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Language Expert & Educator: English Language Arts, ASL, & ESL
Shanna S.

450 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $100

About Shanna


Bio

I’m a passionate educator who loves exploring and teaching the beauty and complexity of languages. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, and an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. I am also a state-certified teacher in English Language Arts, ESL (English as a Second Language), and American Sign Language (ASL). My academic background, combined with years of classroom teaching and one-on-one tutoring, has...

I’m a passionate educator who loves exploring and teaching the beauty and complexity of languages. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, and an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. I am also a state-certified teacher in English Language Arts, ESL (English as a Second Language), and American Sign Language (ASL). My academic background, combined with years of classroom teaching and one-on-one tutoring, has given me the opportunity to help students of all ages build confidence and succeed in their learning.

Over the years, I have taught elementary, middle school, high school, and adult learners in both classroom and individual settings. My experience includes English Language Arts, ESL, ASL, reading, writing, grammar, literature, study skills, and test preparation. I especially enjoy helping students untangle difficult concepts, strengthen their communication skills, and discover that they are capable of far more than they thought.

My approach is deeply student-centered: every session is customized to each learner’s goals, strengths, and style. Whether we're preparing for an upcoming exam, working through a challenging assignment, improving writing, developing language skills, or building confidence in the classroom, I strive to create a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing. Learning is most rewarding when students feel understood, empowered, and genuinely excited about their progress. It is an honor and delight to be part of that journey.


Education

University of Northern Colorado
BS, Dietetics
School for International Training
MEd
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: $100 / hour online or in person. (If meeting in person, I charge my full hourly rate for drive time as well.)
  • Lesson cancellation: 36 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 9/13/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Accent Reduction

Accent Reduction

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have taught English learners in both elementary, high school, and adult education settings. Throughout my teaching experience, I have helped students improve their pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and vowel sounds to communicate more clearly and confidently. I tailor instruction to each student's native language, goals, and speaking patterns, whether they are preparing for work, school, or everyday conversation. My patient, individualized approach helps students develop clearer, more natural-sounding English speech.
ACT English

ACT English

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), taught middle school English Language Arts, and have experience tutoring students for the ACT English section. I help students strengthen the grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, revision, and editing skills that are essential for success on the ACT English test. My instruction focuses on recognizing common question patterns, eliminating incorrect answer choices, and applying grammar and writing conventions with confidence. I tailor each lesson to the student's strengths and areas for growth, helping them improve both their ACT performance and their overall writing skills.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and taught middle school English Language Arts, and tutored high schoolers in ACT Reading test preparation. In both cases, reading comprehension and literary analysis were central to my instruction. I help students strengthen the skills tested on the ACT Reading section, including identifying main ideas, making inferences, analyzing an author's purpose and tone, and locating textual evidence. My lessons also focus on strategies for reading efficiently, managing time effectively, and approaching passages with confidence. I tailor instruction to each student's needs, helping them become more accurate, thoughtful, and confident readers.
ADHD

ADHD

I am qualified to teach children with ADHD because I combine formal training with practical classroom experience and a deep understanding of how attention, regulation, and motivation work in developing brains. I know how to break learning into manageable steps, build predictable structure, and incorporate movement and engagement so students can thrive rather than feel “behind.” I prioritize relationship-based teaching, recognizing that connection and trust are foundational for focus and growth. Most importantly, I approach each child with patience, flexibility, and a strengths-based mindset that helps them build confidence alongside skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I am qualified to support students on the autism spectrum because I combine extensive training in language and learning with a deep respect for neurodiversity. I design structured, predictable lessons while remaining flexible to each student's unique learning style, sensory preferences, communication needs, and strengths. Above all, I prioritize patience, clarity, and relationship-building so every student feels understood, respected, and empowered to succeed. As a state-certified American Sign Language (ASL) teacher, I can also support students by communicating in ASL when they prefer, and, when appropriate, help students and families explore ASL as an additional means of communication alongside other communication supports and strategies.
Common Core

Common Core

I am well qualified to help students succeed with Common Core standards through my experience as a certified classroom teacher and one-on-one tutor. Throughout my teaching career, I have helped students develop the reading, writing, language, and critical thinking skills emphasized by the Common Core curriculum while supporting them with classroom assignments, homework, and test preparation. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor each session to meet students where they are and help them master the specific concepts they are learning in school. My goal is to build both academic confidence and the independent learning skills that enable students to continue succeeding long after our tutoring sessions end.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching and tutoring writing. As a middle school English Language Arts teacher and private tutor, I have helped students develop creative writing skills through storytelling, character development, narrative structure, description, and revision. I enjoy helping writers discover their unique voice while strengthening the technical skills that make their writing more engaging and effective. My individualized approach encourages creativity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the writing process.
Debate

Debate

As Captain of my high school Speech and Debate Team, I developed strong skills in argument construction, persuasive speaking, evidence analysis, and strategic rebuttal. In that leadership role, I not only competed but also helped guide and mentor teammates, strengthening my ability to teach debate concepts clearly and effectively. I understand how to coach students in organizing their thoughts, anticipating counterarguments, and delivering confident, compelling speeches. My experience allows me to support students in both the technical structure of debate and the confidence needed to perform under pressure.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I am well qualified to teach elementary through 6th grade students, with hands-on experience across both early childhood and middle school settings. I have taught kindergarten and first grade literacy intervention, where I developed strong skills in foundational reading instruction and differentiated support. In addition, I spent three years teaching middle school—two years of health and one year of language arts—strengthening my ability to engage older elementary and pre-teen learners academically and socially. This range of experience allows me to meet students where they are and support their growth across developmental stages.
English

English

As an English Language Arts teacher, as well as a teacher of the English language, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to private tutoring. With a strong background in academic language, I have honed my skills in teaching reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and critical analysis. My passion for fostering a love of reading and writing in my students is evident through my engaging lessons and creative teaching methods. My dedication to helping students improve their communication skills and develop a deeper understanding of the English language makes me a valued and effective educator in the field of English Language Arts.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

Master's Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from The School for International Training, Graduate Institute, in Brattleboro, Vermont. I have taught English learners at the elementary, middle school, high school, and adult education levels. I have helped students develop their speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills while building confidence in real-world communication. My lessons are tailored to each student's goals, whether they are preparing for school, work, travel, or everyday life in an English-speaking environment. I create a supportive, encouraging learning environment where students can make meaningful progress at their own pace.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and taught middle school English Language Arts in addition to tutoring academic writing. I help students organize their ideas, develop strong thesis statements, support their arguments with evidence, and write clear, well-structured essays. I have guided students in writing personal narratives, persuasive essays, literary analyses, and research-based writing assignments. My goal is to help students become more confident, effective writers while developing skills they can use in school, college, and beyond.
Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

I am qualified to help students who struggle with executive functioning because I understand how skills like organization, planning, time management, and task initiation directly impact academic success. Through my experience teaching multiple subjects across multiple grade levels, I have supported students in breaking assignments into manageable steps, creating structured routines, and developing practical systems that build independence. I explicitly teach strategies rather than assuming students “should” already know them, helping to reduce frustration and increase confidence. My approach is patient, structured, and strengths-based, empowering students to build sustainable habits over time.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and taught middle school English Language Arts, where creative writing was an important part of my instruction. For the past three years, I have also tutored high school students in their English classes, helping them develop fiction writing assignments through brainstorming, character development, plot structure, description, and revision. I guide students in finding their unique voice while strengthening the technical skills that make stories engaging and effective. My individualized approach helps young writers build confidence, creativity, and a stronger understanding of the writing process.
Grammar

Grammar

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching English grammar in ESL, English Language Arts, and tutoring settings. As a trilingual educator, I have a unique understanding of how language structure varies across languages and how to explain complex grammar concepts clearly and effectively. I help students strengthen skills including sentence structure, verb usage, punctuation, parts of speech, and editing strategies. My goal is to help students understand the "why" behind grammar rules so they can communicate more accurately and confidently.
Hard of Hearing

Hard of Hearing

I am uniquely qualified to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students through my extensive experience as an educator, English tutor, and ASL instructor. I have tutored Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in English, reading, writing, and related academic subjects, providing individualized instruction (communicating using ASL) tailored to their communication preferences and learning goals. I hold a Texas teaching certification in American Sign Language, which required both an ASL proficiency examination and a Deaf History examination, and I passed both on my first attempt. I have studied ASL extensively for more than 20 years and have learned directly from Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, giving me a strong understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, visual learning, and accessible communication.
Homeschool

Homeschool

I am highly qualified to homeschool a student of any age because I bring both formal training and hands-on teaching experience across multiple grade levels. With a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and experience in literacy intervention, language arts instruction, health, ASL, and English, I understand how to build strong academic foundations while adapting lessons to a student's individual needs. I am skilled at creating structured, engaging learning environments that support executive functioning, intellectual development, and confidence. My approach is patient, intentional, and responsive, ensuring that learning is both rigorous and nurturing.
IELTS

IELTS

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching English learners at the elementary, high school, and adult levels. I help students prepare for English proficiency exams by strengthening their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while building confidence in real-world communication. My experience teaching ESL and analyzing language development allows me to identify individual strengths and areas for improvement. I provide personalized instruction designed to help students achieve their language goals and perform their best on the IELTS exam.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

I am well qualified to help someone strengthen their interview skills because I have extensive personal experience navigating interviews successfully, resulting in more job offers than not. Through those experiences, I have developed a clear understanding of how to communicate strengths confidently, answer behavioral questions strategically, and build rapport quickly. I know how to help candidates articulate their value, structure compelling responses, and manage nerves under pressure. My approach is practical, confidence-building, and tailored to highlight each individual’s unique strengths.
Linguistics

Linguistics

I have advanced training in linguistics through my Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have applied linguistic concepts throughout my teaching career. As a trilingual educator with experience teaching ESL, American Sign Language, and English Language Arts, I have incorporated instruction in language structure, grammar, phonetics, syntax, and language development into my classrooms. My experience learning and teaching multiple languages has given me a practical understanding of how languages are acquired, analyzed, and used for communication. I enjoy helping students understand complex linguistic concepts by connecting theory to real-world examples.
Literature

Literature

I am passionate about helping students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature through thoughtful analysis, discussion, and personalized instruction. With a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and years of experience teaching English Language Arts, I have guided students in exploring themes, characters, symbolism, literary techniques, and author’s purpose across a variety of texts. I help students strengthen their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills while building confidence in their ability to engage with complex literature. I also love to read, and few things are as inspiring as sharing a lifelong love of books with students and helping them discover the joy of great literature.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I am passionate about helping students transform their experiences, goals, and personal stories into compelling written statements. As an experienced English educator and writing tutor, I have guided students through the writing process by helping them develop ideas, organize their thoughts, strengthen their voice, and revise for clarity and impact. My background teaching English Language Arts and supporting students with academic writing has prepared me to provide thoughtful, individualized feedback on personal narratives and application essays. I help students create authentic, polished personal statements that effectively communicate who they are and what they hope to achieve.
Phonics

Phonics

I am well qualified to help students develop strong phonics skills through my background as an English educator, literacy tutor, and language specialist. I hold a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and have experience teaching students across elementary, middle school, high school, and adult learning environments. I use explicit, systematic instruction to help students understand letter-sound relationships, decode unfamiliar words, improve spelling, and build reading confidence. My goal is to provide individualized instruction that helps students develop the foundational skills they need to become successful, independent readers.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching and tutoring writing. As a middle school English Language Arts teacher and private tutor, I have helped students improve grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, clarity, and overall writing quality across a wide range of assignments. I provide thoughtful, individualized feedback that helps students identify patterns in their writing and develop stronger editing skills. My goal is to help students submit polished, professional work while becoming more confident and independent writers.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I am well qualified to help students develop effective public speaking skills through my years of experience as an educator and communicator. As a teacher, I have regularly guided students in presentations, classroom discussions, persuasive communication, and organizing ideas for an audience. My experience teaching American Sign Language has also strengthened my understanding of visual communication, expression, and connecting with an audience beyond just spoken words. I help students build confidence, improve delivery skills, and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
Reading

Reading

I have a Master's Degree in Teaching English. I have experience working as a Literacy Interventionist with Kindergarten and First Graders, as well as middle school language arts, and English to non-native-English speaking adults.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I am well qualified to help students strengthen their SAT Reading skills through my background as an English educator, experienced tutor, and language specialist. I hold a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and have taught English Language Arts, helping students develop reading comprehension, critical analysis, vocabulary, and evidence-based reasoning skills. As a tutor, I provide individualized instruction to help students understand complex texts, identify author purpose and tone, analyze passages, and approach reading questions with confidence. My goal is to help students develop the strategies and skills they need to become stronger readers and successful test takers.
Sign Language

Sign Language

I am uniquely qualified to teach American Sign Language through years of advanced study, professional experience, and Texas state certification to teach ASL. I have studied ASL for more than 20 years, including coursework at Gallaudet University, and I have earned a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I am a Texas-certified ASL teacher with experience teaching and tutoring middle school, high school, college, and adult students of varying ages, backgrounds, and ASL skill levels. I was recently hired to work as a professional ASL interpreter. Whether you are learning ASL for school, work, interpreting, or personal enrichment, I provide patient, individualized instruction that builds both language proficiency and confidence while fostering an appreciation for Deaf language and culture.
Special Needs

Special Needs

I am well qualified to support students with diverse learning needs through six years of public school teaching experience across elementary, middle school, high school, and adult education settings. Throughout my teaching career, I have adapted instruction for students with different learning styles, academic challenges, various disabilities, special needs, and individual goals. My experience supporting students with ADHD, neurodivergence, executive functioning challenges, and other disabilities and learning differences has taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, structure, and personalized instruction. I work to identify each student’s strengths and create learning strategies that help them build confidence and achieve academic success.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have developed strong study skills through years of higher education, including earning an associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the final ten years of my college education. Having attended 11 different colleges, I have learned how to adapt to different academic environments, expectations, and learning styles. As an experienced educator, I help students develop practical strategies for organization, time management, note-taking, studying, and test preparation. My goal is to help students become more confident, independent learners who understand how to make their own academic success sustainable.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

I am well qualified to help students develop strong thesis statements and write effective academic papers through my advanced training and classroom experience. I hold a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which provided extensive study of writing development, rhetorical structure, grammar, and the writing process. As a middle school English Language Arts teacher and experienced writing tutor, I have helped students develop arguments, organize evidence, strengthen analysis, and revise their work for clarity and effectiveness. I provide individualized instruction and feedback to help students create focused, well-supported theses and become more confident academic writers.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching English learners at both the high school and adult levels. I help students prepare for the TOEFL by strengthening the academic English skills required for success, including reading comprehension, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. My background in ESL instruction allows me to identify students' individual language goals and develop targeted strategies for improvement. I provide personalized instruction that helps students communicate more confidently and effectively in academic settings, specifically preparing for the TOEFL exam.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience helping students develop stronger English language skills. As a trilingual educator who has taught ESL, English Language Arts, and American Sign Language, I understand how vocabulary develops across different languages and learning environments. I help students expand their vocabulary through context, word relationships, reading strategies, and practical application rather than simple memorization. My individualized approach helps students use new words accurately, confidently, and effectively in both academic and everyday communication.
Writing

Writing

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and have extensive experience teaching and tutoring writing across multiple levels. As a middle school English Language Arts teacher and private tutor, I have helped students strengthen organization, clarity, grammar, structure, and voice in their writing. I support students with a wide range of assignments, from academic writing to creative projects, by providing individualized instruction and meaningful feedback. My goal is to help students become more confident, effective writers who can communicate their ideas clearly.
Yoga

Yoga

I am a certified yoga instructor who completed my training with Michaelle Edwards, founder of YogAlign, in Hawaii. My training emphasized healthy alignment, functional movement, breath awareness, and creating a sustainable yoga practice that supports the body's natural design. I enjoy helping students improve flexibility, balance, posture, strength, and body awareness while encouraging mindful movement that is both safe and empowering. Whether someone is completely new to yoga or looking to refine their practice, I provide patient, individualized instruction that meets each student where they are.
Elementary Math
Spelling
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Ratings and Reviews


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5.0 (131 ratings)
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Reviews

FIVE STAR EDUCATOR!

To those looking to invest in your language abilities in a BIG way – I highly recommend Shanna, as she will be a fit for you and your loved ones. She has an affinity for teaching, no matter what learning style, for both adults and children alike. Aside from her extensive background as a multilingual teacher both in and out of the classroom, she makes learning ferociously fun in a professional way. In my personal experience as a student of hers, as a 29-year-old taking on a new skill of American Sign Language, Shanna has shown an unmatched commitment level, patience, and creative teaching tactics that only after a few months, have yielded stunning results for me in terms of conversational fluidity. What I found sets her apart from other top competitors in the teaching space, is that Shanna does not only breed mastery in the language itself, but goes as far as to customize your sessions to your particular learning style, your personal or professional goals, she accommodates to your time schedule if able, and even guides you through the intercultural sensitivity REQUIRED as you navigate a new language so that you can confidently and SUCCESSFULLY go into the world using it with practical, applicable sense. This has added MUCH value to my personal and professional world. Very grateful to her, highly recommend her if you’re serious about mastery in your language, and would schedule your first session sooner than later as her following has grown exponentially. Thank you, Shanna!

Adrienne, 9 lessons with Shanna

Best Tutor Ever

Shanna is seriously the best! I was struggling with my college ASL classes, and I don’t always vibe with how the professors teach, and I’m often annoyed with the “TrueWay” ASL curriculum, but one-on-one tutoring with Shanna is a totally different experience. She’s super knowledgeable and professional, but also makes everything feel chill and low-stress. I actually look forward to our sessions because I learn a ton and we still have fun. She’s gotten me through college ASL 2 and 3, and I already know I want and need her support for ASL 4. If you want someone who knows their stuff and also brings patience, humor, and super good vibes, Shanna is the tutor you want!

Madison, 15 lessons with Shanna

Caring, Funny, and Extremely Helpful

Shanna has helped grow my ASL skills immensely. It felt like my conversational ASL skyrocketed after a few classes, and I could not be more thankful. Shanna always brings enthusiasm and empathy to class, and we never run out of things to talk about! Shanna is a stellar teacher and friend to all. If you want to grow your ASL knowledge, Shanna is your tutor!

Nette, 3 lessons with Shanna

Shanna has a way of making learning fun and interesting

Ms. Shanna has been my language arts tutor for almost a year. She has a way of making learning fun and interesting. I have always enjoyed writing with Ms. Shanna because of the way she helps me learn. She has a great sense of humor and an upbeat attitude which always keeps me smiling throughout our sessions. Overall, I would give Ms. Shanna a five out of five star rating.

Suneet, 36 lessons with Shanna

Knowledgeable and patient teacher

I am so happy with Shanna's tutoring. She is funny and easy to learn from, and extremely personable. She has helped me especially with a lot of updated signs, and many modern signs that have to do with everyday topics of this age. I am surprised at how many of these signs I have never learned. I think some of these signs are very new-having to do with internet, relationships, emotions, things like that. Awesome teacher!

Nathan, 6 lessons with Shanna

what a blessing

Felt like friends from the moment we met. Shanna is flexible, understanding, knowledgeable and patient. What a great tutor of not only signing but the history and culture of ASL and the Deaf community. I am better for meeting her. I so look forward to our next appointment together. I am learning much better because of her help.

Mychele , 2 lessons with Shanna

highly recommend!

Shanna is AMAZING! If this is your first time signing or just wanting to dust off your skills she is your go too for it all. I started at a beginners level and now we are having full conversations in sign language. I highly recommend to do 3 lessons a week and try for at least one or two longer lessons. This was the best way to get signing and I highly recommend!

Kimberly, 29 lessons with Shanna

So happy to work with Shanna!!!

Shanna is absolutely THE BEST!!! She is such a bright bubbly and happy person, and she is so fun to hang out with every week. I am so lucky that I found her, I could not have picked a better teacher. I cannot say enough about how great she has been as a tutor and teacher. I am learning so much so fast from Shanna, she is so supportive and encouraging on top of being knowledgeable. Would 10/10 recommend her to friends family and anyone interested in learning ASL :-)

Cory, 8 lessons with Shanna

Incredible increase in fluency

My daughter started working with Shanna almost a year ago. My daughter had about 6 months of tutoring prior to working with Shanna, and little other instruction in ASL. Her goal was not only to increase vocabulary, but also fluency. Shanna has helped her smash that goal and now they spend whole sessions communicating exclusively in ASL. On top of that Shanna is always proactive, communicative, and professional. We will definitely continue working with Shanna next year.

Mathea, 89 lessons with Shanna

highly recommend!

Working with Shanna has been absolutely incredible. I have been having just the absolute best time taking lessons from her. We do story time where we only talk in ASL and make the session our own. It’s so nice to make each session different and Shanna is amazing at that! We then go through and discuss any words I need help with or have questions about and Shanna really knows her stuff! I would give her 10 stars if I could but they only let us do 5. She is just amazing!

Kimberly, 29 lessons with Shanna
Hourly Rate: $100
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