About The Composition Coach
Transforming student writing through expert instruction and personalized guidance
As a veteran English educator with over four decades of classroom experience, I help students develop the critical thinking and writing skills that serve them not just in completing assignments, but throughout their academic and professional lives.
My approach goes beyond traditional tutoring. I work in partnership with students to unlock their unique voice while providing them with proven structural tools that make their ideas shine. Having guided hundreds of middle and high school students through challenging writing assignments, college applications, and standardized test preparation, I understand that every student has valuable insights—they often just need guidance in organizing their thoughts and expressing them clearly.
Now dedicating myself full-time to personalized writing instruction, I bring decades of classroom expertise to help students develop the critical thinking and communication skills that will serve them throughout their academic and professional journeys.
My Teaching Philosophy
I see myself as a steward of the students I teach. As Wilbert McKeachie states in McKeachie's Teaching Tips, there are six qualities that help develop a great teaching relationship: connection, participation, safety, support, belonging and empowerment. These qualities form the foundation of how I strive to actively help students develop their writing abilities and become confident, independent writers.
Connection
Understanding each student's interests, goals, and unique challenges to create relevant, engaging learning experiences
Safety
Creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks with their writing and learning from mistakes
Support
Providing specific encouragement and targeted guidance that each student needs to grow as a writer
Participation
Students are active partners in their learning journey, not passive recipients of instruction
Belonging
Helping students see themselves as capable writers with valuable contributions to make
Empowerment
Developing independent, confident writers who can tackle any writing challenge with skill and assurance
Partnership with Families
I believe that lasting student success requires genuine partnership between educator, student, and family. I value parents' insights about their children's learning styles, motivations, and goals. Together, we form a supportive community focused on the student's growth and long-term success.
Credentials & Experience
40+ Years Teaching Experience
Veteran English educator with four decades of classroom excellence
B.Ed. in English
Chester College, England - Foundation in English Literature and Education
Master's in Education
Morling College, Australia - Advanced educational methodology and curriculum design
College Writing Certification
Bowling Green State University - Advanced college-level writing instruction
Educational Consultant
Full-time commitment to personalized writing instruction and student success