Bellwether Group

I seek to develop a customized experience based on the needs and objectives of the student. I believe it is important to discuss priorities and expectations before beginning the academic part of the process. 

Once both sides of the mentoring relationship are in harmony, we will develop a plan designed to enhance the communications skills of the student.

I have taught journalism and writing skills courses at DePaul University, Northwestern University and Florida Gulf Coast University. Earlier, I served as a sports writer, business columnist, newspaper editor, magazine publisher, communications consultant and program director of a $1.5 billion charitable foundation.

I have organized, moderated, lectured and served as a panelist for scores of classroomm, after school, continuing education and civic engagement programs.

My education includes a bachelor's degree in journalism from Drake University and a master's degree in urban studies from Loyola University (Chicago). I also was a Sloan Fellow in Economics Journalism at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

My hourly rate is $55 per hour for individual instruction. I do offer group instruction for two students ($40 per hour each) and three or more students ($35 each).

I have hired, trained, coached and evaluated journalists for more than 40 years ago. I began formal teaching duties at Northwestern University when a writing instructor resigned to take a job in New York less than a month before the first class session. I volunteered to step in with virtually no formal teaching experience or advanced planning. It was a highly challenging, yet extremely fulfilling semester. The satisfaction of helping those students learn and improve fueled my desire to teach in later years.

I have worked with high schoolers, college undergraduates, graduate students and young professionals.

During a decade-long career at the McCormick Foundation, I selected and managed more than $60 million in grants in the communication field. Primary areas included youth media, college journalism, news literacy, professional development and First Amendment freedoms.

During the Pandemic, many of these grantees have done exceptional work in covering the crisis and helping students cope with uncertainty and fear. Among the stellar performers are the News Literacy Project, Student Press Law Center and Free Spirit Media.

In the end, tutoring is about helping students develop life-long learning skills and a foundation for enjoying the consumption of new information.

I would seek to hire a teacher with experience, dedication and passion. My philosophy is to assist students to synthesize information, confront academic challenges and communicate clearly...and accurately.

Why am I interested in talking to the teacher?

Do I feel comfortable approaching the teacher?

What is that I want to convey?

What do I hope to accomplish?

Can I state my need, questions or objectives in a clear, concise manner?