Draft Camp Creative Writing: Structure Your Story

MY CLASSES
Welcome to Outschool! My passion is getting students connected to their learning, and one of the oldest teaching methods to build connection is storytelling. Successful adults can tell good stories, whether they're on the stage, in the boardroom, or pitching for a scientific research grant. Let's make sure that your child can, too. 

I offer language arts courses that incorporate dramatic thinking and high-interest topics to help students make connections and tell their stories more skillfully. My classes are designed as a fun way to practice new skills with peers while developing a deeper understanding of why we write the way we write in a given genre. While I encourage all of my writers to continue adding on and revising at home, you can also choose to complete just the in-class exercises for a low-key learning experience.

MY BACKGROUND
I am a licensed English and Theatre teacher in New Jersey. I earned my MA in Educational Theatre and English Education from New York University, and my BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California. I spent nine years developing and teaching an elementary school drama curriculum at a private school. I worked with classroom teachers to develop units that connected to other areas of study, from literature and social studies to science and computer coding. When my children began school, I switched to teaching in a number of part-time roles, including English composition at our local community college, staff training for a summer camp, ESL online to children in China, and Outschool! In 2021 I began working towards an MSW so that I can return to a full-time career as a family therapist as my children enter middle school.

I'm not just an Outschool teacher - I'm an Outschool parent, too. As a mother of two boys in elementary school, I know that every learner is different and needs different supports. Whether your child is outgoing yet sensitive (my firstborn) or a creative lone wolf (my second) I'm here to help them take ownership of their learning. Feel free to reach out for help with using the Outschool platform, accessing our Zoom classroom, or meeting the individual needs of your learner.

MY POLICIES
Classroom Expectations:
*Cameras: Students are required to "check in" by turning on their cameras at the start of class. This is to ensure your child's safety and privacy - only the registered learner(s) aged 3-18 are permitted in class (young children may have a helper off to the side). 
*Siblings: Outschool registration is per learner, not per family, and only registered learners are permitted in class. If you would like to discuss a sibling discount, make sure you reach out to me before class begins.
*Distractions: While I enjoy getting to know your student's personality and sense of humor, behavior that prevents other students from learning is not acceptable in class. Please remind your child to use good online etiquette so that the whole group can learn.
*Class Length: Posted class lengths are approximate and may vary by up to 5 minutes based on the number of learners enrolled and how vocal the group is. I will always aim to end class at the published time.

Absences: 
*Recordings: All classes are recorded and will be available in the Classroom tab following the class meeting. These videos are only made available to registered students.
*Transfers: If space permits and at my discretion, your learner can be transferred to another section of the same class.
*Refunds: Students who miss class are not entitled to a refund. Please review the class recording or request a transfer if you are unable to attend your class.

Refunds: 
*Outschool Refund Policies: Refund policies vary by class type. These policies can be located in the enrollment pop-up. When you withdraw your learner, the relevant policy will be automatically applied. Search "Outschool Happiness Guarantee" for more information.
*Multi-Day Classes: If you register for a Multi-Day class with me and discover during our first meeting that the class is not a good fit for your learner, I am happy to withdraw your child from the remainder of the class and issue a partial refund, less the cost of that first class session. Please note that you must contact me prior to our second meeting in order to request this refund.