I have taught English for 24 years, specializing in classroom instruction in grades 6–12, and have extensive experience helping students with a wide range of abilities find academic success. After graduating summa cum laude from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in English Education and minor in Spanish, I earned a California professional clear and, later an Idaho teaching credential. I specialize in reading comprehension, literary analysis, critical thinking, writing, grammar...
I have taught English for 24 years, specializing in classroom instruction in grades 6–12, and have extensive experience helping students with a wide range of abilities find academic success. After graduating summa cum laude from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in English Education and minor in Spanish, I earned a California professional clear and, later an Idaho teaching credential. I specialize in reading comprehension, literary analysis, critical thinking, writing, grammar instruction, vocabulary, and college-preparatory research and writing. My students consistently perform at proficient and advanced levels on rigorous state assessments. I have also worked extensively with English-language learners, helping students develop the language skills necessary to succeed in demanding academic settings.
Two of my greatest strengths are systemic instruction in academic writing and comprehension of complex reading texts. In writing, I move students quickly from "I don't know where to start" to confident, competent writers. I have an unusually strong command of grammar, sentence structure, helping students develop an authentic writing voice rather than producing formulaic or overly polished writing that doesn't reflect their own thinking. In reading, I help students understand how to analyze and respond to texts through making inferences, using evidence-based reasoning, and identifying an author's purpose and tone.
My approach is supportive, individualized, and diagnostic. I first identify what a student understands, where they are getting stuck, and why. Then I provide explicit instruction, guided practice, and targeted feedback. Whether a student needs support with reading comprehension, English coursework, grammar, essay writing, literary analysis, academic English, or test-related reading and writing skills, I want each student to leave each session a more confident and independent reader and writer.
