College English and Social Sciences tutor, AP English Reader

Catherine B.

Hello parents and students!

I'm a long-time instructor who has worked at 4 different colleges here in Florida. In addition, I've tutored for at least 5 years in college writing labs, and I'm currently an AP Reader in English Language and also a student myself.

My secondary education was completed overseas within the British exam system. I've graduate degrees in English Literature and Library Science, as well as part of another uncompleted graduate degree in political science. My undergraduate degree is in Geography. I've also taken and passed all the FTCE GK exams and the English and Social Science (K6-12) subject exams.

I'm also widely traveled and a former yoga instructor.

I tutor prep and college-credit English, business writing, as well as K6-12 Social Science, English, AP English Language or Literature, AP Geography, the Florida Exit Exam, library and research skills, and resume writing. I also tutor students in basic computing and keyboard skills.

As a student, I came to realize that the most comfortable way for me to learn was when I was relaxed, interested, and engaged in figuring out puzzling subjects, but also I kept myself to a timetable, so I'd keep on track and feel I'd gained mastery. I also had to be willing to actively take notes, discuss, ask questions, visualize/draw, memorize, and try new strategies to learn. With the help of tutors and teachers, I had to be willing to put my anxieties or worries aside and set aside study time -- with no distractions -- and then apply myself and practice. I'd emphasize these with you, and ask that you silence your smartphone when we are in a tutoring session. I'd also want to assess what you know with some preliminary diagnostic questions and tests.

I maintain steady resolve, imagination and humor, and a keen abiding interest to know how and if students are really engaged in learning.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.