overview
 Since 1996 I have tutored middle school and high school students in the following areas:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Grammar, usage, and mechanics
  • Literature
  • SAT prep

approach
 I'm passionate about writing, reading, and all things grammatical. I bring patience and compassion to every session, building a positive personal relationship in order to make learning as enjoyable as possible.

  • Customized curriculum for every student
  • Compensatory skills for children with learning challenges
  • Educational games
  • Kind, compassionate approach
  • Emphasis on fun and joy in addition to academic rigor

qualifications
Feel free to check out my resume. The quick peek is as follows:

  • 1995 B.A. from Yale University, summa cum laude, phi beta kappa, Distinction in the English Major
  • 1997 M.F.A in Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, GPA 4.0
  • Nationally published writer/editor
  • Experienced teacher at the high school and college levels
  • Experienced tutor at the middle school - college levels

logistics
 Students come to my home in North Berkeley, four blocks from North Berkeley BART. A session lasts one hour. Most students come once a week. I am open to scheduling special sessions, or extra-long sessions, to work on papers or test prep.

testimonials from parents
 “Wow! I love all the ideas and strategies you're using and teaching Marc. It’s proof to me of how complex these skills are to learn, and how important it is to have a teacher who has a repertoire of approaches from which to draw.”

“I'm so encouraged by the continued progress I've seen with Adam and writing since he started working with you! His attitude towards writing has really turned around.”

“I just have to tell you how much I appreciate your style with Jessica. You are giving her so much information, but in little bits, and in a way that doesn't overwhelm her but keeps the focus on her own writing inspiration.”

“Josh used to need a lot of encouragement and having me right there with him when he wrote his spelling sentences—but now he's gotten them done by the time I come home from work!”

“You are working on exactly the things I have thought Alison has needed, and more. She has felt more confident these last two weeks, turning in pieces that she has worked over with you first. And she's having fun and feels her voice honored in the process. Thank you so much for being so perfect for her.”

testimonials from students
 “I can’t wait to read more! Here’s a list of books I want to read.”

“I know something in my head, but I can’t write it. Melissa makes it easier for me to say what I want to say.”

“Can you come back tomorrow?”