Experience Summary
I have tutored writing at the college level since 1985 when I finished a formal course in tutoring methods. Since then, I have tutored writing and other subjects for people as young as 12 through college-age. For 15 years, I also taught college writing courses including basic writing, English composition, research composition, creative writing, and advanced poetry writing. I am the recipient of a Nation/Discovery award for poetry, and my poems have appeared in many literary magazines and some anthologies. I recently put out a novel. Additionally, I scored 198 out of 200 on the literature Praxis examination, which is a national teacher certification exam.
In addition to teaching writing, I ran an interdisciplinary learning center for 11 years. There, I hired, trained and supervised tutors in many disciplines--usually at least 90 per semester. The Center normally made about 5000 tutorial contacts a year in both groups and one-on-one.
Other Comments
Two things I love: writing and teaching. I particularly love helping others to understand literature and writing--it gives me a chance to talk shop! I'm good at putting my students at ease and building their confidence, while also maintaining a high standard for them. I believe that high self-esteem comes from accomplishment, not flattery. And I also believe that most people can achieve real accomplishments.
I would be very happy to work with you or your student. In addition, I am willing to run creative writing workshops for committed, mature creative writers. In this case, I charge more per hour, but the cost will be divided among group members, so it will be cheaper per person than a one-on-one tutorial. I can also work with individual creative writers who are at any level as a writing coach.
Please try to give me at least 24 hours notice.