1^st lesson free

Karen

Rate $106
Response 1h

$106/h

1^st lesson free

English
Reading
Literacy
Writing
Thesis preparation

Columbia-trained educator with 6+ years teaching English and rhetoric turns struggling writers into clear, persuasive thinkers, both online and in person.

English
Reading
Literacy
Writing
Thesis preparation

Lesson location

- online

About Karen

Hi, I'm Karen! I'm an experienced educator with more than six years of classroom teaching and a lifelong love of language, storytelling, and ideas.

I began my career as a Teach For America corps member and AmeriCorps member, teaching English Language Arts to more than 120 students in New Orleans. I later taught in Brooklyn, where I also coached and trained other teachers on lesson design and instructional practice. Today, I'm the lead instructor of a university-affiliated course on rhetoric and social change, where I help high school students analyze persuasive writing and build powerful arguments of their own.

I hold a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, where I'm now a doctoral candidate in education.

Over the years, I've worked with students of every background and skill level, from those who struggle to get a single sentence on the page to those aiming for top colleges. What they all have in common is that they can grow with the right support. I pride myself on being reliable, prepared, and invested in every student's progress. You can expect clear communication, thoughtful feedback, and lessons tailored to your goals.

I can't wait to help you become a more confident reader, writer, and thinker!

About the lesson

My approach
Tutoring shouldn't feel like more school. I see our time together as enrichment: a space where you can explore ideas, find your voice, and discover that reading and writing can actually be enjoyable. I'm personable, creative, and invested in getting to know each student, because I believe real learning starts with a strong relationship. Once you feel comfortable, you take risks, and taking risks is how writers grow.

My teaching method
My teaching is rooted in culturally relevant pedagogy. I connect lessons to your interests, experiences, and the world you live in. Student voice is at the center of everything I do: you help shape what we read, what we discuss, and what we write about. I use non-traditional, multimedia approaches like music, film clips, podcasts, social media, speeches, and art alongside traditional texts, so we practice analysis and argument with material that feels relevant and alive. The goal is always the same: to help you read critically, think clearly, and write with confidence.

A typical lesson
Warm-up (10 min): A quick conversation or creative prompt, often built around a song, image, or short video, to get ideas flowing.
Explore (20 min): We read or watch something together and break it down: What's the message? How does the author persuade us? What would you say back?
Create (20 min): You write, whether it's a paragraph, an essay section, a speech, or a creative piece, while I coach you in real time.
Reflect (10 min): We look at what worked, set one clear goal for next time, and celebrate your progress.
Every lesson adapts to your goals, whether that's a school assignment, a college essay, or simply becoming a stronger writer.

What sets me apart
I have more than six years of experience teaching English Language Arts and rhetoric in New York City and New Orleans, and I've coached other English teachers on how to teach well. I currently teach a university-affiliated course on rhetoric and social change, and I'm a doctoral candidate at Columbia University. I bring strong content knowledge, but what my students remember most is that I make them feel heard, capable, and excited to learn.

Who my lessons are for
Middle and high school students building reading, writing, and essay skills
High schoolers preparing college application essays and personal statements
Students who want to sharpen their argument, public speaking, or debate skills
Adults strengthening their writing for work, school, or the high school equivalency exam

Anyone who has ever felt "I'm just not a good writer." I'd love to prove you wrong.

Lessons are available online and in person.

Rates

Rate

$106

Pack rates

5 h: $530
10 h: $1060

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Karen will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

1hrs

online

$106/h

Columbia-trained educator with 6+ years teaching English and rhetoric turns struggling writers into clear, persuasive thinkers, both online and in person.

Lesson location

About Karen

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

online

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Michelle

Columbia-trained educator with 6+ years teaching English and rhetoric turns struggling writers into clear, persuasive thinkers, both online and in person.

Lesson location

About Karen

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

online

Other tutors in English

Ryan

Sherry

Poe

Michelle

Ritika

Connor

Alaa

Jessica

Yudith

Mai

Leena

Lorraine

Sara

Anabel

Nicole

Alex Hartman

Imran

Vanora

FORSUH

Michelle

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