Grizzly Peak Tutoring

Welcome to Grizzly Peak Tutoring!

Serving Students in Berkeley and other East Bay Communities

My goal is to help writers of all levels to discover and strengthen their unique voices; to gain clarity and purpose in their writing; and finally, to achieve a sense of confidence in their ability to express themselves through the written word. 

As a former English teacher and department chair, I have fourteen years of experience in teaching and mentoring high school students and adults. In my role as an independent coach, editor, and tutor, I support students in all aspects of the writing process, including brainstorming topics, organizing ideas, drafting, revising, editing, polishing, and proofreading. Above all, I believe that every student thrives in a safe, encouraging, positive environment.

Ellen Feigenbaum

Grizzly Peak Tutoring

Grizzly Peak Tutoring

Services

  • College application essays (Common Application Personal Essays, University of California Personal Insight Questions, Supplemental Essays, etc.)

  • English papers, essays, and other written work (expository, analytical, and persuasive essays; personal narratives; short stories; articles; etc.)

  • Personalized instruction in all aspects of writing, critical thinking and analysis, reading comprehension and annotation, grammar and mechanics, organizational and study skills, and more

 


 

Sessions

I offer a wide range of options to accommodate each student’s needs:

  • Individual sessions

  • Group sessions

  • In-person sessions

  • Video sessions (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.)

  • Communications and feedback via Google Docs, email, text, and telephone

     

    I offer a sliding-fee scale when appropriate. Please use the form below to contact me regarding rates or any other questions you might have.

    Ellen Feigenbaum

    Grizzly Peak Tutoring

Resume

Experience

INDEPENDENT WRITING COACH AND EDITOR

Grizzly Peak Tutoring

College-Essay Coach and Editor (2019-present)

Support students in all aspects of the college-essay process, including brainstorming topics, organizing ideas, finding one’s voice, developing vivid and compelling language, drafting, revising, editing, polishing, and proofreading. Provide assistance with Common App Personal Essays, Supplemental Essays, UC Personal Insight Questions, Scholarship Essays, and other college essays.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TUTOR

Grizzly Peak Tutoring

Tutoring in English, AP English Literature and Composition, and AP English Language and Composition (2019-present)

Support students in developing and drafting expository, analytical, and persuasive essays, as well as personal narratives. Strengthen students’ abilities to comprehend and analyze literature, nonfiction prose, poetry, etc. Help prepare students for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam, as well as the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE                 

Henry M. Gunn High School, Palo Alto Unified School District 

English Teacher (2004-2018):

Junior/Senior Courses: AP English Literature and Composition, World Classics (Honors), World Literature, American Classics (Honors), and American Literature. 

Freshmen/Sophomore Courses: Literary Style (Advanced), Writer’s Voice, Advanced Communications, Communications, Western Culture (Advanced), Western Literature, Contemporary Heritage (Advanced), and Contemporary Writers.

Department Chair (Instructional Supervisor), English Department (2011-2014)

Spearheaded the development and implementation of new curriculum to increase the cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity of required and supplemental texts. Served as mentor and advocate as well as co-evaluator of teachers in department. Planned district and department workshops on California Common Core Standards in ELA. Served on Gunn’s Instructional Council and PAUSD’s English Steering Committee for Secondary Schools.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati: Contract Attorney in Litigation

Legal Assistance to the Elderly: Staff Attorney

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (formerly San Francisco Lawyers’ Committee for Urban Affairs): Pro Bono Attorney, Asylum Program

Supreme Court of California: Judicial Extern

Education

Stanford University: M.Ed.

Stanford Teacher Education Program

University of California, Berkeley School of Law: J.D.  Admitted to California State Bar

University of California, Berkeley: B.A. 

  • Phi Beta Kappa; Graduated with Great Distinction

 
 
 
 
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Testimonials

“Hi Ellen,

I am excited to let you know that I got into Brown today. I am so grateful for all the painstaking hours you dedicated to helping me perfect my essays. Thank you so much for all of your help.”
— Brown University Attendee, Fall 2023
“Email Subject: Happy News!!
I just wanted to reach out to let you know that I was accepted to UChicago Early Decision! Thank you so much for all your help with my essays. I really could not have done it without you!”
— University of Chicago Attendee, Fall 2022
“Dear Ellen,

I just submitted all of my college applications, and I wanted to thank you wholeheartedly and completely for all of your help through the entire process. I couldn’t have finished on time nor written such well-written essays without your help and approach. I have truly loved working with you and celebrating every single finished essay with a mini-cheer party. Thank you so much for being a part of my life and helping me so much. ”
— University of California at Berkeley Attendee, Fall 2022: Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholars Program
“Hey Ellen,

I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted to NYU Gallatin yesterday. You have been so helpful throughout this entire process. I have learned so much about writing and editing and myself throughout this journey and I truly couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you so so so much.”
— NYU (Gallatin) Attendee, Fall 2020

Contact

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