What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
This is a self-paced class where students and families will have freedom to complete course requirements as it best fits with their schedules. Each week we will cover a topic that relates to create a compelling story that translate into a college essay that is readable and engaging. My teaching format is one centered on teaching and modeling of concept then encouraging students to replicate in a manner that is authentic to them. Students are required to interact with me via the class discussion board and with their fellow classmates. I will interact with learners at a minimum of two times per week via the discussion board and more frequently for students needing more individualized support. Prior experience is not necessary, though students who possess a basic command of common essay-writing skills will progress faster. Regardless, class materials will support students at all levels. I will post prompts and require responses that will create a baseline for all students. My goal is an individualized experience where students can excel at their own pace. The course will emphasize the power of the college entrance essay to help increase chances of earning admission into learners’ colleges of their choice. Pre-recorded weekly Zoom lessons will focus on a particular skill or step. We will collaborate via Google Docs and Google Slides, and learners will have opportunities to post and engage with each other. Learners will have weekly lessons to complete prior to the next class, and the instructor will offer weekly feedback via the class discussion board and the Google Docs/Slides. The course will culminate with a complete college entrance essay.
Learning Goals
Learners will become more confident in their essay-writing abilities and will development a sense of empowerment while engaging in the college application process.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Personal Essay-Writing
We emphasize the importance of the college entrance essay. Instructor will share sample essay prompts and provide insight associated with each. Learners will view an example of an actual essay from a student who earned admission into their top college pick. We then explore three different essay prompts. Learners will choose the prompt to which they resonate the best, and we will begin working with that prompt in the next class.
Lesson 2:
Prompts and Brainstorming
This class is devoted to understanding the essay prompts and the brainstorming phase. We will explore brainstorming through the lens of the essay from Week One. The instructor will model the brainstorming process using that essay. Learners will then begin brainstorming for their own essays. The instructor will comment via the shared doc throughout the week, and learners will need to have completed the brainstorming step by the next class.
Lesson 3:
The Power of the Hook
This week we will talk about the power of hooks. Referring to Week One’s “winning essay,” we will analyze the brainstorming data and come to understand how we use that information to form a hook. Learners will use the model to help identify and craft their own unique hooks. The instructor will provide feedback throughout the week via the shared docs.
Lesson 4:
Intros and Outlines
We are now ready for introductions. This class will look at effective techniques for crafting powerful introductions that incorporate the hook we created from the previous week. We will work on the essay outline and thesis statements as well, and in doing so, we will discuss similarities between the college entrance essays and essays they have written in their English/Composition/ELA classes at school. Learners will work on this step throughout the week.
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Greetings! I am Mrs. Tiffany Williams Evans, and I can't wait to share my love for the written word with all of you!
I sincerely believe in the power of writing and literature to take students on journeys around the world, where they can explore the past, present and future through works of literary art. My students and I then analyze each work to hone a deeper appreciation for the implications in our lives, taking to heart lessons that help develop character and that unearth a heightened sensitivity for the human condition. These skills also extend to the world of journalism where I teach students the beauty and importance in telling other people's stories.
After earning a bachelor's degree with concentrations in English and sociology and an MBA, I connected with the community as a magazine editor for more than 10 years. Later, I taught high-school English. Throughout that time, I tutored academically and professionally in English and business-centered subject areas, and I also homeschooled my children.
Whether I am working with children or adults, I dedicate myself to understanding each student's personality and adapt my approach in such a way that I am teaching and coaching the entire individual. My goal is to help my students connect with themselves and then their worlds in truly meaningful ways.
Fun fact: had I not pursued a career in education, I would have majored in theater. That said, I secretly want to sing, dance, and act on Broadway. Students: don't be surprised if some of our sessions become a little dramatic!
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$21
weekly or $125 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 13-18