Multi-Certified Teacher: Admissions Coaching, Test Prep, Gen. Ed.

Becky H.

ACT English

I help students prepare for the ACT English section by strengthening grammar knowledge, editing skills, and sentence structure awareness. My instruction focuses on the conventions of standard written English, including punctuation, agreement, and clarity in written expression. Students also learn strategies for identifying patterns in ACT questions and approaching passages efficiently under timed conditions. Through targeted practice and guided instruction, students improve both accuracy and confidence on the exam.

ACT Reading

I prepare students for the ACT Reading section by strengthening close reading skills, analytical reasoning, and efficient test-taking strategies. Students learn how to quickly identify key information in passages, recognize common question patterns, and manage time effectively under exam conditions. My instruction combines guided reading practice with targeted strategy development to improve both accuracy and pacing. Through structured practice and feedback, students build confidence navigating complex passages and answering questions efficiently.

College Counseling

As a private academic admissions coach with year of advising experience, I bring both academic and organizational expertise to college counseling. My background includes guiding students through SAO and Common App and supplemental essay development, application planning, and building a cohesive personal narrative that authentically reflects their strengths and experiences. Drawing on my training and certifications in writing instruction and individualized student support, I help students approach deadlines, school selection, and self-presentation with clarity and confidence.

Common Core

As a New Jersey licensed educator holding three active teaching certifications spanning elementary and middle school, I have deep hands-on experience designing and implementing curriculum fully aligned to Common Core standards. I have worked within a public charter school environment subject to strict state compliance and reporting requirements, giving me a thorough understanding of how Common Core expectations translate into daily instruction and assessment. My certifications cover Elementary Education (K-6), Language Arts and Literacy Specialization (Grades 5-8), and Science Specialization (Grades 5-8), allowing me to support students across a wide range of subjects and grade levels. I help students build the foundational skills and critical thinking abilities that Common Core demands, while making the material accessible and engaging.

COOP/HSPT

With direct experience coordinating alongside classroom teachers to prepare students for Catholic and parochial high school entrance exams, I have a proven track record of delivering measurable results for my students. I have an in-depth understanding of the HSPT and COOP exams, including the specific question types, format, timing, and scoring across all tested subjects: verbal skills, reading, math, and language. My approach goes beyond content review, equipping students with powerful test-taking strategies such as process of elimination, time management, and pacing that can make a significant difference on exam day. As a multi-certified NJ teacher, I bring both the academic expertise and the instructional skill to meet each student where they are and guide them toward their target score.

Creative Writing

As a multi-certified New Jersey teacher, I bring years of classroom experience helping students develop their voice and craft compelling narratives across multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, and personal essay. I have guided students through every stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting, revising, and polishing a final piece. My approach focuses on building both technical writing skills and creative confidence, ensuring students not only meet academic standards but also find joy in self-expression. Whether working with beginners or advanced writers, I tailor each session to the individual student's goals and skill level.

Elementary (K-6th)

As a New Jersey state-licensed Elementary School Teacher (Grades K-6), I have hands-on experience designing and delivering standards-aligned curriculum within a public charter school held to rigorous state compliance and reporting standards. My instruction spans the full K-6 range, with additional specialization in Language Arts and Literacy for Grades 5-8, allowing me to support students through the critical transition from elementary to middle school. I hold three active NJ teaching certifications, reflecting my commitment to maintaining the highest level of professional qualification across multiple subject areas and grade levels. Whether working on foundational literacy, numeracy, or science concepts, I bring a structured, student-centered approach that meets each child where they are and moves them forward.

English

As a New Jersey state-licensed teacher with multiple certifications, I have extensive experience teaching English and Language Arts across elementary and middle school grade levels. My instruction focuses on reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and clear written communication. I help students strengthen their understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and literary structure while building confidence in both academic and creative writing. My goal is to help students develop strong literacy skills that support success across all subject areas.

ESL/ESOL

I help ESL/ESOL students strengthen their English language skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. As a certified language arts teacher, I focus on building clear communication skills while supporting students in understanding academic English used in school settings. My instruction emphasizes vocabulary development, sentence structure, reading comprehension, and confident written expression. Through patient, supportive instruction, I help students build the language skills and confidence needed for academic success.

Essay Writing

As a New Jersey state-certified educator holding an active certification in Language Arts and Literacy for Grades 5-8, essay writing instruction is a core component of my professional teaching background. My classroom experience includes designing and delivering standards-aligned writing instruction that spans academic essays, argumentative writing, and exam-based composition, giving me a strong foundation across the full range of contexts in which students need writing support. I help students develop clear organizational structures, build and support arguments with evidence, and refine their work through targeted revision strategies. Whether a student is working on a school assignment, a standardized test response, or a college admissions essay, I bring the same structured, feedback-driven approach that I apply in my certified teaching practice.

Executive Functioning

As a New Jersey state-certified educator with formal training in special education and learning support, executive functioning coaching is a clear extension of my professional teaching background. With a background in public education teaching, I hold advanced knowledge of executive functioning skill areas including task initiation, working memory, organization, time management, and metacognition, and I help students build practical, individualized systems that translate directly into improved academic performance. Drawing on my three active NJ teaching certifications and my background in differentiated instruction, I support students in developing the independence and self-advocacy skills they need to manage their academic responsibilities with confidence and consistency. I have years of experience tutoring executive functioning skills, both exclusively and incorporated into academic tutoring.

Fiction Writing

As a New Jersey state-certified educator with an active Language Arts and Literacy certification for Grades 5-8, narrative and creative writing instruction is a core component of my professional teaching background. My classroom experience includes guiding students through the full writing process, from generating ideas and developing characters and plot to refining voice, dialogue, and descriptive language through targeted revision. I bring a structured yet imaginative approach to fiction writing that balances craft instruction with creative freedom, helping students find their own voice while building the technical skills that make storytelling compelling and effective. Whether working with a reluctant writer or a student looking to deepen an existing passion for storytelling, I draw on my certified teaching experience to meet each student where they are and help them grow as a creative writer.

Grammar

I provide structured grammar instruction that helps students understand how language works and apply those rules in their writing. As a certified language arts teacher, I have years of experience teaching grammar in the context of both classroom instruction and individualized tutoring. Students learn sentence structure, punctuation, and editing strategies that improve clarity and accuracy in written communication. I emphasize practical application so students can confidently revise and strengthen their own writing.

Handwriting

I support elementary students in developing strong handwriting skills that support early literacy and written expression. My instruction focuses on proper letter formation, spacing, and writing fluency to help students build confidence and comfort with written work. As a certified elementary teacher, I integrate handwriting practice with reading and writing instruction so students understand how written language functions as a whole. This approach helps young learners strengthen both fine motor skills and foundational literacy.

High School Placement Test

With direct experience coordinating alongside classroom teachers to prepare students for Catholic and parochial high school entrance exams, I have a proven track record of delivering measurable results for my students. I have an in-depth understanding of the HSPT and COOP exams, including the specific question types, format, timing, and scoring across all tested subjects: verbal skills, reading, math, and language. My approach goes beyond content review, equipping students with powerful test-taking strategies such as process of elimination, time management, and pacing that can make a significant difference on exam day. As a multi-certified NJ teacher, I bring both the academic expertise and the instructional skill to meet each student where they are and guide them toward their target score.

Interview Prep

As a private academic coach, I work one-on-one with students preparing for interviews as part of the private and parochial school admissions process, helping them present themselves with confidence and clarity. I guide students through the most common interview formats and question types, teaching them how to articulate their strengths, experiences, and goals in a compelling and age-appropriate way. Each session is tailored to the individual student, with practice rounds, constructive feedback, and strategies for managing nerves and thinking on their feet. My goal is to ensure every student walks into their interview feeling prepared, polished, and ready to make a strong first impression.

ISEE

As a New Jersey state-certified educator with active certifications in Elementary Education and Language Arts/Literacy, I bring a strong academic foundation to ISEE test preparation. My literacy and language arts background directly supports the verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and vocabulary demands that are central to the ISEE exam. I help students develop passage analysis strategies, build academic vocabulary, and approach complex multiple-choice question types with structured, test-specific techniques. Drawing on my classroom experience designing standards-aligned instruction, I tailor ISEE preparation to each student's current skill level and target score, ensuring they enter exam day with both the skills and the confidence to perform at their best.

Literature

I help students develop deeper understanding of literature through guided reading, discussion, and analytical thinking. As a certified language arts teacher, I have extensive experience teaching literary analysis, themes, character development, and textual interpretation. Students learn how to read closely, identify evidence in texts, and clearly articulate their ideas in writing. My approach builds both critical thinking and confidence when engaging with complex literary works.

Personal Statements

As a private academic coach, I work one-on-one with students to develop personal statements that are authentic, compelling, and tailored to the specific schools they are applying to. I guide students through every stage of the writing process, from identifying the right topic and finding their unique voice to drafting, revising, and polishing a final piece that stands out to admissions committees. With my background in Language Arts and Literacy, I bring both strong writing expertise and a keen editorial eye to each session, ensuring every personal statement is clear, well-structured, and memorable. My goal is to help each student tell their story in a way that genuinely reflects who they are and makes a lasting impression.

Phonics

I provide structured phonics instruction that helps young readers develop strong decoding and word recognition skills. As a certified elementary school teacher, I have extensive experience teaching foundational literacy skills aligned with New Jersey state standards. My instruction focuses on phonemic awareness, decoding strategies, and reading fluency to support confident early readers. I tailor lessons to meet each student’s developmental level while reinforcing a positive and encouraging learning environment.

PSAT

I help students prepare for the PSAT by strengthening the core reading and writing skills tested on the exam. My instruction focuses on close reading, grammar conventions, and evidence-based reasoning within standardized test passages. Students also learn effective pacing strategies, question analysis, and process-of-elimination techniques. Through guided practice and targeted feedback, students gain confidence and familiarity with the structure of the exam.

Reading

I help students build strong reading comprehension skills through close reading, guided discussion, and targeted strategy instruction. As a certified language arts teacher, I have extensive experience supporting students at a wide range of reading levels. My lessons focus on decoding, vocabulary development, and critical thinking to help students engage more deeply with texts. I work to build both confidence and independence so students become stronger, more thoughtful readers.

SAT Reading

I help students prepare for the SAT Reading section by developing strong close reading and analytical reasoning skills. My instruction focuses on identifying textual evidence, interpreting complex passages, and recognizing common question patterns used on the exam. Students also learn pacing strategies and methods for efficiently analyzing passages under timed conditions. Through guided practice and targeted feedback, students gain the confidence and strategies needed to succeed on the SAT.

Spelling

I help students strengthen spelling skills through structured word study and phonics-based instruction. My lessons focus on spelling patterns, word families, and vocabulary development to build long-term literacy skills. As a certified elementary teacher, I integrate spelling instruction with reading and writing practice so students understand how words function within language. This approach helps students become more confident writers and readers.

SSAT

I prepare students for the SSAT by strengthening reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and analytical reasoning skills. Instruction focuses on close reading strategies, verbal reasoning development, and familiarity with the structure of SSAT question types. Students also learn effective pacing, time management, and process-of-elimination strategies for multiple-choice questions. Through structured practice and guided instruction, students build both the academic skills and confidence needed to perform successfully on this competitive entrance exam.

Study Skills

I work with students to develop strong study habits and executive functioning skills that support long-term academic success. My instruction focuses on organization, time management, task planning, and effective note-taking strategies. Students learn practical systems for managing assignments, preparing for tests, and approaching complex academic tasks with confidence. These skills help students become more independent learners both in and outside the classroom.

Vocabulary

I help students expand vocabulary through structured word study, reading analysis, and context-based learning strategies. My instruction emphasizes understanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes to help students decode unfamiliar words and strengthen language comprehension. These skills support reading fluency, writing clarity, and success on standardized tests. Lessons are tailored to each student’s level while encouraging curiosity about language and word meaning.

Writing

I help students develop strong writing skills through structured instruction in organization, clarity, and effective communication. As a certified language arts teacher, I have extensive experience guiding students through the writing process from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revision. Students learn how to develop clear arguments, support ideas with evidence, and refine their writing through thoughtful editing. My goal is to help students become confident, capable writers across academic subjects.