Hi, my name is Ms. Annesha. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and have lived in North Chicago for three years. I studied English at NYU, graduating with a 3.9 GPA, and then earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan, finishing with a 4.0 GPA.
I have taught and tutored students of all ages, from elementary school to college. I taught writing classes at the University of Michigan and worked with students on essays and creative writing. I have also taught creative writing through organizations like Hugo House and Kundiman and provided poetry instruction to high school students in Detroit Public Schools. Additionally, I have tutored younger children in reading and writing, making the process enjoyable while helping them develop strong foundational skills. My experience also includes working with students learning English as a second language.
When I teach, I focus on meeting students where they are and incorporating their interests to make learning engaging. A student who loves Star Wars might enjoy practicing reading a science fiction story, while a budding chef could improve their writing skills by describing their favorite recipe. Learning becomes more effective and enjoyable when it connects to what students love. One of my favorite quotes about education comes from Ralph Ellison: "Education is all a matter of building bridges."
Outside of teaching, I love cooking, trying new foods, hiking, visiting national parks, playing board games, and visiting the animal shelter. I look forward to helping students become confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers.