Birgitte J.IB English A: Literature and Performance & TOK: Essay and Exhibition Tutor
Dedicated and compassionate tutor with 12 years of progressive experience in a multicultural all-inclusive education setting. The goal is for you to gain confidence in your reading and writing strategies so that you will be prepared for the IB Exams.
About Birgitte
I have taught IB English Language and Literature SL and HL since the inception of the program and I am an IB Examiner. I have also taught ToK for a decade and I am an EE Supervisor. I am also an expert on research writing (APA and MLA format) and the Common App college essay, for which I have great insider information from prominent admissions directors.
Video Introduction
Watch this video to learn more about Birgitte's teaching approach and experience.
Teaching Experience
IB English Language and Literature & Theory of Knowledge Tutor SL/HL
- 1. Teach an array of approaches to literary analysis based on the assumption that literature is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations, and experiences of the world.
- 2. Teach an Epistemology course at the core of the IB Curriculum.
IB English Language and Literature SL/HL
- Teach a variety of approaches to literary analysis.
English College Writing Teacher and IB Norwegian Literature (HL)
- Teach 12th-grade college-level writing course in a variety of types of writing such as the argumentative paper, journals, portfolios, and the research paper.
IGCSE English First Language, ESL, and IB English B Higher Level and IB Theory of Knowledge
- Teach English writing, literature, grammar, and essay structure from 9th to 11th grade.
IB Theory of Knowledge
- 1. An epistemology course.
- 2. IB Theory of Knowledge.
- 3. Teach an Epistemology course addressing the nature of knowledge at the core of the IB Diploma Programme.
IB Extended Essay Coordinator
- 1. Supervise and guide 35 teachers and 400 students through the extended essay, achieving a 99% pass rate among graduating seniors.
- 2. Implemented ManageBAC to track multiple courses; use of software vastly improved communication between teachers and students.
- 3. Lead teacher-training series on Extended Essay requirements and college-level research paper development; trained students on writing a college-level research paper, including research question development, MLA and APA formats, citations, bibliography, footnotes, and table of contents.
Technology Committee Chair
- 1. Guided teachers in the use of software, selection of Learning Management System and tablet program.
- 2. Implement teaching strategies using a mixture of technologies.
Education
Academic qualifications and achievements
MA, Educational Technology, 2012, Overseas Program (Dublin, Ireland, and Rouen, France)
Michigan State University, MI, USA
Tisch School of the Arts 1996 BFA, Screenwriting & Film Production - Winner: Wallace Goebetz Prize (highest GPA)
New York University, NY, USA
Teaching Skills & Expertise
Subjects, levels, and qualifications
Subject | Programme | Level | Assignments | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English A: Literature and Performance | IB DP | – | Extended EssayIndividual Oral | IB Examiner |
| TOK: Essay and Exhibition | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| English A: Literature | IB DP | – | Extended EssayIndividual Oral | IB Examiner |
| English B | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| University Application Essay | IB DP | – | – | Qualified Tutor |
| English A: Language and Literature | IB DP | – | Extended EssayIndividual Oral | IB Examiner |
| Film | IB DP | – | Extended Essay | IB Examiner |
English A: Literature and Performance
TOK: Essay and Exhibition
English A: Literature
English B
University Application Essay
English A: Language and Literature
Film
Teaching Style
My methodology and approach to tutoring
What is your teaching philosophy?
In teaching, I use a lot of differentiated strategies but in tutoring 1-1, I want to instill confidence in my students through teaching simple and easy-to-remember reading and writing strategies. The goal is for my students to acquire the skills needed to do this work on their own in preparation for the final IB assessments.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Reading: Most of my students share a text or assignment they need help with ahead of the lesson. I will show specific and easy-to-remember approaches to language and visual analysis depending on the assignment. I will ask guiding questions about identifying characteristics of the text type, interpreting the language used in the text, the parts of a story, or the incorporation of images. I will share specific a specific techniques and that will help the student recognize specific word choices, common structures, and visual elements to become critical readers. Writing: My students share with me their writing and presentation assignments, and I work with them on structuring responses to an argumentative essay, a comparative essay, a research essay, or a single paragraph response to a theme or topic. I can also review and model the formal aspects of their writing, such as MLA and APA citation. Proofreading: Sometimes all you need is a review before you submit your work. I can suggest edits for grammar, spelling, citation (APA, MLA, and Chicago), formatting, paragraph structure, organization, and progression of ideas. ToK: Most of my ToK students work with me on the ToK Assessments, the Presentation (last examination 2021 cohort), the Exhibit (2022 cohort), or the ToK Essay. We will discuss the assessment and key concepts to include.
What to Expect
Personalized Approach
Tailored to your learning style
Practical Strategies
Easy-to-remember techniques
Exam Preparation
Focused on IB assessments
Student Reviews
What students say about their experience (5 reviews)
Andreea G.
May 2021
Great advice, very good subject knowledge.
Naomi T.
January 2021
she is a great teacher.
Kevin L.
January 2021
I'd give a 4.5-5. Everything went smooth, no waste of time, shows professionalism, helped me fix my exhibition in an hour. Looking forward to a next session.
Leo H.
December 2020
My daughter found the session really helpful.
Jennifer F.
March 2022
Once we were able to get online with her, she seemed very knowledgeable and helpful. However, it was extremely difficult to get a hold of her to book the session. We even tried one last time to book another from her and never heard back.