About
My great grandmother worked in a one room schoolhouse in Minnesota, teaching every subject to students tall and small, during all seasons, so I like to say that I inherited my love of teaching from her. Today, the demands on students—standardized testing, competition to get into the best colleges, changes in technology—are very different, but one thing remains the same: students learn best when they have teachers and mentors who know them well and genuinely care about them. I’ve used this philosophy as a high school ELA teacher for the past 14 years. I meet a student where they are academically, developmentally, and emotionally in order to bring them forward on their own path to success.
I am available by appointment 7 days a week to help with homework, distance learning and homeschool help. With many students now learning from home, online tutoring is becoming a necessity, and I’m here to help.
I’m a current and certified teacher
Tenured, Professional Certification Level, ELA grades 7-12.
BA in English, 2004 The Evergreen State College
MA in Education, 2006 Antioch University Seattle
Model Teacher and Peer Collaborative Teacher Coach with the DOE Teacher Leadership Initiative, 2014-present
9/11 Teacher Award recipient for outstanding lessons
See more at marilynbyrd.org
My great love is teaching. I teach english, literature, autobiography, composition, poetry, debate, sociology, and civics. I believe knowing a student well is the key to meeting them where they are, then moving them forward to realize their full potential.
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Reviews
Debbie H.
Rochelle
Rachell
Geraldine H.
Lori
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First we will conference on what your goals are and when you're hoping to reach them. Then, I'll help you make a plan and we can begin!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm an ELA teacher with a Masters in Education. I'm also tenured, professionally certifiied, and have 14 years of experience.
Currently, I teach 11th and 12th grade literature and writing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$80/hour: With so many students learning from home, and so many tutoring centers closed, an online tutor is a necessity for so many families. I’m available 7 days a week, 8:30am-7:00pm. Email me for an appointment: [email protected]
How did you get started teaching?
I taught theater and history in Seattle before moving to New York to help open a theater arts high school in Brooklyn.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with a wide range of students who possess a wide array of skills and talents. I have experience with students who are in gifted and talented programs and also special needs students. Many of my clients are already doing well, but need help polishing their work to reach their goals. I’ve worked with students with ADHD, issues with executive functioning, ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and processing deficits. I’ve also worked with many students who struggle with ED (Emotional Disturbance) and need extra attention and support to complete homework.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When blended learning started in NYC, I was thrilled to see my students for the first time in 5 months. I missed their energy, their brilliance and their humor. When we first sat down in our socially distanced classroom, it was awkward and unfamiliar. We peered at each other over our masks, trying to settle into this new feeling of being both close and far away. I introduced some new games we could play from our seats and brought in the practice of “air fives” and snaps to appreciate each other. In a few minutes, my resilient students were animated, active and laughing. It was the first time I’d felt so relieved, hopeful and filled with joy since Covid shut us down. I carry that with me, and I know we’ll be back.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Who do you feel most comfortable talking to? It’s helpful to have some photos and information on any tutor, since you’ll be chatting with them on a regular basis.
What is important to you in terms of experience? Would you prefer a new teacher with some fresh ideas or an experienced teacher who has wisdom learned over time?
Does the prospective tutor specialize in your age range? Teaching young students is a very different skill set from teaching older students. Make sure your tutor has experience in teaching students around your grade range.
Check to see availability. You want a tutor who is available when you need them. You don’t want to have to wait for an appointment next week if you need help with your homework today!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Reflect on your academic needs; what is an area that causes you the most stress? If you can identify what part of your learning process is feeling stalled, let me know! This way, I can tailor how to help you in the most effective way. It’s ok if you’re feeling stuck and don’t know why, I can help you with that too.
What strategies have you already tried, and why do you think they haven’t been as effective as you’d like?
Identify short term and long term goals. What immediate goals do you have? Maybe you want to improve a skill, pass a test or learn something new. Next, look forward, what do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years? Where do you want to be as a result of your hard work?
How often do you foresee yourself needing help? Would once a week for an hour be helpful, or would you rather have several shorter sessions to steer your course?