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English Tutor

Unlock your child's potential with personalized tutoring in ELA, reading, and writing, tailored to their unique needs and led by an experienced educator with over 15 years of experience, including homeschooling expertise.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(45)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed
25 mins
per session
Teacher support
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Homework assignments will be designed to directly support students in achieving their learning goals and will be closely aligned with what the student is currently working on. These assignments may include reading, writing, vocabulary exercises, and educational videos, all chosen to reinforce the specific skills and concepts we are focusing on in our sessions. This targeted approach ensures that homework is purposeful and relevant, enhancing the student's understanding and progress toward their goals.
Assessment
Non-formal assessments will be conducted regularly to monitor the student's growth during our classes. We will collect examples of the student's work from the beginning of our time together and continue to review their progress every 2-3 months. These assessments will highlight areas of improvement and identify skills that are still developing. This ongoing evaluation allows for adjustments in our teaching approach to ensure we are effectively addressing the student's needs and supporting their continuous growth.

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 12
This personalized tutoring, tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner, is especially beneficial for English language learners. It provides a supportive environment to improve language skills while enhancing comprehension of the English language. I firmly believe that everyone can excel, and my role is to identify the most effective strategies to present materials, making it an ideal option for those seeking to build their language proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of English.

To make the most of our sessions, please answer the following questions before our class:

1. What does the student need help with?
2. What short-term and long-term goals would you like to work on?
3. What parts of ELA does the student enjoy?
4. Are there any other concerns you would like me to address? What are they?

My goal is to ensure our time together is as productive as possible. Here’s a typical class format:

Welcome: Check-in on how the week is going. Discuss current work and feedback received. Plan what we will work on during the session.

Tutoring: Focus on one or more subjects. Work on writing papers, novel discussions, or other English class assignments. Address other subjects if needed.

Wrap-Up: Ensure all questions are answered. Provide resources to help with challenging areas.

Examples of Possible Topics Covered:

Novel Study: Assist with novel breakdowns, themes, symbolism, passage analysis, and grammar. Analyze how dialogue or incidents in a story propel the action, reveal character aspects, or provoke decisions. Determine the meaning of words and phrases in a text. Compare and contrast the structure of multiple texts. Analyze differences in the points of view of characters and the audience or reader. Examine an author’s choices in structuring parts of a text. Explore multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem.

Research and Paper Writing: Work on theses, sentence structure, word usage, quotations, drafts, editing, rewriting, and citations (MLA or APA). Cite textual evidence to support analysis. Determine a theme or central idea of a text. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of topics or texts, using valid reasoning and sufficient evidence. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events with effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured sequences. Demonstrate command of standard English conventions in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Reading Skills, Comprehension, and Vocabulary: Improve reading fluency and understanding. Develop strategies for better comprehension of texts. Expand vocabulary and understanding of word usage in context. Analyze and interpret a variety of texts, including fiction and nonfiction, to enhance overall reading proficiency.
Learning Goals
Each student's learning goals are collaboratively developed by the teacher, parent, and student to best meet their individual needs. This collaborative approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the student's strengths, areas for improvement, interests, and aspirations. By involving all key stakeholders in the goal-setting process, we create a supportive and tailored educational plan that promotes engagement, motivation, and success. This partnership fosters open communication and ensures that the strategies and objectives align with the student's unique learning style and personal goals, ultimately leading to a more effective and fulfilling educational experience.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
All learning, emotional, and health needs are carefully considered when crafting learning goals, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
4.9
45reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, with the last 9 years spent as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students navigate complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, profoundly shaping our understanding. I am passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension, particularly in the areas of ELA, reading, and writing support.

In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and narrative biases. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events. For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I introduce students to new books and facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Through numerous professional development experiences, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.

My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program. Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.

Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodates different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis. In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.

Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields. Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.

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Live 1-on-1 Lessons
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$25

per session
Meets on demand
25 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-18

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