Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching at Catalyst Writing & Education offers personalized, 1:1 support for students in grades 5–12, strengthening both literacy and math while building confidence and independence. This is not one-size-fits-all tutoring. Each student receives an individualized plan rooted in The Catalyst Approach to Literacy — blending creativity, skill development, and authentic engagement.
I work with traditionally schooled and homeschooled students and have experience supporting neurodivergent learners, including those with dyslexia. Instruction is structured, responsive, and designed to reduce overwhelm while building sustainable academic skills.
When desired, I communicate directly with classroom teachers to ensure alignment. Parents receive detailed feedback after each session outlining what we covered, areas of growth, and next steps.
Creative Warm-Ups & Thinking Exercises
Short creativity practices that build mental flexibility, risk-taking, and original thinking.
Reading Real Books Together
Shared reading of novels and nonfiction texts, with vocabulary studied in context and discussion that strengthens comprehension and analytical thinking.
Vocabulary in Context
Developing word knowledge naturally through authentic texts rather than isolated memorization.
Mentor Text Study
Analyzing strong writing to improve sentence structure, organization, tone, and clarity.
Authentic Writing Tasks
Movie reviews, book critiques, persuasive pieces, reflective essays, recipes and food writing, and other real-world writing experiences that feel meaningful rather than artificial.
Interest-Led Projects
Research and presentation projects connected to a student’s passions, emerging interests, or potential career paths.
Homework Support & Study Skills
Organization systems, time management, executive functioning strategies, and test preparation techniques.
Handwriting & Written Expression
Targeted support to improve fluency, legibility, and written confidence when needed.
Math Support
Grades 5 - 12
Catalyst also offers structured math support for students in grades 5–12, delivered by an experienced and certified math educator. Instruction focuses on building conceptual understanding, problem-solving confidence, and strong foundational skills across grade levels.
Sessions emphasize:
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Conceptual understanding over memorization
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Filling skill gaps
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Clear step-by-step problem-solving strategies
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Reducing math anxiety
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Test-taking strategy and pacing
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Gradual independence and confidence
Math support can be provided 1:1 or in small group formats.
Upper Elementary Math (5th–6th Grade)
Fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, multi-step word problems, pre-algebra and geometry foundations
Middle School Math (6th–8th Grade)
Pre-Algebra, Algebra readiness, expressions and equations,rational numbers operations, proportional reasoning, geometry foundations
Algebra I & Algebra II
Linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, functions, quadratics, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions
Geometry
Proofs, congruence, similarity, transformations, coordinate geometry, trigonometric foundations
Advanced & High School Math
Trigonometry, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and targeted support for advanced coursework
Standardized Test Math Prep
PSAT, SAT, ACT, ISEE, STAAR, and CTP math sections