Miriam
Certified Tutor
I am a bilingual tutor specializing in English, Spanish, Writing, SAT Verbal and Writing skills, English for English learners, literature, and more. It doesn't matter how old or young you are--I enjoy working with both young people, and adults. For all of my students I desire to foster creativity, confidence, and a true joy in learning.
In the past, I taught TESOL English classes for adults and children in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. I also spent two years teaching classroom Spanish to middle-grade learners. Tutoring is my favorite job since it allows me to focus on individual students and coach them exactly according to their needs. I'm also a professional writer of fiction and poetry, so it especially gives me joy when I can help students learn how to express themselves in writing.
My education includes a bachelors degree in English with a writing concentration, and I am fluent in Spanish. I would be delighted to work with you in either English or Spanish, helping you to improve your language skills. Gracias y que Dios le bendiga.
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Undergraduate Degree: Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelors, English: Writing Concentration
- SAT Verbal: 770
I love reading, writing stories, meeting people from other cultures, playing card-games, hiking/walking, and drinking tea with friends. I also am a big fan of fantasy/science fiction books and movies.
- Admissions
- College Application Essays
- College English
- Comparative Literature
- Conversational Spanish
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- High School English
- Homework Support
- Languages
- Literature
- Math
- Middle School English
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Reading
- SAT Reading
- SAT Subject Test in Spanish
- SAT Writing and Language
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Spanish 4
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Creativity. Confidence. Enjoyment. Perseverance!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
First sessions are usually quite interactive. I ask questions and take notes about my student's personal goals and learning style. If I'm helping a student prepare for a test, I need to know their target score and the date of the exam. Following that, I like to engage my student in word-games, writing exercises, or conversation. These activities help me to assess the student's skills and plan for future lessons.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
One of my biggest tutoring goals is to help students enjoy their learning; enjoyment naturally leads to independence in learning. I like to include fun assignments like songs, movies, creative writing assignments, and research projects--anything that really interests my students.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help students stay motivated by reminding them of their long-term goals, and showing how their work relates to those goals. For example, if an English learner wants to write an amazing job application letter, I'll have her practice the verb forms she would use in that letter. If some want to be able to use their Spanish when they visit Mexico, I'll pull out some Mexican food vocabulary.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try a different teaching method. Sometimes students need to be shown a concept in several different ways before it makes sense.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I encourage students to take their time; also it is so important to take notes. I urge people to write notes in the margins, describing the main idea of each new paragraph.