Mary Ellen: Justice tutor

Certified Tutor

Writing Is My Passion

Love of language motivates me. Sharing that love is what I do.
At 9, I discovered the joy of writing my inner thoughts on paper. I attribute my aha moment to my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Whitehill, who recognized something in me that I hadn't figured a way to express, yet. She had read My Brother Sam is Dead, by James Lincoln and Christopher Collier aloud, and asked us to write a reaction to the novel. Something in me ignited that day. As a teacher, I honor my inner voice by helping students of all ages find themselves through language.

I've done just about any job you could imagine from waitressing to investigating credit card fraud. Mostly, I've written and have been fortunate to earn money from my writing. Throughout 30 years I've written: journalism pieces, essays, business proposals, speeches, public relations materials as well as short stories, poems, lyrics, and fiction. I bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, emphasizing the origin of creation, using many sources of knowledge. Everyone has a story to tell from rapper or spray paint artist to parent or child. Each person has a unique voice to share with the world. I help students write better using their own voice.

I value the dynamic student-teacher relationship as a fundamental basis of learning and am a student-focused teacher. My classroom, or (one-on-one session) is conducted with integrity and respect for learning and focused on studying written language.

As a tutor, I approach the lesson by simultaneously assessing his/her need and ability. Then step-by-step we work on the project at hand. I'm very efficient with my use of time.

I strive to help my students thrive and grow to cultivate a lifelong love of language.