SERVICES
TUTORING
I work with a wide range of students of all ages and backgrounds and develop a specialized plan for each student based on their needs (and curriculum expectations). I work with students from across Canada and as far away as China.
ACADEMIC COACHING
I am an experienced academic coach, tutor and educator with a Ph.D. in Education (Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development), a Master’s degree in International Education from Harvard University with extensive experience teaching English language courses, creative and academic writing, study skills, university applications and test preparation (TOEFL, IELTS, CAMBRIDGE, etc.).
WRITING/EDITING
One of my professional joys is working one-on-one with a range of students of all ages and backgrounds on achieving their goals. I create a unique plan for each student based on our joint assessment of their goals, skills and timeframe. I help students identify their tasks and goals, clarify their ideas and express them clearly and cogently. I support students with their academic assignments, develop their awareness of writing types, styles and texts and the writing process more broadly, to improve their writing in the long-term.
SMALL GROUP WRITING WORKSHOPS (4 Weeks)
A small group workshop focused on improving academic writing skills and expression
COURSES
Love of Language for Grade 3 – 10
Essay Writing for Teens
Essay Writing for College & University Students
Creative Writing for Adults
“Reading the World” Course: reading, writing & critical thinking for Grades 10-12
English Literature for Grade 11/12
One on One Coaching for K-12
ABOUT
ABOUT SMARTWORK
Smartwork can help you achieve your academic goals and develop greater confidence!
What is Academic Coaching? How is it different from tutoring?
Tutoring is a direct intervention over a short-term to help students complete certain assignments or prepare for tests (K-12, IELTS, TOEFL, etc). Academic coaching is a longer-term investment to help students of all ages improve their study and learning skills and develop greater self-awareness of their own learning styles, skills and strengths and weaknesses (meta-cognition). By improving your academic skills and awareness, this style of coaching will also improve your self-management and independence and help you develop greater confidence and better marks!
Many students need additional support/coaching
Many students of all ages and stages are currently having to adapt to a new reality of online learning-especially in this era of COVID-19 and social distancing. The reality of this global crisis is that many students will have to learn how to manage their work and their time more independently. This transition also means students are being asked to manage their learning independently and are facing a serious adjustment with this new way of working.
Don’t let social distancing lead to academic isolation
There is new evidence that those students who are already struggling because of systemic inequalities or learning differences are struggling even more due to the new realities of working at home and completing schoolwork online. Extra tutoring and academic coaching can help these students navigate the social, emotional and intellectual challenges of these times. It can provide them with practical learning skills, self-awareness and greater confidence in their work (and improve their grades too!)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/19/business/online-courses-are-harming-the-students-who-need-the-most-help.html
Check out this relevant article on academic coaching:
https://ssd.umich.edu/article/what-academic-coaching
ABOUT ME
I am a passionate and experienced educator with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Toronto, a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University, and a Bachelor’s degree from McGill University. I have more than twenty-five years of experience teaching and coaching students at a variety of levels and ages.
One of my professional joys is working one-on-one with students of all ages and backgrounds to help them achieve their academic goals, develop awareness of their own learning skills (meta-cognition) and gain self-confidence. I have many international and bilingual (ESL) students as well at Secondary, College and University and Graduate levels. In addition, I do online video and phone coaching. I also coach small groups if people are interested.
I have produced many academic, peer-reviewed articles, resources for teachers, and have recently published my first children’s picture book. In addition, I do editing and advising for authors as well. With several academic publications and a writing award for my doctoral dissertation, I work with students of all ages to improve their writing and communications skills. I am currently writing a young adult novel myself and working with a client on a book on health and wellness.
I know academia is challenging, but I will help you embrace the challenge and emerge successful, satisfied and confident.
Don’t work harder, work smarter!
COURSE: LITERACY FOR A CHANGING WORLD
Courses
Instructor
Instructor
PART 1: How did I become who I am today?
PART 3: How can we be happy?
PART 4: How are we connected to the natural world?
PART 5: What are key forces shaping our world today?
PART 6: What can I do to take action?
Promo Video
Tasks
Competencies
TESTIMONIALS
(K-12 Student)
“She is an excellent teacher who is very friendly and knowledgeable. After working with her my vocabulary has increased by a lot, I also suddenly started getting higher marks in English. Overall, her teaching technique is unique. She is very fun to work with. I am happy to have Leigh-Anne as my teacher”.
Adrit (Grade 7)
(Graduate Student – PhD Application)
“Leigh-Anne is a great coach, very knowledgeable and experienced. She is the best tutor for what I need to learn about university study skills and essay writing support. I feel very lucky that I have chosen Leigh-Anne and she has time for me. I like her very much and I would strongly recommend Leigh-Anne if you are looking for a coach to improve your English skills for undergraduate or graduate study.
UPDATE: Jasmine got accepted to her PhD program of choice at Queen’s University! Congratulations Jasmine!
Jasmine Wang
(University Student)
“I initially required a tutor for a senior level grammar class in university. But then it turned into so much more! Leigh-Anne helped me to understand the nuances of grammar, and she helped me tighten up a few grad school/scholarship proposals. Because of her help, I feel more confident in my understand of grammar, and that my applications will be received much better than had I done it alone! Thank you, Leigh-Anne!
UPDATE: Virginia got accepted to her Master’s program of Choice! Go Virginia!
Virginia
We are celebrating the success of Smartwork student, Gemma who got accepted to her university of choice! GO GEMMA!
“Leigh-Anne is not solely a tutor, she operates as a mentor, as she provides her students with the support necessary to build fundamental skills in order to thrive within the field of academia. Working with Leigh-Anne has been an absolute pleasure. She enabled me to become a stronger writer, and to think critically. If you have the opportunity to work with her, it will be an empowering experience you will not regret!
“Tea”, Undergraduate student
“I’m writing to express my utmost gratitude for the essay writing online course that my youth recently attended. The course has proven to be beneficial in deepening their understanding of essay structure and enhancing their writing skills. I have observed a remarkable improvement in my youth’s approach to writing and thinking since he attended the course.
As a parent, I appreciate the meticulous attention paid to ensuring conducive learning and the instructor’s flexibility. Once again, thank you for the instructor’s commitment and for providing such a valuable learning experience to my youth.
I wholeheartedly recommend your essay writing course to anyone seeking to develop their writing abilities.”
Dr. Aml Nusair-Shalloufi
CONTACT
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
6472482181
smartworkstartstoday@gmail.com
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