Jackson English Tutoring

I prefer to meet new students and discuss goals in order to best understand how I can help them find success. I typically offer activities to evaluate performance level mastery so that I may have a complete assessment of current strengths and areas for improvement. 

I have over 13 years of teaching experience with students in grades 7-12 at a public junior/senior high school. I am certified in English and Communications, and I have two masters degrees in the areas of English Education and Theatre. I am a Certified Google Level 1 Educator as well. Additionally, I have served as a director, dialect coach, and audition coach in the Pittsburgh area for over 10 years. 

Lessons may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the needs of the student, or for preparation with concentrated projects/deadlines. My hourly rate begins at $30 per hour. As an experienced professional with various degrees and certification, you can depend on my strengths to help bring students to success.

I realized that I wanted to teach while I was pursuing my master's degree in theatre arts. While studying, I had the opportunity to work with undergraduate freshmen, and I was reminded of the enthusiasm and joy that can be happen in a classroom setting when students are engaged and excited to learn. I realized that the classroom setting was the right fit, and so I combined my love of theatre arts with my passion for literature and language and decided to pursue an education degree. This was the best decision I have ever made, and I am now happily employed as an English and Theatre Arts teacher where I get to do my favorite things each and every day, and my students can tell that I love what I do. It has made for a positive environment for everyone, and I look forward to continuing to share this passion with new students. 

I have worked with students in grades 7-12 at various levels of enrichment and support. I currently teach the highest level of Scholars students as well as a class of lower-level students whose needs are met by myself as well as a co-teacher. Preparing for such differences in readiness have allowed me to understand and practice various techniques to accommodate many learning styles. 

I have been fortunate to serve as a Literary Reader for City Theatre's Young Playwright's Contest for the past several years, and this has been a wonderful opportunity to learn about how important it can be for students to have an audience to share their voice and ideas. This experience has been truly exciting, and it is something I look forward to each year. 

The working relationship between a student and his or her teacher must be a good fit. I encourage all of my students to keep an open mind when beginning a new professional relationship with their instructors, but I think it is important to communicate goals and expectations clearly so that both parties are comfortable with one another. If there are any questions, concerns, or anything that doesn't feel right, it is okay to discuss things or even consider changing instructors. The most important thing is to find the best fit for the greatest success. 

Students should be honest about the amount of time they are willing to spend outside of regular school work in order to see improvements in specific areas of study. Many students balance busy schedules and are not always able to engage in assignments, so it is important to be able to set aside the necessary time for increased success. Students should ask teachers about the appropriate amount of time to set aside for work as well as tips for increasing focus and productivity in class (at school). 

Students may also want to get an idea of the types of activities and practice exercises that they will encounter during tutoring sessions, and should feel encouraged to make suggestions so that the time spent during tutoring is enjoyable.