Write Seattle: Tutoring, Coaching, Test Prep
Offers remote services
Offers remote services
$60/hour
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Introduction: I'm a full-time tutor and educator located in Seattle, although I work online with students across the country. I hold a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington and a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from Concordia University in Montreal. As a student, I won various academic award––you can read my full resume on my website, which you can find by googling "Write Seattle LLC." I hold a Cambridge CELTA, a certificate in ESL teaching, and have taught in North America and South Korea, in classrooms and one-on-one. I've also taught the verbal side of GMAT and GRE prep classes for a larger test-prep company in Seattle. I scored in the 99th and 98th percentiles, respectively, on those tests.
Over the past decade, I've been helping students of all ages develop their reading and writing skills, organization and accountability, and overall academic curiosity and confidence. During that time, I've learned as much as my students have. My mom was a resource teacher who helped students with disabilities thrive in the classroom, and later worked as educational consultant for international schools: between my own experience and research and my regular "consultations" with her, I've developed a pedagogical approach that emphasizes relationship building, student-led discovery, and a growth mindset.
Overview
Serves Seattle, WA
Background checked
1 employee
9 years in business
Payment methods
Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle
This pro indicated that they reviewed CDC safety guidelines for COVID-19 and pledged to do the following:
Wear masks during the job
Reviews
Exceptional 5.0
10 reviews
5
100%
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Read reviews that mention:
Thumbtack Customer
Jan 13, 2021
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From Google
From Google
Stephen has been tutoring my kids middle school level vocabulary, reading and writing for 2 years.He is very patient and friendly to my kids and professional in academic.My kids really like him, learned a lot from him, and gained lots confidence in Language Art.
Write Seattle: Tutoring, Coaching, Test Prep's reply
And I like them too, Christina! Thank you so much for these kind words.
Thumbtack Customer
Jan 2, 2021
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From Google
From Google
Stephen worked with me for my IELTS exam. He is flexible with the schedule and communicates periodically about what we are going to do in the upcoming lessons. He is attentive, detailed-oriented and caring. He has done an amazing job in helping me understand the different components of the exam and also helping me in improving my overall English skills. I noticed an improvement in reading comprehension, writing and speaking skills. I received a 8.0 score in the IELTS exam with his help. I highly recommend him as a tutor for the IELTS.
Write Seattle: Tutoring, Coaching, Test Prep's reply
Thank you so much, Karthik! I think this eloquently phrased review is a testament to the hard work you’ve put in during these past six months. I’ve really enjoyed helping you along the way. Canada will be lucky to have you!
Thumbtack Customer
Jul 1, 2021
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From Google
From Google
My family retained Stephen's services when the pandemic hit and the schools went to remote learning. We were very concerned our children were going to get lost in the cracks, so to say, so we set up a weekly in-home session with Stephen and a daily follow up on homework turn in, which was very helpful! The weekly sessions were terrific, there were always questions that needed answering my kids had that their teachers had not answered. Stephen's style was to go over the process to getting to the answers so the kiddos understood how to solve on their own in the future, I really appreciate this technique. Although our children would have rather been playing their Nintendo on the tutor days, this program left them focused and on top of their studies, we made it through this very strange school year with Stephen's help. Great tutor, I definitely recommend!
Thumbtack Customer
Jun 22, 2021
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From Google
From Google
The studying, review, and practice that your SAT Preparation Class provided was invaluable. Maybe even more important - the sense of structure and preparedness our daughter received during this strange and difficult time (COVID) allowed her to advance her learning rather than flounder like so many kids. The crossover applicability to her AP classes was easily recognizable. Thank you for keeping her grounded and feeling productive.
Thumbtack Customer
May 2, 2020
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From Google
From Google
Stephen's enthusiasm for tutoring and passion for academia shows through his dedication. He has an ability to adapt to individual skill level. Stephen goes the extra step to help you accomplish your goal. He doesn't just give away the answer he makes you think. I was on the verge of failing one of my Masters in Social Work classes. With his help and eye for detail my grade is going up and I am writing more competent case notes at work.
Write Seattle: Tutoring, Coaching, Test Prep's reply
Thank you for these kind words Season. I'm so happy we were able to turn that class around!
Credentials
Background Check
Stephen Kernaghan
FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My standard rate is $65/hour. For multi-student sessions or meetings involving extra-long travel, I may request a slightly higher rate.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, a student or parent contacts me and we discuss their needs over the phone. Sometimes, if they live in or near Seattle, we'll also arrange an in-person meeting to get to know each other. After that, we schedule our first session.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Washington, a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from Concordia University in Montreal, and a Cambridge CELTA, a certificate in ESL teaching.