Literature Tutoring
Being an English major I have a great understanding of all English literature and most American literature. If one is accomplished in any English or language arts subjects, he/she is accomplished in this.
Experience Summary
I have 27 years experience in the high school English classroom, and I have a Master's Degree in English from the University of KY. Currently, I am retired and tutor on the side, as well as, run my own business. When I was in the classroom, my students were energized. That's what I bring to the classroom and to my tutoring, a strong knowledge of the subject matter coupled with a creative, energetic approach. My tutoring career began quite by chance as most of my former students kept returning to my home with requests for help with their college assignments in writing. After years of this, I decided that it was a new career for me. When I retired, it was a natural progression to continue educating young people, my true passion, but to do it outside the cinder blocks of a "stuffy" classroom. My brother writes songs for Tim McGraw, in fact he is on his staff of writers. He always said that it was I who was actually responsible for his career. It was I, he insists to this day, that taught him to actually "write." That's enough of an endorsement for anyone!
Teaching Style
I am a teacher that makes sure her students understand the basics, then we build on that. No one is a great writer unless he/she doesn't have an appropriate grasp of the fundamentals. It's like trying to master shooting a three point shot in basketball without knowing how to hold the ball or dribble. I have always been told by students that I am the best teacher they ever had because I don't assume they know anything. I evaluate exactly their proficiency in the subject, and tailor lessons to where they are in their understanding. Also, even though my students may be older, they still want our sessions to be fun! There's a way to make anything "fun," and I know how to do just that. A former gifted and talented instructor as well, I am very creative, so there is no "sleeping" in my sessions!
My Hobbies
Reading and watching old movies, especially Hitchcock, Doris Day, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart
Other Comments
Students have always responded positively to my enthusiasm for the subject matter. I make it interesting because I enjoy what I do. I am a high energy teacher and there's never been a student that didn't catch my enthusiasm....it's contagious!
| Composition |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| For 27 years, I have taught this subject, as well as, watched students of mine excel with the skills I have given them. After doing something this long, a person would have to be extremely ignorant to not be accomplished. |
| Creative Writing |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Not only is this a hobby of mine, it is something I taught for 10 years to gifted and talented students in the classroom. Many of them have won awards and been published. |
| English |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| This is the general term, English, for all there is to know about our language; therefore, separating it into a subject is a contradiction. |
| Grammar |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Grammar is difficult for many, but one of my favorite subjects. It is the implementing of rules and recognizing exceptions to these. |
| Journalism |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a journalism minor, but it is something I have had very little need to know. An APA format book, or whatever style is being used, serves just as well as a tutor. |
| Language Arts |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| This is another label for all the subjects on this page. It is just like "English," except the term,"language arts," is used for middle school grades. I did teach middle school language arts my last 7 years in education, so, of course, I am an expert in this. |
| Literature |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Being an English major I have a great understanding of all English literature and most American literature. If one is accomplished in any English or language arts subjects, he/she is accomplished in this. |
| Poetry |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| If one can read and understand Shakespeare, that is the hardest poetry to comprehend. I taught this subject almost every year I was in education. |
| Reading |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I am not trained in how to teach a young child to read, but I am trained in what to do once one has that ability! |
| Reading Comprehension |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Again, repetition of literature and reading. |
| Shakespeare |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have taught many Shakespearean plays and had my students memorize many famous and beloved lines of his blank verse and couplets. Knowing how to interpret his lines is an art, and one in which I am very accomplished |
| Spelling |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| This is the same as writing and composition, and with "spell checks" on computers, it is a "lost art!" |
| Writing |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Same as composition. |