Students come to me with ideas. They leave with the words, the structure—and the confidence—to express them. With 25+ years of teaching experience, I specialize in English, academic writing, literary analysis, AP English Language, and IB Theory of Knowledge. Teaching at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Saltus Grammar School in Bermuda, and TASIS in Switzerland broadened my perspective on education and students’ experiences. I hold an English Education degree, have training and experience in...
Students come to me with ideas. They leave with the words, the structure—and the confidence—to express them. With 25+ years of teaching experience, I specialize in English, academic writing, literary analysis, AP English Language, and IB Theory of Knowledge. Teaching at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Saltus Grammar School in Bermuda, and TASIS in Switzerland broadened my perspective on education and students’ experiences. I hold an English Education degree, have training and experience in special and gifted education, and am a current IB TOK essay and exhibition examiner with over a decade of examining experience.
My tutoring approach connects students’ interests, strengths, and challenges with course expectations. As an onsite gifted-education coordinator, I supported advanced learners and coached North Carolina Governor’s School applicants on essays and interview preparation. That work reinforced my commitment to combining intellectual challenge with individualized guidance.
We begin with the student’s goals, assignment, and a sample of their work. We identify priorities: understanding a prompt, developing an argument, organizing ideas, analyzing evidence, or writing within a time limit. I model strategies, guide practice, and adjust support as students become more independent. Close reading and discussion help them move beyond a safe answer toward deeper analysis and precise expression.
Assessment criteria provide direction without replacing original thinking. One AP English Language student scored a 2 on my initial assessment. Together, we developed a study plan combining essay instruction with independent practice. She committed several hours each week to the plan and earned a 5 on the year-end AP exam.
Whether we are strengthening an English essay or exploring a TOK question, students remain the authors of their work. I teach, question, model, and provide feedback—not arguments or submissions. My goal is stronger writing, greater confidence, and skills students can carry into their next assignment.
