Experience Summary
As I am a current Ph.D. student in English Literature, I have an immense interest in education--not only my own education but also the education of others. As I have been working on my two graduate degrees--an MA and a Ph.D in English Literature--I have been fully invested in preparing myself to become a teacher of English, literature, and composition. My BA and MA degrees are both in English Literature, and I am currently in the final stages of my Ph.D. work; therefore, I have a sophisticated knowledge of the English language, and my six years of teaching at the college level have made me a competent teacher of all concerns related to reading and writing. Additionally, I have worked as a tutor since 2001 in a variety of subject matters, but more recently in the field of English. I currently am a tutor at the University of Arkansas' Quality Writing Center. Here, I work to help students, faculty, and staff with all writing related concerns ranging from job applications, to course papers, to multi-million dollar grant proposals. Thus, I am highly proficient in one-on-one tutoring dealing with reading and writing concerns. Finally, I have also worked for the past two years for the Institute of Reading Development, a private educational institute that focuses on teaching students of all ages how to become stronger readers and how to enjoy reading more.
Teaching Style
Teaching and tutoring have been my life's work. Though the majority of my experience is at the college level, I love working with students of all ages. All children have the ability to learn; some need more help than others finding that one pedagogical method that really makes everything "click" for them. I am patient, am able to infuse an element of fun into my tutorials and classes, considerate, and dedicated to my students' success. Teachers and tutors have always had a postive impact in my life, and I look to share that same experience with my students. I believe in being enthusiastic in the subjects I teach and tutor; that enthusiasm is the key to getting students invested into whatever subject I am teaching.