INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
Born and raised in the Phoenix area, Arizona has always been home to me. My family and I lived in Flagstaff while I attended Northern Arizona University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education: English and Master’s degree in Rhetoric & Teaching of Writing. Since then, I have been constantly engaged in a variety of professional development opportunities and countless leadership roles. I am passionate about teaching because I am committed to helping all students see themselves as capable learners who are able to achieve incredible growth with the right supports in place.
Over the last 10 years, I have taught high school English and college writing to over 2,000 students, both virtually and in-person. This has included ELA courses of almost every kind, including grade-level/regular, Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Credit, Creative Writing, and Journalism/Digital Media Communications. I have also specialized in serving students with IEP, 504, and English language learner backgrounds. I have tutored students in grades 3 and above and enjoy all age groups.
I believe that learning happens best when students feel a strong sense of love, compassion, and care from the educators who work with them. To that end, I always approach my students with their overall well-being as a top priority, because their academic gains are dramatically improved with both priorities working together. When a student’s emotional needs are met and it is evident that the instructor genuinely cares, relationships create a far more effective space for growth. Writing takes a great deal of vulnerability and risk - to make mistakes and be receptive to feedback - which happens when trust is established.
As someone who has dedicated her entire professional life to teaching writing, I am equally passionate about my own writing. I am currently writing a creative nonfiction book on healing emotionally, and I am always reading something new (98% of it being nonfiction, because I love learning new things on a daily basis). At any given moment, I have at least 3+ current personal and professional development programs I’m engaged in. Right now, those are Toastmasters for strengthening my public speaking skills, a year-long business development program for entrepreneurs, and a two-year program for continuing to refine and improve my skills as an educator based on the most current research. When I’m not actively learning something new, I’m playing with my kids, listening to music, traveling, making a cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends.
For Peak Academics, I offer services for students of all ages in English, general homework and executive functions support, and creative writing.
Testimonial:
“Brandi has been a god-send for my two kids! We started utilizing her ELA skills with my middle school aged daughter, then decided to have her work with my older son. In a matter of months, she’s been able to transform their ability to analyze and annotate text, and to find a deeper meaning in what they are reading. Brandi goes above and beyond what’s asked of her and handles all of my constant scheduling changes with grace and a smile. She has hands down been the biggest blessing for my kids. They are more confident readers, and their test scores have improved! Oh, and Brandi is also excellent with test prep! She was able to take extremely complex scientific information and break it down into something my daughter could easily understand. The end result was an A on that test! Whether it’s improved test scores, a more confident reader, or simply if a challenge is needed, Brandi is the tutor for you! She is patient, kind and truly has you and your child’s best interest at heart. Her follow up emails after each session might be my favorite part! As parents, they give us such a good sense of how our kids are progressing and any struggles they may be facing. Do yourself a favor and hire her today! “