Jennifer
Certified Tutor
I am currently a high school English teacher in Hillsborough County, teaching English IV Honors and Journalism. I am the advisor for the high school newspaper, and I also work extensively with students on perfecting their college applications and resumes.
I have a Master's in Education and Curriculum Design from Boston University, a Bachelor's in Communications from University of Connecticut, and a Bachelor's in English with a focus in Creative Writing from University of Connecticut. I am currently enrolled in a non-degree seeking doctorate seminar in young adult literature at University of South Florida, and I am also an active member of the Tampa Writer's Association. I am a Florida certified teacher in English (grades 6-12) and ESOL (all grades).
I am a Teach for America alum, having taught ESOL and English in Greater Boston for several years. I have also traveled extensively, as I was an ice skating performer with a major internationally traveling ice show for four years. I tutored several students while on tour abroad, working with students of all ages (youth to adult) in English, history, public speaking, reading, study skills, resume writing, organization, and word processing.
I have worked with children and adults of all ages for most of my life--as a tutor, a teacher, and a coach. I have significant experience working with special needs and ESL students and athletes, and I also enjoy challenging students who are at the top of their class.
I deeply love to learn, and I enjoy finding creative solutions to ensure my students develop a passion for their education. I believe all students can learn, and I hold high expectations for my students. I enjoy working with students to set benchmarks for success, so their progress is both measurable and attainable.
Looking forward to working with you!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Connecticut - Bachelors, English, Communications
Graduate Degree: Boston University - Masters, Education & Curriculum Design
Figure skating, ice hockey, traveling, reading, cooking, theater, and hiking!
- College Application Essays
- College English
- English
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in using creative teaching strategies to ensure all students are both able and excited to learn.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session with a student, I would get to know the student's interests and academic background and then work with the student and his/her family to prioritize the student's learning goals. I would guide the creation of an objective-driven timeline to ensure attainable goals are set for the student that are realistic and measurable.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
A student must first learn that learning can be fun before s/he can be invested in becoming an independent learner. After working with the student's interests to create exciting, interesting, and relevant lessons, I believe most students become invested in taking initiative of their own academic goals. After making learning fun, it is important that a student understands how to create a planner or tracker to stay organized and on top of deadlines and expectations.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
There are many ways to help a student stay motivated. I tailor my lessons to relate to a student's specific interests, which ensures the student is engaged in lesson content. I also create attainable benchmarks and long-term goals to ensure a student can achieve measurable growth. After a student achieves a goal, s/he is more motivated to push towards a more challenging long-term academic goal.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would work to find a creative solution based on the student's specific learning needs. For example, if a student struggles with organization in writing, I would ensure the student was provided with a graphic organizer that ensures the student is able to first map out his/her ideas before putting them into writing. It is important to work with the student to assess what the student's specific needs are and to come up with specific solutions to successfully meet these needs and ensure the student meets our established academic goals.