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Devon

Certified Tutor

I received a BA in English from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008 and an MA in English from Brown University in 2011. I love to read, and I love to study language because words offer so much potential for emotional depth, vivid imagery, tonal complexity, humor, subtlety, irony and even playfulness. I believe strong reading and writing skills make us better thinkers, better communicators and better observers of the world around us.
I have a great passion for teaching. I have taught Writing and Literature courses at Brown University, and I have worked as a teaching assistant, a Writing Tutor for high school and college students, and a classroom consultant. I enjoy getting to know my students and working together on long-term projects, but I also love the thrill of fast-paced one-hour sessions with new faces.
My teaching style is all about "you," including your voice, your arguments and your ideas. Standardized test formats and strict grading rubrics can make writing feel like a chore for many students, but I like to see these limitations as opportunities. I work closely with my students to unlock their intellectual and creative potential, all the while helping to keep their language neat and their arguments strong. I believe that every step of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and editing, should challenge the student to develop his or her voice and sharpen his or her thinking. I help students write unique and persuasive essays that live up to the requirements of academic writing. I also help with grammar, vocabulary and reading skills.
When I am not reading or writing I like to knit, run and dance around my kitchen. I am a longtime vegan and I love to cook and bake. Every now and then I will break out my ukulele and play songs while my veggies are roasting!