About
Education is my passion, and always has been. I enjoy the relationship building process as a way to access learning, and motivate students to do better.
I found a love of reading that led me to a love of writing. I enjoy going through the process of learning how to read critically and effectively, and how to put your throughts on paper in a coherent, fluent, and articulate way.
I am currently a certified high school teacher with 10 years experience in Baltimore City. MAryland is among the top states in the country in terms of education. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English literature with an emphasis on secondary education from UMBC. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Literary Arts, and have well over 30 graduate credits in my area of focus.
Please allow me to help you reach your goals!
Highlights
Reviews
Sarah J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Initially, I spend time getting to know a little bit about who the student is. I then review where any points of confusion occur, and develop a plan with the student to help improve their skills over time. I can help with homework, or generate original lessons.
I also work with students in drafting and editing papers, emphasizing the writing process, and making sure the student understands where they struggled, and how to improve.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a certified teacher in Maryland.
I have 30+ graduate credits in English Literature
I have read and edited thousands of pages of essays
I have taught AP Language, with an emphasis on argumentative writing, and rhetorical analysis.
Well versed in IEPs & 504s, and individuals with specific needs due to any learning disabilities.
Value Social Emotional well-being, and take time to learn about an individual before just jumping into work.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons: $25/hour (first lesson $10)
Editing: $5/page
Lesson planning help for new teachers ($20/hour)
Classroom Management Planning for new teachers ($20/hour)
Please reach out if you have other needs.
How did you get started teaching?
Ever since I can remember I took those personality tests, or career placement tests, and it always pointed me in the direction of a teacher. I never really paid attention to it until I took my first class on education. I fell in love with it. Immediately and fully. I took a literature class and was completely enamored with language. I got an internship in Baltimore City, and I have been here ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I usually teach high school students, but I have also been a college professor to new and developing teachers in Teach for America. The majority of the students I teach live at or around the poverty line.
I have taught students with autism, ADHD, ADD, physical impairments, deafness, among many other issues. I have also taught students who are considered to be "gifted" by modern day educational standards.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, for Thanksgiving, the students were instructed by another teacher to write notes of gratitude for their teachers. I recieved several, but one that touched my teacher heart read: "Thank you for re-channeling my love for English that faded due to the pandemic. I adore you as a teacher and a person" . I'd like to think that most of my students like me as a human being, but the thought that I was able to re-ignite a love for something that was snuffed out by the pandemic just fills me with joy.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who has a passion for what you need. Also determine whether they care about you and your success, or the money that you're going to pay them. Teachers should value themselves appropriately, but put their students needs before all else.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) How long have you been teaching?
2) Why do you enjoy teaching?
3) What is a challenging experience you've had in the classroom, and how did you resolve it?
4) What are some strategies you use to address struggles in both your personal andp rofessional life?