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Career Counseling/ Self-Publishing & Writing Help / Chess / Piano
Victoria G.

5.0 (431 ratings)

920 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $75
Contact Victoria
Response time: 23 minutes

About Victoria

Bio

I am a publishing coach, writer, certified elementary teacher and mentor, certified personal and career coach, chess instructor, and piano teacher.

WRITING & PUBLISHING
I’ve published over a dozen award-winning books and worked for ten years with Columbia University’s Literacy Project, where I served as a model classroom instructor for literacy instruction. I offer expert guidance in both traditional and self-publishing, as well as writing development and manuscript...

I am a publishing coach, writer, certified elementary teacher and mentor, certified personal and career coach, chess instructor, and piano teacher.

WRITING & PUBLISHING
I’ve published over a dozen award-winning books and worked for ten years with Columbia University’s Literacy Project, where I served as a model classroom instructor for literacy instruction. I offer expert guidance in both traditional and self-publishing, as well as writing development and manuscript preparation.

COACHING
As a certified life coach and twice-certified national mentor, I also hold certificates in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnotherapy. My specialties include career coaching, résumé building, interview preparation, and support through career transitions.

PIANO
With a strong musical background, including recording experience and experience accompanying church orchestras, I offer structured and patient instruction tailored to adults and transfer students. I use the Faber Piano Adventures curriculum and can prepare students for RCM or ABRSM exams if desired. For those not pursuing formal exams, I provide a broad, engaging curriculum. Currently welcoming students ages 8 and up.

CHESS
Chess is featured in many of my children’s books! I’ve taught chess since 2007, hold a certificate in Chess Education from UT Dallas, and teach both children and adults. I welcome beginners and players rated up to 1200, whether learning for competition or personal growth.
I’d be happy to support your learning goals—feel free to reach out!

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Education

BA and BS, Pace University
Professional Studies
Hofstra University
MEd
University of Texas at Dallas
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Career Development

Career Development

My upbeat career/personal coaching will help you construct attainable goals and reach them through an individualized game plan. My specialties include working with job/career changers, individuals looking to reinvent their lives, and individuals entering the workforce or returning to school. Sometimes you just need a neutral professional to be your sounding board and help you sort out your thoughts -- I can be that person. Before changing my own profession to education, I was an advertising manager in NYC, where for over ten years I interviewed and hired the best-qualified candidates after sorting through hundreds of resumes and cover letters. In addition to coaching you, I offer mock interviews using behavioral questions as may be posed by a recruiter or HR/interviewer and will provide you with immediate feedback on how you can improve your answers and presentation. I am a licensed educator, certified life coach (CTA), and hold certificates in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Massachusetts General Hospital) and Mentoring (New Teacher Center). Let's schedule our first meeting and immediately start to assess the quality of your cover letters, resumes, interviewing strengths/challenges, identify the right career path (if you are looking for a change), sort out your thoughts, plan a return to school (if desired), and identify goals and next steps. I look forward to hearing from you! Please note, for life coaching, I work with ages 18+ only.
Chess

Chess

I am a certified elementary teacher, a long-time chess coach for young learners, and a specialist in making chess fun and accessible for beginners. I welcome new students and believe chess should be exciting, empowering, and full of discovery! Thanks to today’s technology, online chess lessons are more effective than ever. With no time lost to setting up boards, I jump right into engaging instruction, puzzles, and play. My lessons combine 1:1 guidance with professional analysis tools, interactive software, and fun video content. After every game, we’ll review your moves together to understand what worked—and what to improve. I hold a Master’s degree in education, a background check, and certification in chess instruction. I’ve run school chess clubs and integrated chess into the classroom since 2007. My students also receive 24/7 access to a KID-SAFE online chess platform, so the learning doesn’t stop after the lesson. Whether your child is just learning the rules or wants to grow into tournament play, I’m here to help them thrive in the exciting world of kings, queens, and clever strategy. Let’s get started!
Common Core

Common Core

Since common core's implementation, I have successfully instructed elementary school students in common core classwork, homework, and for exams in ELA and Mathematics. Last year, my students made two year's growth based on state testing results. I use curriculum and test prep based on common core standards. For example, I have delivered instruction using Envision Math, Eureka Math, GenReady, and currently EL Education and Engage NY.
Desktop Publishing

Desktop Publishing

I offer thoughtful critiques of manuscripts and covers, with services tailored to help your project shine. Whether you’re seeking detailed (and honest) feedback, polished revisions, or expert guidance on a query letter, I provide the support you need to take your work to the next level. As a trusted professional author as well as graphic artist and editor, I bring a fresh, experienced eye to your project before you self-publish or submit to agents. With a range of editing and revising options, I’ll help refine your work and give it its best chance for success. NOTE: I only work with projects that are clean or PG in content.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I've been teaching in public schools since 2006, including ten years in NYC. I specialize in reading and writing. We will meet the standards while using strategies that will be very engaging for the student. We also will spend time practicing grammar and mechanics as needed or directed. I was trained in and hold certificates from literacy workshops run by Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project, and I was an active, working part of that system for ten years. Many of my students have made two years of progress in one year with me based on state standard-based test results. In addition to being a certified teacher, I also hold certificates in gifted education, and in mentoring new teachers. I have taught online students (from at-risk students to gifted) since 2012. You will find me to be upbeat, patient, engaging, and understanding. I also offer piano and chess lessons. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

Offering math tutoring for third through fifth grade! Some of the curriculum/programs I've used include EveryDay Math, Envision Math, and Eureka Math (a common core based approach),
English

English

I've been teaching in public schools since 2006. I was trained in literacy studies for elementary students by Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project. Last year, my ELA students made two years of growth based on their state exam results. I have taught grades 2-5 full-time. I have also instructed online students (from at-risk students to gifted) since 2012. You will find me to be very upbeat, patient, engaging, and understanding. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
General Music

General Music

In addition to ten years of lessons with a concert pianist and holding a college concentration in Music, I have privately taught piano lessons, theory, sight-reading, technique, and performance since 2003. I have served for over ten years in music ministry, participating in choir, playing major cantatas with a church orchestra, coordinating a praise band, singing, playing, and transposing music. I also sang and was the keyboardist for an independent Christian band and recorded two CDs, and have worked coaching children with their singing in various musical productions. My full-time job is as a certified elementary teacher, and I've been teaching since 2006. Get in touch so we can have our first meeting to help you with your musical needs!
Grammar

Grammar

I've been teaching in public schools since 2006, including ten years in NYC. I specialize in teaching English Language Arts. We will learn, practice, and meet each standard as needed or directed. I was trained in and hold certificates from literacy workshops run by Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project, and I actively taught and had continual training in that Ivy League wonderfully organic methodology for ten years. In addition, I have a strong love for teaching grammar and mechanics (the rules of language, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling). Many of my students have made two years of progress in one year with me based on state standard-based test results. In addition to being a certified teacher, I also hold certificates in gifted education, and in mentoring new teachers. I have taught online students (from at-risk students to gifted) since 2012. You will find me to be upbeat, patient, engaging, and understanding. I also offer piano and chess lessons. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Handwriting

Handwriting

As a certified elementary teacher, I know first-hand that many of today's students have major penmanship challenges with both manuscript and cursive writing. Habits will be retaught and corrected, and we will move forward from there. The curriculum I use is Handwriting Without Tears, along with selected short enrichment activities of directed drawing (using similar strokes). Connecting writing (manuscript or cursive) with line drawing/art adds greater understanding and engagement for students. We will get started in our first session and decide together which books will be best for you to order so we can work together. My second overhead camera will allow student to see correct pencil grips and letter formations. I hope to hear from you soon so we can reserve you a timeslot!
Homeschool

Homeschool

Greetings! As a certified elementary teacher of all subjects, I've taught a gifted and talented program K-5 since 2007 and also offer private tutoring (daytime hours available). Academically, I tutor all language arts subjects including handwriting. I also teach chess and piano. (I hold a master's certificate/college concentration respectively in both topics). I've taught elementary school, piano, and chess for over 15 years. Please let me know how I can be of service to your child or homeschool group.
Music Theory

Music Theory

I have been a performer and recording artist (2 CDs) with a Christian band (Keyboard/Vocals), hold a professional teaching license and have been teaching theory and piano to students of all ages for over 15 years. Greetings! I have been a performer and recording artist (2 CDs) with a Christian band (Keyboard/Vocals), hold a professional teaching license and have been teaching theory and piano to students of all ages for over 15 years. My bachelor's degree from Pace University includes a concentration in music, I work with students on all levels, from physically or learning disabled to gifted, or any combination of all the above. Whether you are working your way through a college general music class of any kind, a theory class, want to practice your vocal part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) in a choir or chorus, or simply want to improve your knowledge and abilities in music, I hope you will contact me for an appointment! I work with students on all levels, from physically or learning disabled to gifted, or any combination of all the above. Whether you are working your way through a college general music class of any kind, a theory class, want to practice your vocal part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) in a choir or chorus, or simply want to improve your knowledge and abilities in music, I hope you will contact me for an appointment!
Piano

Piano

Accepting young students with 1 or more years experience preferred; adult beginners welcome. I have been teaching piano to both children and adults since 2003. After years of lessons from a concert pianist and a university concentration in music, I have served as a pianist for a church orchestra, played with bands for over ten years, and recorded two CDs. Piano lessons online are FUN and engaging and provide opportunities that in-person lessons just don't allow. The beauty of Wyzant is no matter where you are located, you can have a certified and top-notch teacher working with you or your children in your own home, offering the latest technology, with no disruption or transportation concerns necessary. My lessons include theory, ear training, sight reading, technique, performance, and flexibility for enrichment depending on your musical preferences. My curriculum may include Faber Piano Adventures, and/or pieces from the syllabi for ABRSM and RCM. I am a registered ABRSM and RCM teacher, and, if desired, I can prepare any student for these or other leveled exams. Piano exams strengthen students' professionalism and qualifications for private schools and more. But please note that hobbyists/seniors/retirees are also welcome, and no exams are required of anyone! The lessons will be based on your wants. During our first session, we will talk about your goals, make a game plan that will work, and you will start to learn immediately. Transfer students are welcome; I'll pick up where your last teacher left off and build from there. Families of young beginners: Save money by sharing an hour for two students in the same household. Patience is one of my virtues; I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Praxis

Praxis

When I moved from NYC to a different state, although I had taught for ten years, I was still required to take three Praxis Exams to secure my new permanent teaching license. I prepared myself and passed with an above-average score on all three Praxis exams the first time I took them. Praxis Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction Assessment Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge Teaching Reading: Elementary Education I am a certified mentor of new teachers as well as a personal coach.
Proofreading

Proofreading

As an experienced proofreader/editor/critiquer/writer of children's books and an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators), I can prepare your works in progress and your queries for submission to agents and/or publishers. If you wish to self-publish, I can take you through that process as well. I offer you a variety of options, including a general summary of what you need to work on based on a sample (only a one-hour minimum!), substantive editing (organization and presentation), copy editing (adding a professional polish), and developmental editing (critiquing and guiding the big picture of your written work). Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult are my primary genres. I have two literacy certificates from Columbia, an Ivy League university, where I was part of a decade-long workshop project studying the art of reading and writing for children. Beginner writers are welcome. I look forward to supporting your masterpieces in progress!
Psychology

Psychology

Ready for a change or a fresh start? Let's make it happen! My coaching style is all about combining my certified training, hands-on experience, and a ton of know-how. I've dived into various case studies, sharpening my skills. Plus, I've got certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, life coaching, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy. Fun fact – I'm doubly certified in mentoring! This means I'm super-equipped to guide and empower you on your journey of transformation. Your route to positive change starts right here, with a coach packing a bunch of qualifications to fuel your dreams. Let's do this! 🚀
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

"Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident." (Dale Carnegie). Using the Toastmasters public speaking model, I will help you prepare the structure, content, and tone of your academic essays, and your business and public presentations. Let me help you connect with your audience, hold their attention, and present a takeaway reminding them of your central message. Since 2007, I have organized weekly Toastmaster meetings with students and have coached adults to create and improve upon their speeches and writing. Tony Robbins said, "It's what you practice in private that you will be rewarded for in public." Through our private tutoring sessions, you will be ready for your public. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Reading

Reading

Greetings! I've been teaching in public schools since 2006, including ten years in NYC. I specialize in reading, writing, and language instruction including spelling. I help my students learn, practice, and meet the standards while using strategies that are very engaging. We can also spend time practicing grammar and mechanics as needed or directed. I was trained in and hold certificates from literacy workshops run by Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project, and I was an active, working part of that system for ten years. Many of my students have made two years of progress in one year with me based on state standard-based test results. In addition to being a certified teacher, I also hold certificates in gifted education, and in mentoring new teachers. I have taught online students (from at-risk students to gifted) since 2012. You will find me to be upbeat, patient, engaging, and understanding. I also offer piano and chess lessons. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Spelling

Spelling

Let's improve your child's (or your) spelling this year! Activities will be fun and engaging and tailored to student needs. Each session we may focus on a group of words with a common pattern and improve our understanding of how words work. Vocabulary will also be gained by students. All materials used are highly vetted and adaptable to all grade levels/ages. I've been teaching in public schools since 2006, including ten years in NYC. I specialize in teaching English Language Arts. We will learn, practice, and meet each standard as needed or directed. I was trained in and hold certificates from literacy workshops run by Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project, and I actively taught and had continual training in that Ivy League wonderfully organic methodology for ten years. In addition, I have a strong love for teaching grammar and mechanics (the rules of language, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling). Many of my students have made two years of progress in one year with me based on state standard-based test results. In addition to being a certified teacher, I also hold certificates in gifted education, and in mentoring new teachers. I have taught online students (from at-risk students to gifted) since 2012. You will find me to be upbeat, patient, engaging, and understanding. I also offer piano and chess lessons. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

I am an experienced music teacher with years of experience singing in Christian bands and assisting vocalists with solos and choir parts. I'll help you find your vocal range, your natural sound, and mind-body connections to singing. We'll work on reading music, vocal techniques, and quickly include songs that bring you satisfaction to sing as part of your training. Let's get started soon!
Writing

Writing

Let me help you turn your great idea into a real book — one step at a time. I work with aspiring authors who want to write children’s books or clean reads (family-friendly fiction or nonfiction only). Whether you're starting from scratch or revising a draft, I can help with: ***Clarifying your concept ***Outlining your story or message ***Shaping a cohesive, engaging manuscript ***Critiquing your manuscript and offering edits and suggestions for improvement ***What to do next You’ll get practical support, honest feedback, and clear next steps. I also have tried-and-true recommendations for every stage of your journey — from editing to design and beyond. Let’s bring your book to life.
Phonics
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Victoria has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 5 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Victoria ’s answers ›
Victoria G.'s Photo

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Still have questions?

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Response time: 23 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (431 ratings)
5 star
(428)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Knowledgable and Great Review

Victoria did a great job reciewing my first children's book. New to this world, she gave me some great advice and suggestions that I had not previously thought of. Very helpful, and knowledgable.

Kevin, 2 lessons with Victoria

Excellent Piano Teacher

Victoria goes above & beyond in tutoring my 3 kids with their piano lessons since we started about a month or so ago. 2 of my kids use Faber curriculum & the other ABRSM. She’s very, considerate & flexible with booking schedules; knowledgeable & patient during lessons & detailed/ thorough with post lesson instructions and what needs to follow up on. So far, we’re very pleased to have her. Will continue to do lessons with her and expects my kids to be able to improve more on their piano skills & develop deeper love for music.

Josie, 37 lessons with Victoria

Knowledgeable, patient and expert tutor

Victoria has been tutoring our son for over a year. His chess playing ability has steadily improved under her tutelage. She’s very good at balancing teaching new skills and letting him enjoy the game. She’s encouraged him to join a chess club and play in tournaments. Her best strength is reviewing games he’s played online to see where he went wrong, but she is also quick to recognize where he had a great move. Highly recommended!

Sarah, 56 lessons with Victoria

Amazing tutor! Knowledgeable and patient

Victoria G. has been absolutely amazing in getting my daughter started with piano! She’s very patient and my daughter has already picked it up and is learning how to actually READ music! I would definitely recommend her as a tutor & we will be using her again as our needs change in the future as well since she tutors in a wide variety of areas!

Samantha, 40 lessons with Victoria

Knowledgeable and patience tutor/instructor

Awesome instructor and takes time to teach you each concept. She provides detailed understanding of each area of chess. Easy to learn the game and she understands your goal to learn the game.

Shirley , 6 lessons with Victoria

Knowledgeable, patient and creative tutor

Made terrific progress for a first lesson! Victoria had a solid grasp of chess and some resources for me to work on in between lessons. Looking forward to our next lesson.

George, 1 lesson with Victoria

Great piano teacher

My 8 years old daughter has been learning piano with Victoria for a few weeks. She absolutely likes it. Victoria is very nice and patient. She knows how to make the piano class interesting for kids. Highly recommend!

Mandy, 83 lessons with Victoria

Very helpful

Victoria really helped me think clearly and set up some goals that would move me toward where I want to be! She has a lot of experience and she was able to use her personal and professional experience to help me in the tutoring session!

Rob, 1 lesson with Victoria

Great piano teacher

My 8 years old daughter has been learning piano with Victoria for a few weeks. She absolutely likes it. Victoria is very nice and patient. She knows how to make the piano class interesting for kids. Highly recommend!

Mandy, 83 lessons with Victoria

So helpful

I enjoyed my lesson with Victoria immensely. She was able to give me, a complete novice, the confidence to continue singing. She helped me identify my range (alto) and she taught me the basics of pitch and key. She researched tools to assist me on this journey and sent them over after our lesson was complete. I am excited to continue working with her!

Evie, 2 lessons with Victoria
Hourly Rate: $75
Response time: 23 minutes
Contact Victoria