Reading & Writing Tutoring

Working with Helen

My tutoring process begins with understanding each student’s strengths and challenges. From there, I create a tailored plan that blends skill-building with real assignments.

Sessions: Every session balances instruction, practice, and feedback so students learn effectively and apply new strategies immediately.
Progress: All students receive a detailed progress report every 3-4 months.

Strong readers and writers are built through practice, feedback, and strategies that make complex ideas clear and achievable.

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The Fox Tutoring Analytical Writing Framework

Step 1: Strong Readers Write Better

The goal of analytical writing is to present a clear claim supported by precise evidence. To do that well, students must first learn how to read analytically.

We strengthen this through purposeful annotation, thoughtful questioning, and disciplined engagement with the text. Students learn to notice patterns, track authorial choices, and distinguish summary from interpretation.

If these habits are not yet automatic, building them becomes the foundation of writing growth.

Strong essays begin with strong reading.

Step 2: Structure Is Your Friend

Structure is one of the most challenging aspects of analytical writing. Students from middle school through university often understand the material but struggle to organize their thinking clearly on the page.

To address this, I use a foundational paragraph model called MEZAL:

M — Main Claim
E — Evidence
Z — Zoom In or Interpretive Sentence
A — Analysis
L — Link

For younger writers, the model is simplified and highly scaffolded. For advanced high school and university students, it becomes more nuanced and layered.

All writers need structure.

Step 3: We Must Integrate Evidence

Strong writing depends on the precise integration of evidence. However, students are often NOT explicitly taught how to do in school. Most of my students who come to me are unable to execute these two skills.

Students who can zoom in on key words and phrases, then craft an interpretive sentence that explains their significance, gain a significant advantage.

This prevents summary and builds layered, precise analysis.

Evidence should support the argument, not replace it.

Step 4: The 3:1 Analysis Rule

One of my college professors told me about this rule: for every line of evidence, there should be at least three lines of analysis.

This ensures that analytical thought outweighs text references and that students fully explain how and why their evidence supports the claim.

Analysis is where grades are earned.

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Step 5: Practice. Feedback. Revision. Repeat.

Strong writing develops over time.

Through consistent practice, focused feedback, and thoughtful revision, students begin to recognize patterns and refine their thinking.

Mastery comes from repetition, not quick fixes.

The Fox Tutoring Difference

You deserve to know your investment in tutoring is worthwhile. With me, your student won’t just get support, they’ll gain strategies, confidence, and skills that last long after our sessions end.

Here’s why working with me is a choice you can feel confident about.

A Proven Educator, Not Just a Tutor

During my 7+ years as an AP and IB English teacher, I pioneered advanced curriculum, directed an IB English department, and earned “Teacher of the Year.” That depth of expertise allows me to anticipate challenges and guide students with strategies that actually work.

Specialist in Advanced English

While many tutors cover general subjects, my focus is razor-sharp: analytical reading, writing, AP Lang, AP Lit, IB English, and college essays. I help struggling and top-achieving students not only keep up, but rise to the challenge of elite-level academics.

A Values-Driven Approach

My teaching begins and ends with grit. I know firsthand what it means to struggle, rediscover learning, and push past limits. I work to instill perseverance, curiosity, and confidence in my students so they grow as thinkers, not just test-takers.

Global Perspective

From studying Arabic and traveling abroad to working with students across the U.S. and internationally, I bring a global perspective that enriches how I teach literature, analysis, and writing. My goal is not only to prepare students for exams, but also to help them grow as thoughtful, confident global citizens.

Results + Relationships

I’ve helped students raise AP scores, strengthen writing portfolios, and gain admission to selective universities, but I’m equally proud of the trust I build with families. Parents know I’m invested, and students know they have a mentor who believes in their growth.