About
With ten years of experience and ELA Teacher certification, I offer private, customized instruction for English Language Arts and Secondary or Adult Literacy with a specializiation in English as a Second Language (ESL/ESOL) for middle school, high school, and college. My approach is down-to-earth, simple, and approachable. I function in a relaxed and judgment-free atmosphere. I have a private office in a beautiful historic building in Sixth Ward Houston that is safe, quiet, and conducive to learning. In addition, I offer editorial services including line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
I am a certified English Language Arts teacher in Texas with a specialization in STAAR support and intervention and English as a Second Language (ESL). I hold a total of ten years of tutoring experience, both private and public, and six years of freelance writing and editorial experience. I previously worked at Lone Star College as a professional writing tutor and specialized in ESL conversational skills.
I have a passion for words, and I believe that words have power, and building relationships is key to student success.
Visit: www.nextgenerationenglish.com
I love seeing students make real-world connections to the work they do, and to see how they employ the power of words in their own lives and eventual careers. I absolutely love building relationships with students and getting to know them on a personal and academic level.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Our first session comes at a discounted price. I will get to know the student on both a personal and an academic level. I have several research-based diagnostic tools which are quick and efficient ways to pinpoint exactly which areas the student needs the most growth. I will then talk to both parents and student (if applicable) to develop an end goal, and we will create an outline and a plan of how we will achieve that goal, with a relative time frame.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Texas SBEC certified teacher for English Language Arts in grades 6-12 with a certification in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Gifted and Talented (GT). I have ten years of prior tutoring experience, four years of teaching experience, and previously worked at Lone Star College as a professional writing tutor. There I developed a program specifically for ESL students which targeted improvement in their conversational English skills.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from University of Missouri with an emphasis in Creative Writing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally, on-level junior high and high school tutoring sessions are around $40 per hour.
Advanced, Dual Credit, and college composition and literature courses are typically $50 per hour.
Online tutoring starts at $25 per hour, but is based on need.
How did you get started teaching?
I knew since I first picked up a book that I wanted to one day follow in the footsteps of my mother and grandmother and teach words like they did. I had wonderful moments with my English teachers throughout junior high and high school, and some not-so-wonderful moments.
I want to make sure that any student who I teach is never disappointed and is never made to feel poorly about themselves. I believe in encouragement and building relationships, and that is my favorite part of the job.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from grades 6-8 to high school (9-12) and college, both tutoring and teaching from remedial and special education to GT, Pre-AP, and Advanced.
One of my true passions is working with at-risk students as well as working with ESL students. I love seeing their incredible growth.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I created a lesson that I titled “The Power of Words” for my high school students. It compared and contrasted the rhetoric and language of social and political leaders, and eventually students created their own speeches and persuasive letters to prove the “power of words” in their own lives. It was an amazing project and experience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Credentials are very important, but also find a balance between finding a tutor/teacher with the right credentials, and one with the right personality. You should feel comfortable around them. You should feel safe to take risks and know that it’s okay. They should encourage you and get to know you on a personal level. You should FEEL that they believe in you. If you have that, you have a great tutor!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1.) Is what I am asking respectful? Is it kind?
2.) Have I made an effort to seek out knowledge myself regarding the question?
3.) Do I trust the teacher? Do I feel comfortable speaking with them?
4.) Is what I am asking productive?