Every student deserves a dedicated mentor to help them master the craft of writing.
Table of Contents
- How our schools fail student writers
- My teaching background
- FAQ
- What writing classes do you offer?
- Do you teach essay writing?
- Do you offer classes in literature?
- Do you offer support on school-assigned essays and other writing projects??
- How do you design a personalized class?
- Do you teach classes virtually/on Zoom?
- What grades do you teach?
- When can we schedule our classes?
- Do you offer in-person classes for local students?
- Do you offer group classes or group rates?
How our schools fail student writers
For decades, schools have failed to provide effective writing instruction. According to the New York Times, the majority of 8th and 12th graders lack writing proficiency. College students arrive on campus unprepared for the rigorous writing and analysis required of them.
Worse, students feel discouraged and disconnected from the value of writing. They view writing as a formulaic chore. They come to believe “I’m not a good writer.”
My students master the craft of writing. They learn to compose powerful essays, narratives, and editorials. They write podcasts, speeches, video essays and more. They embrace writing as a vital tool to chart their unique paths to success.
“Jane is affectionate but firm, demanding but fair. Among her gifts is her ability to swiftly assess and meet her students’ needs with exercises specially crafted to engage them. She wants her hours with students to matter—and they do.”
My teaching background
I honed my teaching skills at Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the world’s top private schools. I taught writing seminars in “Craft of the Essay” and “Writing Process” as well as workshops focused on the college admissions essay, in their rigorous pre-college program. My teaching is based on Exeter’s world-famous Harkness method, which encourages students and teachers to learn collaboratively through open inquiry.
Since 2008, I have been teaching talented students across the United States and around the world. Working 1-on-1 or in small groups, I deliver dynamic, personalized classes that prepare students for advanced-level courses in high school and college.
“What a wonderful teacher! Fearless, determined, and upbeat. Broadly interested in contemporary literature as well as the classics. She will help and protect her students with stamina and dignity.”
FAQ
I currently offer 3 classes: Essay Writing, Literary Analysis, and a Writing Workshop. Each class can be adapted to a student’s grade level, skills and goals.
With the student’s input, I design a personalized curriculum of short texts and writing projects. This curriculum targets specific writing skills and prepares the student for advanced-level coursework. Together, we explore an engaging topic while practicing fundamental reading and writing skills.
Yes! Essays are the most vital, important form in contemporary discourse. Students need strong foundational skills in research, thesis development, drafting, revision, and citation.
Schools today drill the basic 5-paragraph essay formula — but they do very little beyond that. I move students to more sophisticated forms of inquiry and analysis required in AP, IB, and college-level courses.
I invite you to read about Parth’s essay class, focused on building research and thesis skills, inspired by the student’s interest in Indian history!
Yes! Critical analysis of literature is essential to success across humanities courses — in high school and college. To prepare students for advanced, honors-level work, I recommend a personalized literature class that develops strong analytical skills.
Click to read more about Jasmine’s 10-week literature class, in which we read and analyzed contemporary short stories and a classic novel.
I am available to help students improve their writing on school-assigned work. Students may have extremely limited opportunities for 1-on-1 conferences with their classroom teachers, and may need extra support to master a specific skill area. I am glad to provide additional feedback on essays and other writing assignments — especially major research papers and projects! I am glad to liaise with the student’s teacher as well, to advocate for the highest quality of support.
Designing a class is a collaborative process between me and the student. I request 3 writing samples to assess the student’s skills, and I ask them to complete a short questionnaire to learn their interests. I then propose 2 or 3 dynamic options for the focus of our class, and build a curated list of short texts and writing prompts. This is the student’s opportunity to explore subjects that excite them — and become a whip-smart writer in the process!
I primarily use Zoom, but I’m comfortable using Google Meet, FaceTime, Skype, WeChat, and other video conferencing apps.
Our virtual classes will go way beyond simple video lessons and lectures. With 14 years experience teaching online, I am adept at creating a personalized experience that empowers each student to think, write, and act beyond the frame of a virtual Zoom call. I don’t bore students with lectures or cookie-cutter lessons. Writing is a real-world activity, and we will create opportunities for hands-on, eyes-open projects. My goal is also to cultivate a strong mentor relationship, to serve as a trusted advisor for my student’s intellectual journey.
I work primarily with students in grades 8 through 12, preparing them for college-level writing, AP and IB courses, capstone and other special projects. However, I teach talented younger writers, college students, and adults too — so please inquire!
I ask new students to share writing samples with me, so that I can assess their strengths, goals, and style. Every writer develops at their own pace — my job is to guide my student to the next level.
Classes can be scheduled mornings, afternoons, or evenings, on weekdays or weekends. I work with most students for a 60-minute, 75-minute, or 90-minute class period, between 1 and 4 days per week. Your class schedule is completely up to you — and we can adjust it as needed.
I live in Boston, on Eastern Time, and I reserve certain hours each week to accommodate students in different time zones.
To protect the health of my students and our communities, I am currently offering virtual classes only. (I love teaching in person, and I look forward to resuming soon!)
Yes! I do offer small group classes (of up to 4 students) at a discounted rate. Please contact me for details.
I work with a limited number of students so that I can invest personal attention in each one. For my current availability, please reach out!
