"I have over fifteen years teaching English Composition and ESL Composition on the university level and have also tutored college students on reports, research papers, and classroom presentations in a variety of subjects. I have privately worked with others on everything from personal applications for undergraduate and graduate schools to workplace presentations. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hunter College with a BA in British Literature, earned an MFA from City College in Creative Writing, and have CELTA International ESL Certification. I have written fiction, poetry, and documentary scripts.

I have found that many students, even those from an AP English high school background, lack the basic and essential skills for writing effectively. There are certain sound approaches to strong writing that are not necessarily complicated, but too often overlooked in favor of "self expression" or "making an impression." Solid, communicative writing relies on certain fundamental concepts: meaningful, concise sentences, a fundamental understanding of grammar, and, perhaps most importantly, an intelligent presentation of content or a clear "idea order." A smart of presentation of thought -- in individual sentences, in paragraphs, and in essays as a whole -- is key to effective writing. Intelligent ideas, with sound details, presented in a coherent manner, have the greatest impact.

I have had students from many different countries, cultures, and environments. Virtually all students, from those with little confidence or knowledge to others with years of academic experience, want honest, direct, and supportive guidance. A teacher or tutor should be accessible -- and flexible. I haven worked with students from teenagers still in high school to those returning to academic life after decades in business or raising a family. Writing can be intimidating, but each person has a unique voice and something to say. The most effective and efficient manner of expression is when that unique voice has the basic tools to c" less...