The Bard's Yard
About
I teach with a mix of classic and modern approaches. One of my basic tenets is Socratic learning, as old as Ancient Greece, where learning and teaching are both driven by asking questions. I'm also a huge fan of Differentiated Learning, a newer approach that teaches based on the simple fact that everyone has a mix of ways they learn best: by listening, and/or by reading, and/or by doing active projects.
Teaching and learning acting and performance skills is a different thing altogether. It is about listening, understanding, and finding a voice. It works by understanding signals and how those signals work to give the same quality performance every time, rather than just "feeling" it each time.
I have a Master's degree in Education, as well as 15 graduate semester hours in US History. I have been teaching individual students, and lecture hall audiences of over 200, for 10 years, from college TA lectures to homeschoolers, to public and private school students.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It depends on the subject, but at its base, it works like this: We talk about what goal(s) the student has, then work to find out relative strengths and weaknesses, all before we dive into work. I am a Socratic teacher by nature, which means I ask questions, I answer questions, and I try to get my student to do the same. I try to make sure that no lesson, either smaller or larger (individual class or class unit) finishes up until there are no more questions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
A Master's Degree in Education (MAEd in Higher Education and Curriculum Development) as well as 7 years of private tutoring.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Classes range from $25.00/hr up to $45.00/hr, depending on the subject(s) and the class length. 45-minute classes work out to be a bit cheaper than half-hour classes, on a per-hour basis. A full list is available to potential students. Acting classes and professional presentation classes are the most expensive, and Middle School English Lit and History classes tend to be the least expensive.
How did you get started teaching?
Years ago when I was a sophomore in college, a teacher I had had a year prior asked if I could present a slide presentation to a lecture class of his that he was going to be delayed for. I did it without incident, and was immediately hooked.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have ranged from 8 years old to adult learners, from addition/subtraction/multiplication/division to Shakespearean Studies. I have taught law school students presentation classes to help them argue cases in front of a jury, and high schoolers to help them pass the ACT or SAT. I have experience working with students in gifted learner classes, as well as students with learning disabilities, and everywhere in between.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask them how they work. They should be looking to figure out what YOU need to do, and figure it out WITH you, before he/she works with you to learn.