Search
Joe K.'s Photo

Expert English & Writing Tutor, Former College Writing Teacher
Joe K.

0.0 (0 ratings)

2 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Joe

About Joe

Bio

I’m an experienced English educator and writing coach with a passion for helping students express their ideas clearly, confidently, and with purpose. Currently, I serve as an instructor of English composition at the college level and an academic & test prep tutor for a premium tutoring company in Pittsburgh. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, where I taught first-year composition and literature for several years, earning top evaluations for clarity, feedback, and...

I’m an experienced English educator and writing coach with a passion for helping students express their ideas clearly, confidently, and with purpose. Currently, I serve as an instructor of English composition at the college level and an academic & test prep tutor for a premium tutoring company in Pittsburgh. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, where I taught first-year composition and literature for several years, earning top evaluations for clarity, feedback, and accessibility. I’ve also worked as a university writing tutor for years, guiding undergraduates, graduate students, and multilingual writers through every stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and organization to argumentation, clarity, and revision.

In tutoring sessions, I emphasize active learning and collaboration. Rather than simply correcting errors, I help students understand the “why” behind their choices so they can apply those insights independently in future work. I tailor my approach to each student’s goals and learning style—whether that means demystifying thesis statements for a high schooler, unpacking complex literary arguments for a college paper, or refining structure and tone in a graduate thesis.

I especially enjoy working with students on essay writing, literature, and creative writing (fiction is my jam!), and I also support advanced academic and professional writing projects, including master’s and doctoral work. My students describe me as patient, encouraging, and intellectually engaging. Above all, I want students to leave our sessions not only with stronger writing, but with greater confidence in their own voice and ideas.

New to this platform, so currently offering a discounted rate. Don't hesitate to contact me, even if you just want to talk and see if I'm the right fit!

Read more

Education

University of Notre Dame
Liberal Studies
George Mason University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: Free 1st session/consult! $60/hr for SAT tutoring $45/hr for other subjects Open to negotiating lower rates for multi-hour or recurring sessions - message me!
  • Lesson cancellation: 1 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Joe hasn’t set a schedule.

We’re having trouble loading this schedule right now. Please try again later.

Approved Subjects

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, where I was Fiction Editor for the journal Phoebe, and my writing has been published in a range of respected literary journals. I've also written three full novels (the third is now in final polishing), as well as creative nonfiction and poetry. Over the years, I’ve participated in and led many creative writing workshops—both in MFA settings and informal critique groups—experiences that have sharpened my editorial eye and my ability to give feedback that’s both honest and encouraging. I love helping writers at all levels strengthen their stories, poems, or essays by exploring and honing their creative vision. Whether you’re working on fiction, poetry, memoir or other creative nonfiction (including genre-less hybrids!), I can offer guidance grounded in real publishing and workshop experience.
English

English

I’ve taught and tutored English at both the high school and college levels, helping students strengthen their reading, writing, and language skills. With an MFA in Creative Writing and several years of university teaching experience, I’m well-versed in guiding students through literary analysis, essay writing, and grammar fundamentals. I’ve also worked extensively with multilingual learners, helping them build confidence and fluency in academic English. Whether you’re studying literature, preparing for exams, or aiming to express yourself more clearly in writing, I’ll meet you where you are and help you grow as a reader and communicator.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I’ve taught and tutored essay writing for students from high school through graduate school, helping them craft clear, compelling arguments and communicate their ideas effectively. As a former university writing instructor and writing center tutor, I’ve guided hundreds of students through every stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and outlining to revising for clarity and polish. I specialize in helping students strengthen their organization, thesis development, and analytical thinking while learning practical strategies they can apply to any future writing task. Whether you’re tackling a high school literary essay or a college research paper, I can help you write with confidence and purpose.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University, where I was Fiction Editor for the journal Phoebe, and my short fiction has been published in a range of respected literary journals. I've also written three full novels (the third is now in final polishing). Over the years, I’ve participated in and led many fiction workshops—both in MFA settings and informal critique groups—experiences that have sharpened my editorial eye and my ability to give feedback that’s both honest and encouraging. I love helping writers at all levels bring their stories to life through stronger structure, richer characterization, and more confident prose. Whether you’re working on a short story, a novel draft, or just starting to explore creative writing, I can offer guidance grounded in real publishing and workshop experience.
Literature

Literature

I love helping students discover that literature isn’t just something to analyze—it’s something to experience and enjoy. I’ve taught introductory college-level literature courses, and I work with both high school and college students on everything from close reading and essay writing to preparing for AP English exams. Together, we focus on developing the skills that make literary study rewarding: interpreting texts thoughtfully, supporting ideas with evidence, and writing about literature with clarity and insight. From Shakespeare to British novels to American fiction to modern poetry (and everything in between), I can help you understand literature more deeply and express your ideas with confidence!
Philosophy

Philosophy

I have been a student of philosophy (both formally and informally) for nearly 20 years. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame's Program of Liberal Studies, a rigorous interdisciplinary program focused on the study of the canonical texts of Western civilization in philosophy, theology, political theory, literature, and other disciplines. This program included multiple philosophy classes (on topics such as Philosophical Inquiry, Ethics, and Metaphysics & Epistemology). Since then, I have continued to read and learn about philosophy on my own and in connection with reading groups such as The Catherine Project and the Pittsburgh Continental Philosophy Network.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I am an SAT tutor trained and employed by a premium test prep company, but this is my personal rate (an unbeatable bargain!). I am experienced in tutoring the full test, including both Math and Reading/Writing, and my own SAT scores were in the 99th percentile. Outside of test prep tutoring, I'm also a teacher of writing and English with years of experience at the college level, and a former engineering student at a top-20 university--which is to say, I know my math, too. Message me if you want a thoughtful, encouraging, and top-scoring instructor to help you maximize your score potential!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I am an SAT tutor trained and employed by a premium test prep company, but this is my personal rate (an unbeatable bargain!). I am experienced in tutoring the full test, including both Math and Reading/Writing, and my own SAT scores were in the 99th percentile. Outside of test prep tutoring, I'm also a teacher of writing and English with years of experience at the college level, and a former engineering student at a top-20 university--which is to say, I know my math, too. Message me if you want a thoughtful, encouraging, and top-scoring instructor to help you maximize your score potential!
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I am an SAT tutor trained and employed by a premium test prep company, but this is my personal rate (an unbeatable bargain!). I am experienced in tutoring the full test, including both Math and Reading/Writing, and my own SAT scores were in the 99th percentile. Outside of test prep tutoring, I'm also a teacher of writing and English with years of experience at the college level, and a former engineering student at a top-20 university--which is to say, I know my math, too. Message me if you want a thoughtful, encouraging, and top-scoring instructor to help you maximize your score potential!
Writing

Writing

I’ve helped students at every level—from high school to graduate school—become stronger, more confident writers. As a former writing professor and writing center tutor at the university level, I’ve guided hundreds of students through projects ranging from literary analysis and research papers to creative and personal writing. I focus on helping students (and adults) develop clarity, organization, and their own authentic voice, while building practical skills they can carry into any future writing task. Whether you’re working on a class assignment, an application essay, or professional writing, I can help you communicate your ideas with confidence and polish.
Joe K.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Joe before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Joe

Ratings and Reviews

Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Joe