Abby

Certified Tutor

I'm a dedicated tutor and teacher with years of experience working with a range of students of all different ages and skills. In working on-on-one with students, I enjoy getting to know them and work hard to tailor my approach to their specific strengths, weaknesses, and needs. It's been gratifying to find that I'm able to help students discover their innate talents by being a good listener and serving as a patient, supportive, and encouraging coach as they tackle their academic challenges. It can be exciting for both student and tutor when students grasp new and difficult material and feel more confident about their abilities.

As a tutor at after-school programs, I've helped elementary school students study for spelling tests and improve their reading comprehension. In my role as a tutor and mentor for high school students in a college-prep program, I've enjoyed brainstorming with students to help them find themes for personal statements and other essays for college applications, then working on drafts and coaching them through the editing process.

I especially enjoy working with students who want to improve their writing. Although I'm a professional writer and editor, I sometimes find it daunting to face the blank page or screen. In addition to serving as a copy editor at numerous publications and creating editorial style guides for magazines and nonprofit organizations, I've taught copyediting to adults under the auspices of Mediabistro, a well-known New York City media resource. My experience and love of language contribute to my ability to successfully explain grammar, punctuation, and style; answer students' questions about the mechanics of writing; and guide writers in developing genuine and powerful writing they're proud to share with others.

I'm a native New Yorker and graduate of Stuyvesant High School. I earned a BA in English from Vassar College, where I also studied history, political science, American studies, art history, and music. I consider myself a lifelong learner and satisfy my curiosity about subjects ranging from New York history to bookbinding and graphic design by reading and attending lectures around the city. I'm an avid National Public Radio and Channel 13 fan, read The New Yorker and Smithsonian magazines, plus Slate and Brain Pickings online, and can't resist the volume-packed shelves of the Strand bookstore.