Donna M. Gayle

A writer, attorney and lifelong student of literature, culture and history, I mentor students in crtical thinking, academic sucess and immersive comparitive literature.

I write, read and study literature. I research and analyze ways in which world history and culture, shape our world. The vehicle I use is a cultural evolutionary framework, spanning thousands of years, across various lands, looking at the beginnings and endings of civilizations and how people use reading and literature to understand a changing world.

I am a practicing attorney, skilled in persuasive argument, logical thinking and reasoning . I can guide students in strategic academic and career choices.

I research, study and write on the ways individuals, families and groups, have adapted to the constant changes in life, with strength and resilience, along the continuing ebb and flow of time.

In additiion to the classics, I specialize in immersive literature and history, with a focus on African-American, Caribbean and African literature.

My study in anthropology, decades of independent research and law practice allows me to adopt my framework to all cultures, from African, Latin American, East Indian, Eastern European, Native American and Southeast Asian.

Reading is a superpower. Literary comprehension and analysis shows where a student needs training. Writing shows how well a student has mastered their reading skills.

My goal as a tutor is to assist students to read deeply and to think critically, because when a student reads well and thinks for themselves, they write with clarity, confidence and independence.

I earned a B.A. in Anthroplogy from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Rutgers University Law School.

My education, combined with many years as a practicing attorney, has given me extensive experience in reading deeply and critically analyzing complex laws, books and texts.

This education provided the foundation for quick thinking, persuasive arguments and logical and skillful writing.

These are the skills educators and present and future employers look for in a student's academic work and abilities, and these are exactly the skills I enjoy teaching students of various ages, different reading levels and diverse backgrounds.

For elementary and middle school students, I build strong reading, vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills through patient and engaging instruction.

For college and graduate students, I focus on close reading, literary analysis, research, comprehension and persuasive academic writing.

For graduates, adult learners and professionals, I have a rigorous program of reading, analysis and writing.

My lessons encourage critical thinking, confidence and independent learning.

Teaching sessions are interactive and supportive. The sessions are designed to help each student achieve lasting success and intellectual confidence.

Every lesson begins with an assessment of the student's goals, current assignments, and areas of difficulty.

I tailor each session to the individual student's learning style and focus on improving reading, comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills.

The student and I collaborate on a plan of academic, real world, marketable and transferable skills.

Together, we analyze texts, books, articles and essays to develop strong reading,vocabulary, and writing skills.

This practice leads to clear and organized thinking, assisting the student to create a strong foundation for present and future academic and career success.

I conduct lessons via Zoom and students are encouraged to send assignments or reading materials in advance.

Our sessions are interactive and rely heavily on teacher and student discussions to make sure the student understand the writings, books and other written materials.

I provide homework or practice exercises when appropriate.

Parents are welcome to discuss a student's goals before the first lesson for younger students.