I have been teaching at various levels - mainly college - since 2002. In that time, I've taught all kinds of writing, starting with screenwriting and moving to playwriting and to Playwright in Residence at U Mass Boston for several years. I moved into English/Freshman English within a few years. At the college level, I found I liked teaching Freshman best because it's so important that they get the structural basis and develop the fine thinking that leads to fine writing of essays and,...
I have been teaching at various levels - mainly college - since 2002. In that time, I've taught all kinds of writing, starting with screenwriting and moving to playwriting and to Playwright in Residence at U Mass Boston for several years. I moved into English/Freshman English within a few years. At the college level, I found I liked teaching Freshman best because it's so important that they get the structural basis and develop the fine thinking that leads to fine writing of essays and, indeed, any kind of writing. My classes were always energetic and thought-provoking and lots of fun. I insisted that everyone learn each others' names using fun theater games. My students became engaged immediately because they had a strong sense of being part of an organic group. I always told them, on the first day of class: "Congratulations. You have an A. Your job is to keep it." That gave them a sense that I I was routing for them to do well.
For many reasons, I've been working as a tutor and loving the one-on-one format for the last five years or so. I approach the work with the same creative, goal-oriented energy I always used for classes. The one-on-one format gives me time to get to know my student, and to build the trust between us because I listen carefully and ask question after question until I get a sense of you, and what you're thinking. If the thinking isn't deep enough - yet - I'll keep, as necessary, exploring the original text when there is one, or keep asking questions and steering you towards your deepest thoughts and feelings. From there, you can write well. I am well-versed in the standard five paragraph essay structure and have many ways to help you find a method for generating and organizing ideas until you have written something you can rightfully feel proud of. Some combination of training, temperament and experience has made me a deeply competent tutor. My students are often surprised to find out what they know, and that's always a delightful surprise for both of us.
