Mission Statement
I empower my students with the abilities to write, speak and read effectively, and to think critically. With these skills, I engage them with their community, both local and global, through service, research and advocacy. As an educator, I seek opportunities to challenge myself and grow in my own understanding of the world. As a writer, I seek to tell stories about human relationship.
I developed this living mission statement over the course of my career. To get a little more insight on my mission, check out my Teaching Story.
Full resumes are available upon request from potential employers when I’m actively seeking a new adventure.
Education
- Master in Teaching (2005), Seattle University
- BA Humanities (2003), Seattle University
- BA Journalism (2003), Seattle University
- WA Professional Certificate, Secondary English Endorsement
- Seattle Archdiocese Catechetical Certification (2009)
Skills
- Published author and freelance writer
- Nature photographer
- Editing, publishing, layout design
- Singing and vocal coaching
- Google Apps, Office 365
- Video Conferencing (Zoom, MS Teams, Hangouts, Skype)
- Public Library Databases
- Pear Deck, Flocabulary, Edmodo, and other educational platforms.
- Mac and PC skills
- PowerSchool and Teacherease platforms
Experience
- Maui Preparatory Academy, Middle School Humanities Teacher, MS/US Project Mentor, Boarding House Parent (2019-2020)
- Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Middle School Humanities Teacher (2005-2019)
Additional Services
Tutoring/coaching services take place at a mutually agreed upon location and time. I typically meet at a coffee shop or a study room at the public library. For current students, I can meet in my classroom after school hours. I accept multiple forms of payment, including Venmo or Zelle. Please contact me at mr.jsantos@gmail.com if interested in any of the following services:
WRITING: Before we meet, I ask writers to send me a composition they are currently working on, and/or a previous paper with teacher comments if available. I’ll read it in advance and make comments to review during our session, which lasts anywhere from 60-100 minutes, depending on the writer’s schedule. During the session, we’ll go over: An evaluation of spelling, grammar, word choice and fluency, clarity of ideas, organization and style, specific writing habits that the writer should avoid and ones to cultivate, broad ideas to improve the composition (done collaboratively). After the meeting, if applicable, I follow up with the writer to see how the instructor assessed the composition. This entire cycle (pre-assessment, one on one session, and follow-up) can be yours for $80! After that, my hourly rate is $60.
LITERACY: Our tutoring session revolves around a novel or a shorter piece of literary or informational text. During the initial meeting, the student and I discuss literacy goals, for example increasing speed and fluency, employing reading strategies for analysis, decoding, vocabulary building, etc. Depending on the student’s specific needs, I’ll tailor our future sessions to foster success and curiosity in reading. My rate here is $60/hr.
OTHER AREAS: Though writing and literacy are my two primary areas of service, I also work with students on public speaking, study habits, music and art integration, content area work (social studies and science), and more. If your needs lie just outside of reading and writing and my skillset sounds of interest, please inquire and we can negotiate what I can offer.