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English , Humanities, and History Teacher-Tutor with Mass 8-12 Cert.
Karen P.

4.9 (502 ratings)

2,995 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $60
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About Karen

Bio

I believe all of us can learn lifelong if we believe in learning and practice it!

At this moment, I still hold ELA and ESL teaching certifications in California and Massachusetts, but I tutor in all my areas of interest: Academic Research, Journalism; Creative Writing (all genres); American and Formal English Writing Conventions (Grammar, Syntax, Punctuation); American, European, World History; APLang and APELit; ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT; College Personal Statements with App...

I believe all of us can learn lifelong if we believe in learning and practice it!

At this moment, I still hold ELA and ESL teaching certifications in California and Massachusetts, but I tutor in all my areas of interest: Academic Research, Journalism; Creative Writing (all genres); American and Formal English Writing Conventions (Grammar, Syntax, Punctuation); American, European, World History; APLang and APELit; ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT; College Personal Statements with App Support; ELA K-12, College, & Professional; Executive Functioning; Lower Math 5-11; Religion/Theology; Research Styles; SE Tutor-Advocate for IEP and ESL/ELD; Social Studies, 5-12

After completing my MA and BA in English I worked as a professional writer-editor at two national publications, then as a copywriter in Silicon Valley, until I began guiding students at the Stanford Daily newspaper. Four years later, I accepted a Federal Teaching Fellowship and returned to postgraduate work and two-thirds time teaching at UIUC where I studied antique and medieval languages and Old and Middle English Literature, and spent a few summers as a script doctor and dramaturg for local studio affiliates and editing unique stage productions of Hamlet and Coriolanus

I returned home to LA with my family in 1995 to teach in several multilingual parochial and public schools. As a lead teacher, I rewrote curricula and instruction for WASC accreditation, state standards, curricular articulations, grant requests, correspondence, presentations, and contributed Calif and Common Core State Standards for schools. On evenings and weekends, I drove across the city to teach SAT and ACT Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, and AP Essay Writing, and College ELA 8-12 Personal Statements.

I left for the Boston area permanently in late 2016 where I have been tutoring, writing, and studying ever since.

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Education

English Language, Literature, & Composition, Calif State University Northridge, magna cum laude
English Honors
English Language and Literature, Calif State University Northridge, summa cum laude
Masters
Teaching Certification, Masters in Teaching, UCLA & National University of Los Angeles
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

French
Portuguese
Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $60
  • Rate details: 1 student, copyrighted, customized materials
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/26/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

Since 1995, Karen P. has taught and tutored ACT and SAT examination preparation full and part time alongside teaching ELA 9-12 and 12AP and tutoring K-11 Common Core subjects and study skills tutoring. She has taught at California State University Northridge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Cathedral Preparatory HS (9, 10H, 11), Valley Torah HS (9H, 11H, 12AP), Ferrahian HS (9, 10, 11H), Smart Christian Academy School (5-11H, 12AP), Gertz-Ressler HS (9), College-Ready Academy HS (10), Community Charter Middle School (8), and Shepherd University (ESL I, II, IV).
ACT Math

ACT Math

I’ve tutored ACT and SAT math many many times over the past 30 years. I often substitute for the math teacher at the Academy, is where I have taught as well as in grades 8, 9 and 10. I know the concepts will trigonometry and fundamental calculus on the test. But if my students have questions, I teach them how to ask their grade 11 Calc teachers.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I am a veteran ELA and ESL teacher with a recent teaching certification (2009; fully renewed in Massachusetts and California in 2020), a professional editor, writer, and college counselor. Teaching test preparation to individuals and in small and large classrooms has long been my side specialty and passion alongside my college counseling and teaching Writing/Rhetoric, English and American literature and language, AP English and History (my secondary field of study).
ACT Science

ACT Science

I have taught ACT and SAT preparation at high schools and after-school academies since 1997, as well as taught English critical reading comprehension skills at the university, college preparatory, and high school levels since 1989. I hold an MA in English and often edit graduate master of science, arts, and PhD theses. I have broad knowledge of the arts and sciences from which to draw and a wide variety of teaching techniques which I apply based on the needs of my students.
ADHD

ADHD

My English teacher certifications required completion of multiple Special Education courses. I have also complete multiple seminars and symposiums in general and special education student management and have assisted many special education students, including ADHD, ADD, other physical disabilities, dyslexia, and various reading and writing disabilities. I have had excellent success in and out of the classroom.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I tutored Algebra I as an LAUSD contract tutor through Teach-N-Tutor from February to June 2013, and in the after-school program at Gertz-Ressler High School and SmArT Academy Christian School from 2003 till June 2009. Prior to that, I tutored algebra at various times at the universities where I was working and attending, including UIUC, Stanford U., and CSUN.
American History

American History

I have served as a long-term substitute and a tutor of American history for a total of 15 years. I minored in history as an undergraduate. And I have continued to study US, American 18th and 19th century revolutions and nation building, and the cultural, religious, economic and political history of Europe, Greece, India, and China, mostly from 500 BC forward. I’m also a certificated English language arts and English as a second language teacher K through 12 and adult in both California and Massachusetts.
Art History

Art History

I i’m a professional, English language, literature, and composition teacher, whose first love is art. I have taught and tutored art history many times, and have assisted many art history majors with their masters theses. My first love was art, and I have worked in the field as an artist, a graphic, artist supervisor, and magazine, layout artist, and now has a college counselor I also serve art majors Who are building a portfolios and seeking the appropriate colleges for application.
Art Theory

Art Theory

I have advanced academic and professional experience in Literary Studies, the Humanities, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Critical/Literary/Aesthetic theories, as well as years working as a professional writer-editor as a culture, literature, and music critic. I have taken undergrad and postgrad philosophy, read widely in world literature, anthropology, history, cultural studies, the arts, and all the "-isms" you could want. I'm easy to work, and ironically cheerful yet optimistic.
ASVAB

ASVAB

I have supported ASVAB test takers many times since 1984 in their efforts to acquire the skills they need to relax and perform well. I teach reading comprehension and mathematic multiple-choice test taking skills many of them never acquired in high school or college, and have a method by which you can independently develop their vocabulary through online study, as well as with me during our lessons.
Biology

Biology

I have worked as an after school teacher-tutor in study halls, tutoring programs, and as a private tutor for many years. I have also taught ACT and SAT reading, grammar, and writing skills for two decades. My own grades in school were excellent because I studied, not because I have a photographic memory. My students usually do much better as a result of our meetings because I teach them the executive functioning skills they need to do well.
CBEST

CBEST

I completed my own CBEST qualification in one, 4-hour sitting and earned a high pass in Writing, which for many is the most difficult portion of the test. As a Master Teacher, I have also tutored and supported other aspiring private school teachers in their efforts to study for and take the test. All have passed. I have a strong understanding of how to teach English critical reading in all the subject areas and have taught Lower Mathematics for years. My skills and experience as an AP teacher/coach and teaching test prep courses assist me in tutoring for CBEST.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I have been a member of the College Team at Valley Torah HS (4 years), Gertz-Ressler HS (4 yrs), and SmArT Academy CS (10 yrs). That means I helped as many graduating seniors as possible with their college choices, applications, and especially their personal statements (essays) because I was the senior English teacher with the strongest writing and editing skills. I worked closely with the counselors all that time, and met with college representatives on many occasions, so I know what the colleges and universities need and expect from student writing.
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

I was diagnosed with mild dyslexia when it was called "transposition disability." Because I gradually improved through reading, alphabetizing, math, and image sequencing practice, I studied the foundations of reading, reading praxis, and methods of supporting phonetic acquisition, decoding, word recognition, context support, mnemonics, surface and deep comprehension, grammar, syntax, literature, composition, argument, and rhetoric. I have taught reading and lower math throughout my lifetime to dyslexic students, preschool through adult, even when I became a published advertising copywriter, a news writer, editor, and then an English teacher. I use specific techniques for self-support to replace negative self-accommodations that interfere with reading progress. For high school students, I use test prep materials to teach them logical elimination methods to promote context awareness, isolate and provide needed grammatical knowledge, and establish function reading practices for academic reading. I reinforce those reading practices and realistic notetaking and reviwing when I tutor and teach English (language, literature, writing, and speaking), History, and Lower Math and Sciences, research methods, and APA/MLA writing to those students because their reading and learning needs have often long not been met by their public or private institutions.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I taught English 5 for two years at SmArT Academy Christian School using the Prentice Hall textbooks and providing supplemental materials and texts for my ESL/ELD students. I also tutored students grades 3-8 in Reading & Critical Reading at SmArT, developing my own curriculum and lesson plans in reading skills instruction. More recently, I tutored reading grades 3-8 with Teach-N-Tutor under a LAUSD contract for California State mandated additional 29.5 hours of instruction for struggling students (ESL/ELD). I have a California Teaching Credential English (Secondary) with a Supplemental Qualification in K-12 & Adult. I have tutored children in reading since I was 17 years old. My daughter, whom I taught to read at age 2, is now attending Brandeis University on a full academic scholarship in International Business & Economics. I love to read aloud and do it very well (having had performance art experience). I teach my students to take their time, raise questions, look up words, consider character motivation and cause and effect, imagery, symbols, and themes, predict outcomes, make inferences, draw conclusions, and compare story elements to events and characters in other stories and in their own lives. I also offer them reasons why what they are reading contains wisdom and knowledge they will use in their future lives.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

Teacher, Mathematics 8 (PreAlgebra), Smart Academy Christian School, 2009-2010. Tutor, Mathematics (Algebra I and Geometry), Smart Academy Christian School, 2009-2011. Tutor, Lower Mathematics (Math 6-8), Teach-N-Tutor (LAUSD Subcontract), Feb-June 2013. Tutor, Algebra and Geometry, Wyzant Clients, Oct. 2013-May 2014. Tutor, SAT Math Review, Gateway Academy La Crescenta, Feb-Mar 2015. My specialty is teaching order of operations, proofs and demonstration, sequencing, logical thinking, and interpretation and translation of word problems. I understand students' learning needs and attitudes and have good success in helping them to appreciate the importance of learning and achievement in school and in life.
English

English

I am a highly experienced and well-qualified English language arts teacher who has chosen to spend the past few years working with students outside of the classroom. I taught English language arts full-time in the classroom from 1995 until 2009 and part-time 2009-2011. I hold an active California Teaching Credential in English Language Arts (Single Subject, CLEAR K-12 and Adult), 2008-2019. I also taught rhetoric (writing), literature, and film under a Federal Teaching Grant at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1989-1995). I have taught ELA 8, 9, 10, 10H, 11, 11H, 12, 12AP to second language learners in the classroom and tutored English and Writing to every age student K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels. My California Teaching Certification was earned through coursework and internship (while I was already a paid teacher) at National University Los Angeles, and I have tutored private students in English and math since I enrolled in CSUN in 1970. From 1976 until 1981, I was a full-time, professional writer-editor working for trade and special interest publications, writing news, features, columns, reviews (books, arts, music). From 1981-1988, I worked in Silicon Valley as a freelance magazine writer and advertising copywriter and production head. From 1984 to 1989, I was also assistant to the CFO of the Stanford Daily Publishing Co., at Stanford University. I earned my MA in English, summa cum laude, at CSUN in 1977 and my BA in English Honors, summa cum laude, CSUN 1975. I also hold a high school diploma in liberal arts (English and theatre Arts) from Hollywood HS, 1970.
Epidemiology

Epidemiology

I have years of experience supporting undergraduate Nursing, Global Health, and Premed students with coursework in undergraduate Biology, Biochemistry, Biotech, Nursing, Human Biology, Global Health, Nursing Research Writing, Ecology, Environment Science, and Genetics. I am a highly qualified English teacher (ELA, ELL, ESL, TOEFL) with a strong background in Science and Engineering and Computer Science. I have extended study in Epidemiology and familiarity with online NIH-NCB research libraries, research writing, other CDC publications, and periodical journals in medicine. I teache\ and tutor advanced reading and study skills to college students and has assisted many postgraduate students with applications to medical school, specialty residencies in oncology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pediatric anesthesiology), residencies, and postdocs.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I hold current a California Teaching Credential in English Language Arts (CLEAR, K-12 & Adult, 2008, renewed 2013; renewable 2019). As a result of my credentialing through NULA's program, I am well-versed in ESL/ESOL teaching methods (including SDAIE, collaborative learning, and scaffolded instruction), and did my special studies in dual language curricula in Canada and individual schools in the US and France. During my middle and high school classroom teaching career in Los Angeles (1989 to 2009), I taught almost exclusively mainstreamed, dual and second language learners grades 8, 9R, 9H, 10R, 10H, 11R, 11H, 12R, 12AP at private and charter high schools in Southern California. Prior to that, I had mainstreamed second language learners while teaching at UIUC (1989 to 1995) and always gave them the scaffolding and additional support they needed to do well. As a teacher and tutor, my expectations are always high yet realistic, and I provided creative lesson plans with enough scaffolding, coaching, and encouragement to garner significant success. All may students have achieved greater success than did those of other teachers in the past or other school in our area, and I am very proud of them. Please also refer to my Qualifications Summary under "English."
European History

European History

I spent six years in postgraduate work at University of Illinois Champaign Urbana in English and European language, literature, history, and art. I spent two years studying Medieval English Language, literature and culture at CSUN where I minored in American history. I have studied Western education, art and eastern art, religion and theology, philosophy, lower mathematics through Trigonometry and Statistics anthropology, music. I hold ELA teaching credentials in the state of California and ELA and ESL in Massachusetts. I have tutored multiple subjects on Wyzant full-time since 2013.
Film

Film

I taught Introduction to Film at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign under supervising professors Richard Carringer (former LA Film Critic) and Ramona Curry (PhD Columbia Film School).
Financial Accounting

Financial Accounting

I was the full-time accountant and provided daily management of the student (undergraduate senior) advertising manager of the Stanford Daily Newspaper 1985-1988. We wrote off $300K in bad debt in 1985; our gross that year was $400K. In 1988, our gross was $1.4K. We were a non-profit, ASB-owned student company leasing space on the Stanford University campus. Our revenues included a Stanford an annual bulk subscription worth $380K.
Geometry

Geometry

I served as a tutor in Geometry in the After-school programs at Smart Academy and Gertz-Ressler HS, as well as a PreAlgebra 7-8 teacher at Smart Academy and Math 7-8 Intervention Teacher for Teach-N-Tutor when it was under LAUSD contract. I worked ten years as a PSAT, SAT, AP (test prep) Teacher where I also tutored SAT Math intervention. I passed the WyzAnt Geometry test, too!
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

I’m 71 years old and have been literate and politically aware since I was 16. As an English teacher, I have taught in conjunction with both the US history and US government/world government teachers for many many years. I also teach research skills, statistical, reading, skills, and analysis skills for writing. I understand the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, how to research legislation and their interpretation through the courts. I’m familiar with all the websites necessary for online governmental research. I often assist adult professionals, so I am quite sure I can assist any learner K through 12 and adult as my secondary teaching certification indicates.
Grammar

Grammar

I hold a California Teaching Credential in English Language Arts K through 12 and Adult and have many years experience teaching grammar in classroom settings from grades 5 through college. ACT, SAT, and GRE writing and grammar are my specialties. Please see my posted resume for details of previous employment
Graphic Design

Graphic Design

I have 7+ yers as an editor and graphic design supervisor working closely with art directors and illustrators on all kinds of projects in magazine publishing and 3+ years in a commercial advertising company in Silicon Valley. I then spent 15+ years as a college and high school teacher of computer-assisted publishing. My early and undergraduate education includes studio and graphic art, stage design, theatre production, art history and criticism.
GRE

GRE

I have tutored GRE vocabulary acquisition (really the greatest challenge for most college graduates), critical reading and wrong answer elimination methods, analytical reasoning, and elimination methods for mathematics intermittently for many years. I am an experience English teacher (1975-76, 1989-2008) holding a California Teaching Credential in English Language Arts (Single Subject, CLEAR K-12 and Adult, 2008, renewed 2013, renewable 2019). I have always tutored privately during summers, for church organizations, and while on hiatuses, and I have been tutoring as a full time occupation since February 2013.
ISEE

ISEE

I have successfully tutored ISEE for students through SmArT Academy Christian School and Academy, as well as privately. My students have been accepted to Notre Dame HS, Philips Andover, and local Catholic High Schools. I have all the skills needed and have multiple experiences tutoring toward the test.
Latin

Latin

I have two years of intensive University study with senior Classics Prof. Gerard Brown and completed extensive grammar and language study and considerable reading in English and the major Romance Languages during my post graduate work. I have tutored Latin, language acquisition study skills, and comparative English - Latin grammar in the past.
Literature

Literature

I hold an MA in English Language & Literature from CSUN and passed my PhD Preliminary Examination in English at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). I have taught AP, Honors, and Regular English, grades 6-8 (four years) and 9-12 (15 years), as well as university level literature and writing courses in the English Department for six years at UIUC. I passed the CBEST with "Highest Marks" in Writing and scored above the 90th percentile on the Graduate Records English Subject Examination. I have also worked as a professional fine arts journalist and literary reviewer.
Macintosh

Macintosh

I have used Macintosh computers intermittently since 1985, currently own a high-end Mac, and am currently enrolled in One-on-One courses at Apple.
Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics

I hold a MA in English and a California Teaching Credential and taught AP English Language and Literature in the classroom for many years. I also tutor Economics because it has always been of personal interest to me. (My daughter is currently completing her Masters in Finance and International Economics on academic scholarship in a five year program at Brandeis University near Boston.) I also provide AP preparation in History, Psychology, Biology, AP English, and CollegeBoard based support instruction in PSAT, SAT, ACT, and GRE preparation to private students -- individuals, small groups, and full classes. Every fall since 1995, I have assisted high school seniors and college graduates as they write their college personal statements and complete their applications. My curriculum vitae, employment resume, and professional references are available to prospective clients upon personal request.
Managerial Accounting

Managerial Accounting

I was the full-time accountant and provided daily management of the student (undergraduate senior) advertising manager of the Stanford Daily Newspaper 1985-1988. We wrote off $300K in bad debt in 1985; our gross that year was $400K. In 1988, our gross was $1.4K. We were a non-profit, ASB-owned student company leasing space on the Stanford University campus. Our revenues included a Stanford an annual bulk subscription worth $380K.
Microeconomics

Microeconomics

I hold a MA in English and a California Teaching Credential and taught AP English Language and Literature in the classroom for many years. I also tutor Economics because it has always been of personal interest to me. (My daughter is currently completing her Masters in Finance and International Economics on academic scholarship in a five year program at Brandeis University near Boston.) I also provide AP preparation in History, Psychology, Biology, AP English, and CollegeBoard based support instruction in PSAT, SAT, ACT, and GRE preparation to private students -- individuals, small groups, and full classes. Every fall since 1995, I have assisted high school seniors and college graduates as they write their college personal statements and complete their applications. My curriculum vitae, employment resume, and professional references are available to prospective clients upon personal request.
Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

I have used Microsoft Excel since before it was on the market and still use it daily to do the accounting necessary to manage my properties and write course outlines and lesson plans. Because I also teach mathematics and elementary accounting, I use the program actively quite often. Prior to working in teaching, I was the assistant to CFOs and CEOs in publishing who required I use Excel in the daily course of my work; since then, I have tutored it several times, including WyzAnt students. During the course of instruction, I am always willing to help design the forms and office systems the student might need to develop.
Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

I have used IBM and IBM compatible computers since their inception, currently own one which I still use, manage my home network, taught Computer-Assisted Rhetoric at the University of Illinois and Computer Science I at Cathedral High School.
Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

I was working as a application beta tester in Silicon Valley in the 1980s. I am familiar with every major word processing program that has ever been invented, as well as the spreadsheet programs, and many of the art programs. When I arrived in Silicon Valley, I had already been an executive secretary, professional, writer-editor, Publication supervisor, and prior to that I had worked in banks in operations, loans, trusts, snd executive track leadership for six years. I have five years in sales, not counting, running my own private tutoring business for the last 20 years. And all that time I have used and kept up with most commonly used user applications and systems. Those I don’t know, I can usually figure out because I have built a broad-based understanding of the fundamentals. Moreover, I was among the very first teach high school Computer Science and Writing with Computers in high schools and at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana. I can teach students how to use the indexing system in the Help and learn by understanding the terms and icons presented in each program. Or anyone curious, I can also explain to them the history of the programs development in broad strokes. I can teach them how to use grammar programs effectively instead of mistakenly and confusedly. I’m excellent in teaching tables and page design because I did so professionally in advertising, national magazines, and business as a side light for decades. I hope that experience is enough to recommend me.
Nursing

Nursing

My experience includes teaching and academic support tutoring for Shepherd University's Nursing and ESL Programs, as well as supervising Smart Academy's After-school Tutoring Program in Mathematics, Science, English, and History. My background includes standardized test preparation courses (ACT, SAT, GED, and GRE) in English and Mathematics. In mathematics, my teaching strengths are Pre-algebra, Algebra 1 and 2, and Geometry; in science, Biology and Physics. I am very well qualified to teach English language, reading, literature, and writing skills (beginning through advanced), and have had lots of experience and great success assisting my students with their research and writing in the Social Sciences (especially Sociology, Psychology, Education, Medicine, and US, European, and World History.) I also have many methods for improving my students' textbook reading comprehension, note taking, and study skills in all those fields.
Phonics

Phonics

I myself learned phonics as a child. I have taught it to my daughter and to other students I have tutored. I a have also taught and tutored the subject to ESL, ELD, and ELL readers ages 3-Adult, most recently as an ESL Listening & Speaking, Reading & Vocabulary, and Conversation teacher at Shepherd University.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I taught prealgebra (grades 7 and 8). I tutored prealgebra, algebra, and geometry (grades 7-10). I was a study skills supervisor and tutor (afternoon study hall, grades 9-12). I helped with PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation (8-12) since 1997. I was a high school teacher in Los Angeles since 1995. I have six years experience with college teaching (UIUC, 1989-1995). I was a bookkeeper-accountant with Stanford Daily Newspaper at Stanford University (1985-1989). I worked in bank operations and trusts (1971-1977).
Proofreading

Proofreading

I hold an MA in English Language and Literature and am ABD in Medieval English. I also hold full ELA certification in California and a new ELA and ESL certification in Massachusetts where I now reside. I tutor and teach English, as well as research and write professionally. I'd be happy to assist!
PSAT

PSAT

I have been tutoring standardized test preparation to students grades five through 12 since 1997. I can teach vocabulary acquisition, reading, critical thinking, American and British English grammar, American and European history, and writing. I have a long-held credentials, from 2008, in both California and now in Massachusetts. My number is 323-445-5717. Feel free to call or text anytime. I’m generally available from 10 AM to 2 PM EDT/EST. I look forward to hearing from you. Ms. Karen
Religion

Religion

I have passed my PhD preliminary examinations in Medieval English Language and Literature for which I studied Latin and Greek. My focus was Biblical and apocryphal literature in Old English, Latin, and Greek. I have read portions of the Vetus Latina, much of the Roman Catholic Church Fathers, and a wide array of Catholic and Protestant theological and philosophical texts, as well as the Quran and the major works of Hindu and Buddhism. I have a passable knowledge of Shinto customs, Voodooism, Rastafarianism, Native American religious thought, and other neolithic shamanistic and animistic concepts.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

Critical Reading SAT experience (12 years - Valley Torah HS, SmArT Christian Academy High School); 6 years - English Rhetoric and Composition, Literature, and Film (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign), 8 years -- AP Language & Composition and AP Literature & Composition, 12 experience English Language Arts. California Teaching Credential (Secondary) Single Subject English with Supplemental Areas K-12 & Adult. Professional Writer, Copy Editor, & Executive Editor - 8 years.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have been a professional writer who has also taught grammar and writing (business, journalism, non-fiction, fiction, theatre, and film) since 1977. As an English Language Arts secondary school teacher (CTC-SS ELA CLEAR K-12 and Adult, 2008, renewed 2013; renewable 2019), I have taught the following courses in Los Angeles private and charter school classrooms: ELA 9, 10, 12 AP; SAT & AP Prep, Valley Torah HS, Valley Village 1997-2000; ELA 9, 10, 11AP; AP Test Prep, Ferrahian HS, Encino 2001-2002; ELA 9-11H; SAT & AP Test Prep, SmArT Academy, Cerritos & Tujunga 2003-2005; ELA Teacher and Afterschool Test Prep, Gertz-Ressler HS, Pico-Union 2005-2009; ELA 5-12, Math 7-10, SAT & AP Prep, SmArT Academy, Tujunga 2009-2011; SAT Prep and Writing Teacher, Gateway Academy, La Crescenta 2012-2014. Since the skills necessary to do well on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT correlate directly with performance in college courses, I have always believed that teaching students how to do well on college entrance examinations improves their critical reading, thinking, grammar, and writing skills and gives them a better chance in college. Having taught individual and integrated SAT courses full time during summers in the past (2003-2011), I know what to teach and require and how to support each student's learning based on his or her specific strength's and weaknesses. I prefer to teach SAT preparation holistically because the synergy of improvement in vocabulary, reading, and grammar improves student writing performance more quickly that writing instruction and practice alone. I do, however, have a well-developed SAT Writing instructional booklet and lesson plan that I use with contracted students.
Social Studies

Social Studies

I have taken many undergraduate courses in US and Modern British history and have successfully tutored Social Studies at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as AP US History many times. I have a real interest in the topics and have a strong knowledge of Native American culture.
Special Needs

Special Needs

I have taught special needs (qualified SE for a wide variety of reasons) in private and charter middle and high schools in Los Angeles since 1995, as well as in a university setting (UIUC, 1989-1995). My California Teaching Credential (SS - ELA, CLEAR K-12 and Adult) required that I complete three special education courses at UCLA and NULA, and I have served as the ELA SE-GE teacher at three separate schools, and was designated to support one of my SE students through college and graduate school. (He now holds a BA from UC Berkeley and a MLS from UCLA.) On the whole, I have a very good track record teaching and tutoring special needs students, as well as a personal history that helps me appreciate their challenges with peers, teachers, and administrators: I have been partially disabled since age 17, and my daughter had grand mal seizures until age 18.
Spelling

Spelling

I am a highly qualified, English teacher with certifications K-12 and Adult in English Language Arts in California and in ELA and English as a Second Language in Massachusetts (ESL). I have touch spelling many times at mini grade levels from pre-kinder to adult. I also teach English speaking, listening, phonics, accent elimination reading, notetaking, study skills, rhetoric, logic, and writing. I have taught at all levels through an above university, including research.
SSAT

SSAT

I have taught standardized testing methods to youths and adults since 1997. I have done so in private college preparatory and after school test prep academies. I have been tutoring full-time since 2013. My teacher education and teaching certifications in California and Massachusetts are under 20 years old and still valid. Because I am a reading and writing specialist, My students experience, rapid learning and significant success.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I am a Certified English Teacher (K-12 & Adult) who taught grade nine from 1997 until 2009. My students were mostly bilingual, ESL, and ELD but performed on the proficient ELL level by the end of their course studies with me because I incorporated study skills, organizational methods, and executive decision-making into my course instruction. From 2005 to 2009, my students came into my grade 9 course with an average of the 34 percentile of grade level. When they left, they were testing at an average of 68 percentile of grade level, and my top third were averaging in the 80th percentile, not bad for one year! I believe that a teacher's first business is not to assign and grade work but to teach the skills that students need to become lifelong learners, to self-affirm for disciplined, executive functioning, and to build organizational skills that allow them time to be creative, imaginative learners.
Theater

Theater

I studied theatre in junior and high school (Hollywood High School Theatre Production) for four years, performed Shakespeare in the University of Illinois campus theater, taught theatre history and analysis in university, AP, and regular high school courses, helped actors preparing for auditions select their materials, coached them during preparation, and have had a SAG actor as a housemate for six years and a stage actress for two.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I have helped SAT, ACT, AP, TOEFL, GRE, CBEST preparation since 1995. I have twenty years experience teaching English language and literature. I have a California Teaching Credential in English language arts, K-12 & adult. I have a business, technical, and creative writing & editing speciality (international, structural, transformational, and generative grammar; process writing; formal essay; business writing applications; plays and screenplays, dramaturgy; poetry; literary interpretation, semantics, and semiology).
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I tutored ESL programs while still in high school. I taught bilingual students in Southern California for 15 years, from 1995 to 2011, including AP, English, and SAT/ACT in Private and public schools, after school and weekend academies. I have acted as a master teacher, tutoring all ages of students K through adults, including English and Spanish teachers since 2007. I hold two teaching certifications: 8-12 ELA and ESL in Massachusetts, and a K-12 & Adult ELA certification in California.
World History

World History

I am an experienced and certificated English teacher with substantial academic experience in American, English, European, and world history (social, religious, economic, ideological, and geopolitical). I also have extensive teaching and professional experience in research and research writing. I have tutored and taught World History and AP World History in academy classrooms and in private study many times for many years with excellent results. I focus on learning content acquisition, student comprehension, analysis, and synthesis of primary and secondary sources, appropriate use of MLA, APA, or Turbian-Chicago styles, and especially student assessment skills with emphasis on test question comprehension and analysis for writing, multiple choice wrong word elimination, and written response techniques.
Writing

Writing

I am a highly qualified English teacher and private tutor who specializes in writing instruction, college personal statement essays and applications for twenty years. I have taught AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, and English regular and honors courses grades five through twelve (in Los Angeles private college preparatory and public high schools) since 1995. My California Teaching Credential is recent and active. Early in my career, before my daughter was born, I worked as a professional writer and editor for national publications and then taught six years of writing and literature courses at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and CSUN. (My daughter, twenty-one, is now a graduate student on academic scholarship in Massachusetts.) In addition to teaching (and tutoring) English Language Arts, I have been providing my private students with instruction in Core Subjects and Study Skills (Science, Math, History, and English K-11), SAT, ACT, AP, GRE Preparation, and College Admissions Support Services for over 15 years. My Curriculum Vitae and Personal References are available to prospective clients upon telephone request. Feel free to contact me with questions via email, text, or voice.
Elementary Science
GED
Microsoft PowerPoint
Reading

Examples of Expertise

Karen has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 6 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Response time: 1 hour

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (502 ratings)
5 star
(466)
4 star
(26)
3 star
(6)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(3)

Reviews

Experienced and patient tutor

My rising junior daughter had her first ACT English lesson with Karen. She was very patient with her and reviewed the questions in the English section that my daughter was having problems with. Karen has a lot of experience with teaching English and is very thorough. We look forward to the follow up lesson with her.

Bageshri, 1 lesson with Karen

BRILLIANT TEACHER

It was not an easy task for my son, who had devoted the past nine years solely to only baseball, to prepare his college admission essay on his own. As summer break was coming to an end in August, he began working with Karen to tackle this challenge. Writing a personal story that fit the essay prompts was particularly difficult for my son, who, like many kids today, is accustomed to smartphones—devices that provide instant answers rather than requiring deep thinking and multiple revisions. However, after reading numerous reviews, I concluded that Karen was the right tutor for him, given her diverse background and experience. Karen guided him through the brainstorming process, encouraging him to think independently. She helped him refine his unstructured and inconsistent writing by leading him to read and organize his own work. Thanks to her support, his essay was completed well ahead of the early admission deadline, allowing him to submit his college applications without stress. Karen’s expertise and extensive experience made a significant impact on my son, serving as a valuable source of guidance and inspiration. If you are looking for a tutor to help with AP English or college essay preparation, Karen is the one you need.

Jiyoung, 58 lessons with Karen

Great teacher!

My son will continue to study English from Karen! She is a great teacher. I hope my son can make a big progress under Karen's guidance. He is excited for the next lesson.

Rose, 2 lessons with Karen

Gifted Teacher

I feel deeply honored to have met Ms. Karen, whose professionalism and vast knowledge truly impress me. Initially, we only intended to have her teach our child writing, but as time went by, we discovered that she offered so much more. Ms. Karen's English teaching system is comprehensive and in-depth, covering everything from vocabulary to grammar, reading, and writing. Each lesson is filled with fun and inspiration. My fourth-grade child is always enthusiastic in her classes, reluctant to leave when the session ends, as if they were in a magical chamber of knowledge. Even more surprising is that Ms. Karen not only focuses on imparting knowledge, but also on teaching children learning methods and techniques. She introduces children to various advanced learning resources and tools, allowing them to take control of their learning in a pleasant and enjoyable environment. Now, my child has developed a profound interest in reading and eagerly awaits Ms. Karen's classes every week. This is not only due to Ms. Karen's profound teaching skills, but also her ability to spark and guide a child's enthusiasm for learning. I sincerely thank Ms. Karen for her hard work and dedication. She is not only an excellent teacher, but also a mentor and good friend on our child's path to growth.

Marissa, 20 lessons with Karen

Above and beyond

We found Karen when we had reached total panic. With 1 week left of high school, our son was about to fail English and risk his admission to a great college. Karen spent much (a lot!) of the weekend with him, late into her evenings. Our son ended strong, raising a letter grade in two classes. He was very engaged by his meetings and enjoyed working with Karen. We look forward to her support with Executive Function Coaching (EFC) over the summer, and with college writing in the fall. Thank you Karen for going above and beyond for us!

David, 3 lessons with Karen

SAT English and reading prep

Karen was terrific...highly recommend her...she really helped my son prepare for the English and reading section of the SAT. Very Flexible and prompt...Thank you...Anthony

Anthony, 2 lessons with Karen

Very Accommodating!

Karen reviewed the correct pronunciation of names and words for the pronunciation guide of a novel. She also provided a helpful worksheet that could be used for future reference.

Leo, 1 lesson with Karen

SSAT tutor

Karen is a very patient tutor. My niece enjoyed working with Karen preparing for the SSAT. Karen is knowledgeable and takes the time with the student to ensure they thoroughly understand the topics.

Shawn, 1 lesson with Karen

Patient tutor

Karen is very patient with my daughter. She got a plan to tailor to my daughter’s level. Karen is very flexible. She takes the time to listen to my daughter’s needs.

Siyu, 5 lessons with Karen

Knowledgeable and Professional tutor

Karen was able to assess my daughter's strengths and weaknesses. Karen was very warm, patient, and has an overall understanding of everything related to math. She gave us a plan for success and we look forward to working with her.

Monica, 1 lesson with Karen
Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 1 hour
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