US Grade 9 - 12 
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced 

Teacher Expertise and Introduction
As a teacher of 16 years who specializes in the Teaching of Writing, I always hear the following, “It’s boring,” “I don’t know what to write,” or “I’m not good at essay writing.”  But here’s the truth:  you are a writer. With the right methods and writing strategies, you can embrace your unique learning abilities, unlock your potential, and become a successful essay writer. Join our community of growing writers and start your journey toward writing mastery. 

Class Experience: 

"Welcome to Personalized Pen, where your unique voice meets community spirit that elevates your mastery of essay writing! For 32 weeks, engage in active reading using annotative notes and reading journals — ideal tools for capturing and sharing insights.

In class, students benefit from detailed guidance on essay structuring using effective scaffolding techniques, which helps organize your thoughts and integrate your voice into your writing.

Enjoy customized support, including individual feedback, peer editing, and one-on-one teacher sessions, all designed to nurture your growth as a writer. For more details on how each class is tailored to grades 9-12, please refer to the detailed syllabus. Late enrollments are welcome, so it's never too late to join!

Unleash your inner writer with Personalized Pen and acquire skills that extend beyond the classroom. Enroll now and start your journey to becoming a more skilled and confident writer!"

Teaching Style and Learner Interaction: 
I aim to build a vibrant learning community that boosts each student's confidence. By teaching targeted reading and writing strategies, I empower students to become independent thinkers and articulate communicators. 

Strategies: 

Discussion/Listening Exercises/Socratic Seminars - I use Socratic seminars, listening circles, think-pair and share just to name a few methods so that students will learn how to listen and read in a way where they can digest and connect to the ideas of other authors and students.  

Questioning - I teach students how to use questioning as a method to invoke critical thinking during both the reading and writing process.  

Annotating - Students will be allowed to spend individual time in class reading articles, writing notes, and making connections. 

Modeling - I model the process of writing with each paper, and I use mentor texts so that students can see how language can be used to make their writing more effective. 

Assessments: 
Individualized Conferences:  During the writing process, I set aside time to speak to each student to answer their questions and to address any of their concerns about the writing process. In addition, we review their unique understanding of the writing process.  

Homework: Students will have time in class to work on their projects and receive real-time feedback, but they will also be required to work at home.  In terms of time spent on projects, I believe that will depend upon the student’s learning and writing style.  

Peer Editing:  I use this method so that students will learn how to not only evaluate the writing of others, but their own writing.  They will learn how to evaluate the writing of other students, which will improve their own writing. 

Portfolio Assignment:  Students are required to keep a portfolio of their writing which will store all of their drafts, annotations, and peer-editing comments.  This allows students to see how they have grown as writers. 

Feedback:  Students will receive immediate feedback during informal class conferences, through peer editing, and in paper comments.