About
I bring ten years of teaching in public schools AND decades of experience in writing/editing/publishing. I've worked with students on literacy and reading-comprehension, test-taking skills, writing and ESL in Fairfax and Arlington County public schools, and have edited essays for many college-bound high school students.
I can work with students in reading and writing at any level, and bring an understanding of learning and literacy- challenges from basic elementary school reading skills to creating strong college-level essays. I understand the difficulties of reading and writing, and work with each student at their own level to help them succeed.
My work has been published in The Hudson Review, Entropy, and The Washingtonian (https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/09/25/teaching-immigrant-kids-english-isnt-about-opening-doors-for-them-its-about-showing-them-how-to-do-it/). My essays have been listed in the "notable" section of America's Best Essays, been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and awarded for "excellence" by the DC Commission on the Arts and with the Barry Lopez prize for creative nonfiction by Cuthroat Journal.
I enjoy working with students to help them develop skills and strategies, which in turns builds confidence and creates success. I enjoy working with students and adults on all elements of writing.
Reviews
Nishita B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will ask you what you're looking for, what would be most helpful, and how you like to work with tutors.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am certified to teach in the Commonwelath of Virginia and have an MFA in Creative Writing from American University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50/ hour, though I am flexible, depending on the project.
How did you get started teaching?
Through a love of education and being in the classroom.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students who are new to the country and are struggling with language, with students of all ages and backgrounds who need support in reading comprehension and test-taking, with seniors in high school needing editing help on their college admission essays, and with adults who have manuscripts they'd like to develop into books.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Finishing the Camino de Santiago in Spain!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Feel free to change tutors if you do not feel someone is meeting your needs. Your progress comes first.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my goals, and what do I need from my tutor to meet these goals?
What concerns can my tutor help me address?