Capitol Hill & Montlake Tutors
Jesse
With a background as a professional copywriter, playwright, and teacher, I look forward to supporting students in growing their writing skills.
Born and raised in Seattle, I attended University Prep for middle and high school. I went on to study literature and theatre at the University of Chicago, where I graduated with honors. Taking on a rigorous liberal arts program fusing theory and practice, I took masters-level literature classes and completed an interdisciplinary honors thesis. Finally, as a senior, I received the Francis X. Kinahan Memorial Prize for my contribution to University Theatre.
After graduating, I spent a decade working in theatre as a playwright, director, and dramaturg (sort of like an editor for theatre). I also worked as a teacher at the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, where I taught creative writing, artistic process, and theatre to middle- and high-school student.
Pedagogically, I believe that clear writing and clear thinking are two sides of the same coin. Thus, I seek to help students clarify their learning and critical thinking through the written word. I know that learning—especially in one-on-one education—requires a patient, shame-free environment where the student feels safe to experiment, get things wrong, and ask the “stupid” questions (there are no stupid questions!). I seek to bring empathy and curiosity to each student, to get to know them, and to support their writing!
Annie
I have over 6 years of experience working with students of all ages as a teacher, tutor, and coach. Regardless of the subject matter, I approach my work with students with humor, patience, and empathy to create a comfortable and safe space for them to grow. My goal is to create a strong rapport with students so I can better help them harness their strengths and support them through challenges, while creating a fun environment where they can take ownership of their learning.
My own reading and writing journey got off to a rocky start. I entered second grade unable to read, but with the help of two tutors I was reading at a 4th grade level and devouring books by the end of the year. My tutors created an environment that helped me feel more confident and empowered. Their help was transformational for me, my learning, and how I now work with students. I went on to graduate as a high school valedictorian and received a merit scholarship to study at Grinnell College, where I majored in English.
My first teaching experience was through the Grinnell Prison program, teaching a course on short stories to inmates at a women’s prison. Through this experience I learned the importance of creating a space where students can discover how their unique skills and interests can be applied to their learning. Since then I have run a study hall for international students, coached cross country, instructed summer camp sewing classes, and taught Spanish at the Northwest School. I continued working with students at an after school program in Arequipa, Peru, where I created a literacy program based on one-on-one reading and writing support. Upon returning to the US, I worked with young readers and writers at the Bush School as a first grade classroom assistant.
When I am not with students, you can find me running on trails, reading too many books at once, or experimenting with developing materials from kitchen scraps.
