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Patient & Experienced English & Writing Teacher | Columbia Grad
Althea B.

5.0 (29 ratings)

57 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $70
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Response time: 13 hours

About Althea

Bio

I love teaching! Writing is my passion, and I truly enjoy helping students who need extra support. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked with learners from elementary through graduate level. My goal is always the same: to help students feel confident, capable, and even excited about their writing.

I hold an M.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education, with a dual focus in Teaching Children with Disabilities, from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Mass Communication with a minor...

I love teaching! Writing is my passion, and I truly enjoy helping students who need extra support. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked with learners from elementary through graduate level. My goal is always the same: to help students feel confident, capable, and even excited about their writing.

I hold an M.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education, with a dual focus in Teaching Children with Disabilities, from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Mass Communication with a minor in English.

My qualifications include:

- Certified Elementary Teacher and School Building Leader (SBL)

- Trained in Orton-Gillingham methods to support struggling readers

- Editor-in-Chief of my college student newspaper for over a year

- College Writing Tutor, assisting domestic and international students with essays and papers. I helped students strengthen sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and overall writing mechanics, and also provided English conversation support for non-native speakers.

- Writing Tutor and Teacher’s Assistant at Fordham University’s Upward Bound Program, providing one-on-one guidance for high school students under the supervision of Dr. G. Hodge, former principal of Frederick Douglass Academy.

- ABA Instructor for toddlers with autism and behavioral disorders, where I honed my patience and individualized teaching strategies.

- Teacher’s Assistant at a Bronx School for the Deaf, supporting children with multiple disabilities and using American Sign Language for communication.

While I take teaching seriously, I also bring a creative, fun approach to writing. Once students feel engaged and supported, the “fear” of writing naturally disappears, replaced by curiosity and confidence.

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Education

University of Bridgeport, CT
Mass Communication
Teachers College, Columbia University
Masters
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $70
  • Rate details: Group rates are available and may be discussed prior to scheduling.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ADHD

ADHD

As a Special Education Teacher, I have had the opportunity to work with students with all kinds of physical and learning differences. This includes ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disability, etc.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I am certified in Teaching children with [dis]abilities. Prior to becoming a classroom teacher, I worked for an Early Intervention program that focused on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I have experience teaching children with Learning Differences, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ADD, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disabilities, Behavioral challenges, etc. I enjoy working with students with special needs because I have not only developed immense patience, but also multiple strategies to help meet their learning needs.
Debate

Debate

I first discovered debate in high school, continued competing in college, and years later returned to the activity as a Debate Coach. My experience spans Lincoln-Douglas, Parliamentary, and Public Forum styles. I coached Parliamentary-style debate at a summer camp for elementary and middle school students, and later became my school’s first-ever Debate Coach. In that role, I guided the 4th and 5th grade team in Public Forum debate, leading them to a strong showing at a district tournament. What makes this journey so meaningful to me is personal: I was once voted “shyest student” in middle school. Debate gave me the tools to find my voice, build confidence, and think critically — skills I now pass on to my students. My coaching approach emphasizes clear communication, persuasive argumentation, and, most importantly, the confidence to express ideas boldly and fearlessly.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a certified teacher in Elementary Education and Special Education. The knowledge I have gained tutoring and teaching has truly propelled my instruction skills. I have had experience providing instruction in-person, as well as online, and have been able to successfully provide my students with engaging lessons.
English

English

I minored in English while in college. I was also the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, so I've had experience guiding prospective journalists/writers in the right direction when it comes to English.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

During my time as a writing tutor at the Academic Resource Center, I encountered numerous International students. There were many students in the ESL program, and some of those who were not, still had trouble speaking or writing the English language. I had the opportunity to work-on-one with International students who benefited from my engaging conversation sessions (which was meant to enhance their language skills) and my assistance with their essays/papers. Having a roommate from China and another from Vietnam who were in the ESL program at my university also helped me to develop even more patience and in turn assist them with proper English speaking skills and show them English can be fun.
Grammar

Grammar

When I was a writing tutor at my university, one of my goals was to make sure that the students' essays/papers contained proper grammar and contained no careless mistakes. I'm very thorough when it comes to writing, and have a quick eye when it comes to improper grammar.
Hard of Hearing

Hard of Hearing

I am a certified Special Education Teacher. Prior to becoming a Teacher, I worked as a Teacher's Assistant in a School for the Deaf. I had the opportunity to work with students who were Hard of Hearing and Deaf. At that point in time, I was an emerging Level 3 signer and was able to have basic conversations. When I became a Classroom Teacher I had a student who was Hard of Hearing. This experience allowed me to understand her perspective through her eyes, as well as through conversations with her Hearing Teacher. I was able to quickly adjust, and ensure that her 4th grade experience was as normal for her as possible.
Literature

Literature

I love reading. The bookstore is definitely my "candy store." I will know how to guide my student in finding the literary elements, main conflict, theme, etc.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I was the Student Affairs Editor for one year, Editor-in-Chief for a year and a half, and writing tutor for 2 years, so proofreading has become second nature to me. I have always been a thorough writer and reader, and I am very capable of helping those I tutor become more thorough as well.
PSAT

PSAT

I can assist with only the reading and writing sections.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I was a member of my High School Debate Team in an effort to overcome my timidity. I stuck with it for 4 years and it truly was one of the best decisions I made. Two years after taking a public speaking class, at my university, I was able to put what I learned to action during my role as Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper. After researching public speaking techniques on my own and conducting the weekly newspaper meetings in front of over 25 faces, I became more comfortable. Years later, as a 4th grade Teacher, I became the Debate Coach at my school for the 4th and 5th graders. I loved it so much that I decided to be a Debate instructor for a Summer Debate Camp in which I had the chance to teach Elementary, Middle, and High School students effective Debating/Public Speaking skills. Since I know what it's like to hate speaking in public, but grow to enjoy it, it will be easier for my students to understand how they can break free from public speaking jitters.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I remember prepping for the SAT and jumping right to the writing section. I was probably the only student that actually enjoyed it. I have been tutoring English/writing for years, and am aware of the curve balls the SAT throws in the Writing section. I also will make sure that the SAT essay is no longer a mind-boggling challenge.
Sign Language

Sign Language

I am a certified Special Education Teacher. Prior to becoming a Teacher, I worked as a Teacher's Assistant in a School for the Deaf. I had the opportunity to work with students who were Hard of Hearing and Deaf. At that point in time, I was an emerging Level 3 signer and was able to have basic conversations. I have experience tutoring students who want to learn basic American Sign Language. Additionally, I have experience translating songs via ASL, at several Sunday services.
Special Needs

Special Needs

I am certified in Teaching children with [dis]abilities. I have experience teaching children with Learning Differences, Autism, ADHD, ADD, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disabilities, Behavioral challenges, etc. I enjoy working with students with special needs because I have not only developed immense patience, but also multiple strategies to help meet their learning needs.
Study Skills

Study Skills

In my blog, I discuss the pros and cons of various study methods. There's no doubt that students (especially those in college) will experience stress--some more than others. I had to improve my own study skills and this ultimately led me to move from the Dean's List to the President's List. I will show students of all ages the importance of time management and that studying CAN be fun.
TOEFL

TOEFL

Working one-on-one with International students, during my time as a tutor in the Academic Resource Center, was a rewarding one. Many came to me in need of assistance with the English language, whether in speaking or writing. During the time I was roommates with a student from China and another from Vietnam (who were in the ESL program at my university) I was able to help them both prepare for mid-term and final exams, as well as writing and grammar assignments.
Writing

Writing

I have had years of experience tutoring writing. I started tutoring elementary students and then while in college I joined the Academic Resource Center community and became a writing tutor for Undergraduate students. Numerous students booked hundreds of appointments with me, because they knew I was very patient, and explained essay techniques in ways they could understand. I am currently an Elementary Teacher but have assisted students of all ages with their writing. From Elementary to Graduate School, to Professionals in need of assistance to enhance their writing and grammar skills.
ACT English
Elementary Science
Microsoft PowerPoint
Reading
Vocabulary
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Response time: 13 hours

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (29 ratings)
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4 star
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Reviews

The Best Tutor!!!!!

Thanks to Althea I was able to confidently take my writing exam. She gave me the skills and preparation that I needed for the exam.

Emely, 12 lessons with Althea
Hourly Rate: $70
Response time: 13 hours
Contact Althea