Developing Life-Long Learners Through Critical Reading, Analytical Writing, and Deep Discussion

Learning isn’t grades and worksheets — it’s about building the skills necessary to tackle challenging problems, both independently and in collaboration with others. I teach students repeatable frameworks for reading and writing so that they can stop relying on someone else to ask them questions and start asking their own questions instead.

Weekly Virtual Group Classes

Tuesdays, 4-5pm EST

Personal essays, creative writing, and storytelling techniques.

Each week, students will read a short text or excerpt and use that piece as inspiration to write their own narrative text. They will have opportunities to share their written work with peers and receive individualized weekly feedback designed to improve clarity, style, and organization. 10 person cap.

$100/month

email jesse@novelexchanges.com or text 443-792-9813 to enroll

Thursdays, 4-5 pm EST

Read a new short story together each week, pausing to discuss in a Socratic Seminar style. Build reading comprehension using a 6-question framework. Practice dialogue skills by making connections between the story, students’ lives, and the world. 10 person cap.

$100/month

email jesse@novelexchanges.com or text 443-792-9813 to enroll

Thursdays, 5-5:30 pm EST

As an optional extension to the story-driven dialogue class, students can participate in a 30-minute extension where they write analytically about the story and receive individualized feedback. In each class, we will review student writing from the previous week in order to better understand the 4 Writing Moves: Summary, Claim, Evidence, Analysis. Grades will be given using a rubric derived from the Common Core State Standards.

$50/month

email jesse@novelexchanges.com or text 443-792-9813 to enroll

Novel Exchanges classes focus on three core skills: reading, writing, and speaking. These skills are intertwined: when we read, we discover ideas worth speaking about; when we speak about them with others, we clarify our thoughts — and then we write them.

Curious about the term "story-driven dialogue"? Click here to learn more!

Want to understand the 6-question framework and the 4 writing moves -- and even implement them with your child at home? Check out my parent courses and curriculum guides!

1-1 Private Tutoring

What I Do

Fully individualized sessions built around your child’s interests, goals, and skill level. Includes a free consultation, skills assessment, and written feedback after every session.

Virtual · $65 / hr
In-person · $80 / hr
Discounted rates available for longer sessions and group tutoring.

Topics I Tailor to Your Child

Critical reading & analytical writing

Creative writing & personal essays

Research skills & digital literacy

Speech, debate & philosophy

Poetry, fiction & theatre

Social impact & entrepreneurship projects

U.S. and world history

My Qualifications

BA Literary Studies, Middlebury College * MS Education, Johns Hopkins University * Dual certified 7–12 ELA & Special Education * 4 years of writing tutoring at Middlebury College * 6 years highly effective teaching, BCPSS * Experience with ADHD, dyslexia, autism

Email jesse@novelexchanges.com or text 443-792-9813 to schedule your FREE consultation.

Tell me your child’s age, ability level, and interests. I’ll respond within 24 hours with an invitation to schedule your free consultation!

Novel Exchanges Tutoring Interest Form