Write Now!

Together, we identify the challenges for the student, and the goals they want to achieve through the tutoring process.  Next, I develop a personalized curriculum for the student. If they are in a public or charter school, I integrate the requirements from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the subject and grade level. If they are in a private school, I integrate the educational criteria of that school.  

I work to establish a rapport, and to create a positive and enjoyable learning environment, so the student can be successful.

I studied music in college (with a minor in English), but I spent most of my career as a professional writer/producer for film and video (30 years).  In addition to my professional experience as a writer and filmmaker, I was an artist-in-residence on the roster for Young Audiences of Greater Dallas and Texas Commission on the Arts.  I was also Director of Education for Dallas Community Television and Executive Director for Collaborating Artists Media Project, Inc.  In these roles, scriptwriting was always at the core of the work.  Through Young Audiences of Greater Dallas, I also had extensive training and experience in working with at-risk youth. I have 20 years of experience teaching writing and production to youth and adults, in tandem with my experience as a writer and producer.

Lessons are $35 per tutoring hour. The time for personalized curriculum development is included in that price.

Students must provide their own supplies and computer.

I grew tired of spending all my time shooting the "perfect potato chip", and decided I wanted to do something more meaningful.  I developed media literacy programs for kids, teaching them to think critically about media, and to create their own works.  This was at a time that only a few people in the state taught filmmaking to kids, and very few schools (or individuals had cameras or editing equipment). I partnered with experienced teachers to develop the curriculum.

I have worked with students aged 9 - adult, but most of my work has been with K-12 schools.  I've worked in exclusive private schools, juvenile detention facilities, and public schools in all types of neighborhoods, throughout the north Texas region.  I've done a lot of work with students in Talented in Gifted programs as well as with those who have learning differences.  In addition, I have done extensive Staff Development trainings for Irving ISD and Dallas ISD.

Find someone who loves reading, writing and making a connection with students.  While knowing the subject is important, understanding how human beings learn is also really important.  We all have natural strengths, the things we love to do.  If you can tap into that natural ability or strength, and use it to help you learn, then learning can be joyful, even if the subject of study is challenging for you.  Look for a teacher who can help you identify and use your strengths to succeed,  to enjoy learning.

This is a learning partnership. What do you hope to get from your tutor?  What will you bring to the lessons?

Are there specific results you want from your lessons?  What are you willing to do to achieve those results? Are you worried about your lessons?  Why?

How can your teacher best help you learn? Do you need to see things to be able to learn, or do you need to hear them, or do you need both?  Do you learn best through doing something yourself, or by following someone else's example?  Do you need to write down what you hear, or instead, do you need to draw pictures about the ideas?  What are the things that you enjoy doing most?  Let your teacher know - it helps them gain an understanding of how you learn.