About
Hey folks. Jess here. I offer tutoring services in a variety of English-related subjects including high school and college essay writing and editing, literary analysis, and English Literature. I’m aware that not everyone is as passionate about the symbolism in Shakespeare’s Hamlet as I am (alas!), and so I do my best to tailor each session to the individual person’s needs and requests. Don’t enjoy the book you’re reading? Let’s turn your animosity into a persuasive essay. Don’t understand the point of poetry? Yeah, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why metaphor can be more powerful than regular, boring ol’ exposition. Having trouble with vocabulary? Let’s break down the reasons an author would choose words that seem equivocal.
Alright, alright, I know that last paragraph was cheesy. Here are some stone-cold facts:
In the past, I have tutored high school students in college essay writing, college students in critical analysis of American literature, and for a short period of time even tutored adults in Spanish and Classical Greek languages. I also write creatively, have published poetry and short stories, and have worked at a publishing and editorial house in Portland, OR where I was responsible for proofreading authors’ submitted works. I have a certificate in copy editing from UCSD and am in my final year of English studies via the University of Massachusetts’ online BA program.
But worry not! I am passionate about more than just the written word! I also play ice hockey, enjoy the occasional California burrito, and probably know more about Naruto than you do.
I’m happy to help anyone who needs assistance with English reading, writing, and analysis although I have worked mostly with individuals high school level and above. I also continue to offer tutoring services in Spanish reading and grammar for those at or below an undergraduate level of Spanish. I have a car and am happy to meet students at a location of our mutual choosing or to hold tutoring sessions over Skype, Zoom, or Facetime. Feel free to text, email, or call me, and I will respond as soon and as thoroughly as possible. Cheers y’all. -Jessica
Highlights
Reviews
Tomas G.
Cara F.
Devin B.
Alyssa C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For new students, I like to set up an initial no-charge, half-hour appointment over the phone or Skype in which we determine if we are a good fit for each other. I use this time to determine exactly what areas a student wants or needs help with, what the student's most helpful learning methods are, what they don't find useful, etc. A small amount of tutoring may be done during this consultation. If desired, the half hour may be extended to one hour in order for a full tutoring session to take place, but I ask that this additional half hour is paid for at regular price. This is flexible, and if you have any questions, please ask.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certificate in Copy Editing from UCSD
Final year student in an English Language & Literature Bachelor's degree program.
Two years working as professional proofreader at a publishing house
Three years tutoring experience
Planned teaching credential
High School Diploma with a 4.6 GPA
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard pricing is a $30/hour flat rate.
An initial, half-hour session to determine fit is free but may be extended to an hour for $15.
Students may contact me with concerns regarding cost at any time. I am happy to work according to individual needs.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked mostly with high school students, undergraduates, and adults. Usually they are taking a class or classes that revolve around literature comprehension or essay writing in some capacity.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of a learner are you? Visual, kinesthetic, auditory? Most people learn using a variety of methods, not just one, but it's still helpful to recognize what works best for your brain.
What are you bad at? I know it can be demoralizing to think about the things we suck at, but we learn best when we know how to ask for specific help. I, for example, am terrible at both chemisty and physics. Molecular bonding does not make sense. Shrödinger's cat is pure tomfoolery.
What are you good at? This question is more fun for the ego. We don't want to waste time relearning things you've already gotten the hang of, so it's useful to be aware of what you don't need help with.
What are you looking for in a tutor? This can be anything, and sometimes it's easier to think about what you're NOT looking for in a tutor.