Isabel O'Connor Writing & Learning 

If, like me, you prefer that broad claims be backed up by reputable evidence, consider this academic evidence review entitled, "The Transformative Potential of Tutoring" which concludes:

"Across all studies included in this analysis, tutoring programs consistently lead to large improvements in learning outcomes for students, with an overall pooled effect size of 0.37 standard deviations. This impact translates to  student advancing from the 50th percentile to nearly the 66th percentile. Effect sizes greater than 0.3 standard deviations are considered to be large impacts, especially in the context of education interventions."

My Credentials:

• A decade teaching grades 4-12 at independent schools and as an independent tutor, during which I have:

  • Designed, implemented, and honed my academic skills & writing curricula

  • Taught international students and English-language learners

  • Differentiated instruction for students with diverse learning profiles

• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Public Policy (Boston College)

• BA Cum Laude in History & Economics (Harvard College)

  • High honors senior thesis (evaluation/excerpt)

  • Significant coursework in French, English & STEM

• Seventy-five hours of professional education in language-based learning disabilities (The Landmark School Outreach Program)

• Professional writing experience (Harvard Magazine) 

• Fluency in STEM through my own academic background & collaboration with my husband, Dr. Luke J. O’Connor (Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School)

 My Competencies:

• Tailoring instruction to serve students with diverse learning profiles (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, ASD, and executive functioning challenges)

• Supporting English language learners and international students

• Accelerating the growth of high-performing students who are not receiving sufficient enrichment in a mixed-ability classroom

How do I connect with students?

• • Got a student who likes sports?…I captained the Harvard varsity sailing team, played varsity lacrosse and field hockey in high school, and have coached all these sports, as well as tennis and squash.

  • Got a student who likes to go on adventures?…I am a life-long “summer camp devotee” and a huge fan of international travel.

  • Got a student who loves art?...I am a needlework aficionado and love a good museum outing.

  • Got a student who loves to read?...I can’t wait to tell them about my favorite childhood series and the “grown-up” books that still keep me up at night reading.

  • Got a student who’s into theater?...Have them ask me about my breakout acting experience as a shy 14-year-old or my favorite recent theatre-going experiences.

  • Got a student who really likes to nerd out?...Yup, I am intimately familiar with D&D, Chess, and Settlers of Catan (see: husband).

  • Got a student who’s devoted to community service?...I’d love to tell them about my powerful experiences building mutually supportive relationships with my unhoused neighbors.