Hi, I’m Betsy.
I help students, parents and writers succeed by building on their strengths.
Services
Admissions Essay Coaching, 1:1 and groups
Essays can be the most grueling part of school applications. Why? Because writing is hard–and writing about yourself can feel like torture. There are tricks of the trade (and you can find those online), but a writer’s best tool is a person on the other side of the table (or screen) to help you bring forth your own compelling story. I’d love to be “that person.” I have helped people who hate writing produce something they’re proud of, even when they are forced to write about themselves.
High School application essay
Undergrad/Common App Essay
Graduate School & Law School Personal Statements
Services for Writers, 1:1
Oh, fellow writers! I know your joy and pain. It’s my privilege to work with you to identify your talents and zero in on where you want to grow. I’m here to confer with you on a fledgling idea, revision of a piece in progress, or simply a final copy edit. Short term or long term, it will be an honor to support you and your process.
Nurturing your Creativity
Finding Your Writing Process
Copy editing
Academic Tutoring, grades K-12, 1:1 and groups
We learn by taking risks, and even the most confident student will hold back if they anticipate judgment. So my approach is simple. I meet students where they are with lightness and love. I help them see their gifts, especially if they don’t know what they are. And then we work together to help them gain specific skills they need. By developing problem solving strategies, critical thinking skills, and self-assurance, all kids can do great things.
Reading
Writing
Social Studies
Executive Function
Parent Workshops and Consulting, 1:1 and groups
Parenting is the hardest job on earth. At my parent workshops, I create a space for empathy and practical problem solving. I help parents of kids K-12 troubleshoot the inevitable and often baffling challenges of getting your kid through school. Parents leave my workshops with new insights, practical tools and strategic next steps for keeping their child’s school experience positive and productive.
Supporting Your Child through Rough Spots at School
Communicating Effectively with School Personnel
Surviving Homework
My Story
I started teaching at the age of seven in my bedroom in Arlington, Virginia. With stuffed animals as students, I could not get great results, but I did discover that I was called to be a teacher. Once I had tried a few other professions as a young adult – dancing, public relations, human rights — I returned to my original passion and enrolled in graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Throughout my 35-year education career, I’ve served as a teacher in public and private schools, an instructional coach, a consultant to principals, and a school administrator. I have worked mainly in the Humanities, with a happy focus on the teaching of writing.
When I was in school, writing was assigned, but no one actually taught you how to do it. So my dad became my writing teacher. He taught me the process of good writing—messy, exhilarating, maddening and ultimately rewarding.
As Dorothy Parker said,
“I hate writing, but I love having written.”
Maybe you relate to this. It can be rough. But wise writers have gone before us and left us hints. AI can help too, but it’s a poor substitute for your own voice. I help students find their own, personal, inimitable voice and write well about what matters to them, even for a law school application or a literary essay assignment.
In 2022 I published a book on world history for middle schoolers. I’m currently working on my next book, this time for parents. Stay tuned!
What Clients are Saying
"Thank you for your help with my personal statement. I just got the first decision from a law school–an acceptance with a large scholarship! I wouldn’t have submitted nearly as great a piece of writing without your support."
Charles, law school applicant