"After a 3 year hiatus, I am back!

I have been a teacher for over 20 years. The most important ingredient to any tutoring session is to honor and recognize the individuality of the student. The second important ingredient is for the tutor to have the passion to ignite learning. I believe in both. I have taught ESL and English and Literature and Literacy (Writing), and within these studies the student has a remarkable and unique opportunity to explore his or her own world, beliefs, and values. All of these contribute to create success. Learning and tutoring do not happen in a vacuum. Often I teach across curricula to show the student that what is learned in math or English or science or history is also used and explored in our area of academia.

As a musician and a published writer, I have a great love for the beauty of sound in both an instrument and in the spoken word. Poetry, often, is a dreaded, illogical genre that most students avoid to their detriment. I bring them into that world with a new understanding. I also emphasize a discipline with vocabulary and reading which strengthens a student's ability to grasp concepts.

I am fluent in American Sign Language. I had been an Interpreter for the Deaf in Boston for several years. Since then, I have tutored many deaf students in English, ESL, and Literacy. As a hearing man, I can create an effective bridge that links the richness and power of ASL with the subtle complexities of English.

Whatever the situation, my approach to ESL ensures a support system for the student that will help in every aspect of education." less...