I am a retired tracher having taught in the public school system for more than twenty years. My specialty is teaching English up to and including High School level. I am a graduate of the University of Toronto and hold a Specialist Certification in English Language and Literature. I have experience teaching ESL learners as well as students who are having difficulty with English reading and writing skills. I am familiar with classic works of English literature, including the works of Shakespeare. Much of my teaching focus is on helping students improve their writing, particularly essay writing skills, through teaching the fundamentals of essay structure and argument. With younger students the focus is on helping them respond to their reading through written and oral response as well as story telling and creative writing activities. My goal is to improve English reading, speaking and writing skills for all students and help them develop an appreciation of reading and writing that will carry through to their later years.