About Caitlin
I hold a B.A. in English & Art History from Georgetown University (2016) and an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education (2019). Additionally, I have a multiple subject California teaching credential, and I am an Apple Certified teacher. I have worked in the education sector in various capacities since 2016. I have served as a Teach for America Corps Member, museum evaluator, English Department Coordinator, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Since the fall of 2024, I have been working in sales at Otus, a data management platform for K-12.
I am passionate about working with middle and high school students as they develop a deeper sense of self, curiosity about the world around them, and an understanding of their learning styles. I am dedicated to supporting students’ growth as writers and critical thinkers, ensuring they possess college-ready mindsets and strategies to plan and execute high-quality, authentic writing assignments. I teach students how to write various genres, such as literary analysis, expository nonfiction, and creative personal narratives. I also support students through the high school and college application processes.
My approach to writing instruction is grounded in educational research that indicates students benefit from modeling, scaffolding, and explicit instruction in the writing process (planning, outlining drafting, revising, etc). I guide students through a goal-setting and reflection process to promote metacognition. I approach reading and writing instruction from a critical pedagogical framework, encouraging students to critique authorial choices, problematize inequalities and power disparities, and draw connections to contemporary issues that directly affect them. I differentiate instruction based on students’ strengths, growth areas, and learning styles. I have extensive experience supporting students with learning differences and am eager to partner with students’ teachers to ensure her instruction is aligned with classroom content.
Originally from New Orleans, I am currently based in San Jose and conduct sessions virtually via zoom.
Why Enso?
The enso is a significant symbol in Zen Buddhist philosophy. It is a circle drawn in one or two brushstrokes that represents the beauty of imperfection in all things. Otherwise known as the Infinity Circle, Japanese Circle, or the Circle of Enlightenment, the enso also symbolizes strength, elegance, and transformation.
I am not Japanese, yet I extensively studied Asian art at Georgetown University, where I was first exposed to the enso. The enso reflects my philosophy on writing and one’s development as a writer. I encourage students to view writing as a mindful practice—a process of discovery rather than a pursuit of flawlessness. Letting go of the need for perfection allows for authentic expression and growth. My goal is to empower students to find their voices, embrace the imperfection of the iterative writing process, and transform their writing into a genuine reflection of their thoughts and experiences. In doing so, they will cultivate confidence and creativity, much like the artists who create the enso with each brushstroke.
In the spirit of the enso, my goal is to help students transform their writing and their attitude towards writing!
Thank you for visiting my website, and I look forward to connecting with you.