Crystal

Certified Tutor

I have been working with students for more than 20 years because I so appreciate the support of those who worked with me when I was a student. So, to me, teaching people seems like the right thing to do.

As a high school student my English teacher often asked me to help other students with their essays. I didn't think about it; I just helped because I could and because I was asked to do so. Reading, writing, and learning are things I have always done and loved to do. That probably explains why I earned a master's degree in journalism, a second master's degree in English literature, and a doctorate in English literature, too.

I went to Indiana University for graduate school and learned from some great teachers. That is also were I began teaching. I taught first-year composition and intensive-writing literature classes and I loved it. I have been teaching ever since. I tutor reading and writing. I enjoy teaching both of those things because people get so excited when they can understand others clearly and when they, too, can communicate what they really mean to say.

My philosophy about teaching is that it is a great way to help people to become more of who they already are. My job is to show students strategies that empower them, that give them the confidence to speak their minds. As my goal often is to minimize the anxiety that can sometimes stop students from communicating effectively, my tutoring style is supportive and encouraging.

What interests me outside of academia? Reading. I read as much as I can, whenever I can. I especially love reading magazine articles. I like to see how other people write and I am always looking for well-written work. I love movies, too, for many of the same reasons. Ultimately, I love to keep learning.