Detailing one's prior work experience is important. If you have done some meaningful nonprofit volunteer work, then your charity work or unpaid internship should be mentioned as well. If you are seeking a degree which will further your existing career or if you are choosing a new area of study and new goals, that issue should be explained. Professionally, I have a B.A. from the University of Texas. I worked for many years as a Corporate Paralegal Coordinator assisting attorneys and major corporate clients with multi-million dollar transactions at a major law firm. I also completed business courses in both graduate and undergraduate school. I never finished my MBA because I was able to attain a management position without it. Today, I have my own litigation support business and I tutor students part-time. I am personally familiar with the process of entering both undergraduate and graduate schools.
ACT English, ACT Reading, SAT Reading, SAT Writing, TOEFL

Examples of Expertise

Donna Ann has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 12 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (797 ratings)
5 star
(737)
4 star
(42)
3 star
(9)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(8)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews professional excellent excellent tutor clear listens

Experienced teacher

Donna did great to help my 5th grader edit assay and review grammar. She strengthened the use of verbs and phrases in his assay. She is patient and experienced.

Pingping , 25 lessons with Donna Ann

great tutor

Donna was excellent and took her time with editing and proofreading part of my college application essays; she was very timely and thorough.

Esteban, 2 lessons with Donna Ann

Great tutor!! Very patient and knowledgeable

Donna helped me a lot and was very patient with me. I couldn’t believe how much I had forgotten in a year but she helped me understand what I was doing wrong and corrected me without any criticism. I would definitely recommend her to others.

Anita, 9 lessons with Donna Ann

Knowledgeable and a patient tutor

Donna is very professional and very friendly. She tutors with compassion without making you feel you are at a zero level of your knowledge even when is explaining something to you. she respectfully points out your mistakes and explains what you needed to do. I am hooked.

Ndipmong, 2 lessons with Donna Ann

Excellent teacher

Donna was so Helpful and took the time to explain my mistakes to me. She has a light spirit and is an excellent teacher. I would totally recommend and will continue to be her client in the future. Totally recommend.

Abdi , 1 lesson with Donna Ann

AMAZING TUTOR~~

I asked Donna to help me last minute with my daughter's writing sample for a private school application. She was SO informative, taught my daughter so much in such little time, and the turnaround time was amazing. I highly recommend her for English writing, grammar, etc. I have hired many tutors in the past, and she surpassed all my expectations. Most importantly, my daughter loved working with her.

Cathy, 5 lessons with Donna Ann

Knowledgeable tutor

Donna perfected one of my papers by editing it. I enjoyed working with her so much as she worked efficiently While being patient. She didn’t change my voice in my essay but gave an edge to my points by choosing better words/phrases. I will be going back to her for getting help editing my essays and I totally recommend her!

Shadi, 7 lessons with Donna Ann

Knowledgeable and caring tutor

My tutor flaked on me last minute and needed a new tutor. Donna had a packed schedule but understood my situation and was able to squeeze me in. She is very knowledgeable and experienced BLAW 2 tutor.

Alexa, 1 lesson with Donna Ann

Knowledgeable tutor

Donna perfected one of my papers by editing it. I enjoyed working with her so much as she worked efficiently While being patient. She didn’t change my voice in my essay but gave an edge to my points by choosing better words/phrases. I will be going back to her for getting help editing my essays and I totally recommend her!

Shadi, 7 lessons with Donna Ann

Very clear and helpful

Donna helped me understand the components of argumentative writing and how to structure one of my essays. My thesis sounds so much better after she went over it. Thank you!!

Nadia, 25 lessons with Donna Ann
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Response time: 3 hours

$35/hour

Donna Ann P.'s Photo

Donna Ann P.

$35/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Donna Ann

Response time: 3 hours