Blake B.
Private tutor in Berkeley, CA
Education
I received my MA and PhD in English on a Marshall Scholarship from the University of Kent (dissertation defended in 2012 with first class honors). BA in English (Honors) and French from Wake Forest University in 2006, GPA 3.92.
Experience
I'm a Marshall Scholar with a PhD in English (and hip-hop) who is committed to helping your student become a world-class writer, speaker, thinker, and leader. My goal is to connect the abstract world of academia with "real world" experiences and references that students relate to and enjoy in their personal lives. I love using music and pop culture to help students connect with their studies, and I work to find practical examples of how their studies can apply to their own lives. My knowledge of English grammar and literature is extensive. As a professional public speaker and poet, I am well versed in creative writing and performance. I also run scholarship, application, and essay writing workshops for students who are applying to college or postgraduate degrees, and I have successfully coached students to win major national scholarships, including a 2007 Marshall Scholarship recipient. More than just helping students succeed in the subject matter, I strive to empower them to be critical thinkers and leaders in their school and community.
Subject Expertise
French 4College EssaysCreative WritingEnglishEssay EditingFrenchFrench 1French 2French 3AP English Literature and CompositionIntroduction to PoetryLiterary AnalysisLiteraturePoetry WritingPublic SpeakingSummer TutoringWorld LiteratureWriting6th Grade Writing10th Grade Writing11th Grade Reading11th Grade Writing12th Grade Reading12th Grade Writing4th Grade Writing5th Grade Reading6th Grade Reading10th Grade Reading7th Grade Reading7th Grade Writing8th Grade Reading8th Grade Writing9th Grade Reading9th Grade WritingAmerican LiteratureAdvanced Placement
Availability
Any day at any time
Can Meet
Up to 30 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
As a motivational speaker and hip-hop educator, I have over a decade of experience in meeting students "where they are" and helping them achieve their goals in a stress-free, positive environment. I believe that students perform best when they feel confident in their own abilities and supported by caring adults. I run a weekly personal development blog called "The Up Beat" to help students and adults to overcome the challenges that they face in life (and I create fun rap videos to make the information entertaining and accessible). I am also a professional music producer of numerous Top 40 radio hits in Europe and regularly perform inspirational raps and beatboxing as part of my motivational speaking at schools and universities around the country. I would love to learn more about you and your scholar's needs. Please get in touch for a free consultation!
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