I have been an English teacher for 19 years and for the past 11 have worked primarily with high school seniors across a wide range of ability levels. I work with students who need support developing and organizing ideas, constructing clear arguments, using evidence effectively, and gaining greater control over sentence structure and expression. With more advanced students, I focus on developing sophisticated analysis, strengthening argument and style, and helping them move beyond competent...
I have been an English teacher for 19 years and for the past 11 have worked primarily with high school seniors across a wide range of ability levels. I work with students who need support developing and organizing ideas, constructing clear arguments, using evidence effectively, and gaining greater control over sentence structure and expression. With more advanced students, I focus on developing sophisticated analysis, strengthening argument and style, and helping them move beyond competent writing toward writing that is purposeful, nuanced, and distinctly their own. I also have extensive experience preparing advanced and AP students for college-level reading, writing, and analysis. I hold a B.A. in English Literature from Eastern University and an M.A. in Humanities from Penn State University. I also hold a certificate from the Denver Publishing Institute at the University of Denver and a Pennsylvania Level II teaching certificate in English, grades seven through twelve.
Throughout my career, I have taught writing, creative writing, literature, and literary analysis in both classroom and individualized settings. My approach begins with the student rather than simply the assignment. I help students identify what they want to say, develop their ideas through conversation and questioning, and learn to express those ideas with greater clarity, organization, and confidence. My goal is not simply to improve one piece of writing, but to help students become more independent and thoughtful writers.
I also work with students on college application essays and personal statements. I believe the strongest writing comes from helping students discover what is genuinely worth saying about themselves rather than manufacturing an essay they think an admissions committee wants to hear. Whether we are working on an academic essay, literary analysis, or college application, I see my role as helping students develop an authentic voice while giving them the practical tools to communicate effectively.
