I'm Ms. Laquinta - an enthusiastic teacher, joyful mother and seasoned tutor!
Balloons, Stars, and Conchs, Oh My!What do balloons, stars, and conch shells have to do with teaching, learning, and tutoring?As a teacher, tutor, and lifelong lover of literature, I believe they have quite a lot to say.For more than sixteen years, I have worked with students as a high school English teacher, utilizing dual certification in English and Special Education to help learners access curriculum, strengthen their skills, and pursue ambitious academic goals. Along the way, I have taught Honors and AP coursework, college essay writing, executive functioning, and small-group academic support classes. While I enjoy designing lessons and studying best practices in education, the work I find most rewarding happens one-on-one with students.At the heart of my approach is a simple belief: students learn best when they feel seen, valued, heard, and capable.BalloonsOne of my favorite texts to teach is Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street. In it, Esperanza describes herself as "a red balloon tied to an anchor."I often return to this metaphor when thinking about students.Every learner has balloons: strengths, interests, talents, and aspirations that lift them upward. Every learner also has anchors: obstacles, frustrations, insecurities, skill gaps, or challenges that can make progress feel difficult.My role as a tutor is not to focus exclusively on either. Instead, I work to understand both.I ask questions. I listen. I examine assignments through a student's eyes. Together, we identify what is helping them move forward and what may be holding them back. Whether the challenge is organization, reading comprehension, writing, test preparation, or confidence, we build strategies that create momentum and success.With each small victory, the balloon rises a little higher.StarsThe "Stars" package draws inspiration from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and its famous description of the protagonists as "star-crossed lovers."Many students come to tutoring believing that academic success is something people either naturally possess or do not. They may feel limited by past struggles, disappointing grades, learning differences, or fear of failure.I disagree.While every student begins from a different place, skills such as organization, planning, reading, writing, analysis, and self-advocacy can be learned and strengthened over time.Whether I am working with a student who needs support managing assignments, preparing for standardized testing, writing a college essay, or tackling advanced coursework, my goal is the same: to help break large challenges into manageable steps and replace uncertainty with confidence.Success is rarely written in the stars. More often, it is built through preparation, practice, reflection, and perseverance.ConchsThe conch shell from William Golding's Lord of the Flies symbolizes voice, agency, and the right to be heard.Those ideas sit at the center of my tutoring philosophy.My goal is not simply to help students complete assignments or improve grades. It is to help them develop the skills and confidence to communicate their ideas, advocate for themselves, and approach future challenges with increasing independence.In many ways, tutoring is about helping students discover and strengthen their own voice.When students feel empowered to contribute, question, analyze, write, and speak with confidence, they carry those skills far beyond any individual class, test, or assignment.Why I TutorYes, the balloons, stars, and conchs are a little metaphorical—and perhaps a little nerdy. But they reflect something genuine about who I am as both a teacher and a tutor.I love literature. I love learning. Most of all, I love helping students discover what they are capable of accomplishing.Whether your student needs support with executive functioning, academic writing, college essays, AP coursework, standardized testing, or confidence in their abilities, I am committed to meeting them where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be.Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, heard, and empowered. That belief is the foundation of my work, and it is the reason I continue to find so much joy in teaching and tutoring.
A Personalized Approach to Learning
In addition to supporting students who benefit from individualized instruction, I have taught Honors English at the high school level and am trained to teach AP Literature. My approach combines high academic expectations with personalized support, helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and become more independent learners.For more than six years, I have led college essay workshops, guiding students through the process of brainstorming, drafting, and refining compelling personal statements. I also provide one-on-one coaching in academic writing, executive functioning, SAT preparation, and college admissions essays.As both an educator and a parent, I have had the privilege of helping my own two daughters navigate the college application process, from personal statements to supplemental essays. Watching them gain admission to highly selective colleges and pursue ambitious academic goals reinforced my belief that every student has a unique story worth telling and the ability to succeed when given the right guidance and support.Whether I am working with a struggling learner, a high-achieving student, or a college applicant, my goal is always the same: to help each student find their voice, develop confidence in their abilities, and achieve their academic goals.Explore my approach, services, and resources to learn how we can work together.
Get In Touch!
Every story begins with a conversation. Whether you're seeking academic support, writing guidance, or college essay coaching, I'd love to learn more about your goals and explore how we can work together!
My Methodology
Every student who comes to me brings their own mix of strengths, challenges, interests, and goals—and that's exactly where we start. Before we dive into any plan, I take the time to get to know the person in front of me, so the work we do together is tailored to their individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.Whether we're focused on English, academic writing, organization and executive functioning, or college essays, I aim for a balance of guidance and independence. Students do their best learning when they are active participants, not passive recipients, so our sessions are filled with questions, discussion, and opportunities for students to think through their own ideas, make meaningful connections, and take ownership of their work.I bring more than fifteen years of classroom experience to this work, having taught in Honors, College Preparatory, AP, and Special Education settings. In addition to my work as an English teacher, I have spent many years supporting students through my school's Academic Support Center, collaborating with learners across a wide range of disciplines and helping them develop the organizational, study, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in all areas of their education. This broader perspective allows me to support not only content knowledge, but also the habits and strategies that help students become more effective learners.That experience shapes everything I do—from the instructional strategies and mentor texts I use, to the way I model skills and provide individualized feedback. Above all, my goal is to help students become confident, capable learners who can carry these skills forward long after our time together ends.
Supporting Writers as Learners
Strong writing rarely emerges in a single draft. Whether a student is working on a literary analysis, research paper, personal narrative, or college essay, I view writing as an iterative process that develops through planning, drafting, revision, and reflection.My work with students often begins with live brainstorming and organizational support. Together, we break down prompts, analyze rubrics, identify goals, and develop a clear plan before drafting begins. Throughout the writing process, I use mentor texts to help students study effective techniques, structure, voice, and style. By examining successful examples, students learn to recognize what strong writing looks like and how to apply those strategies to their own work.As drafts develop, I provide targeted feedback focused on both the larger goals of the assignment and the student's individual growth as a writer. We revise for clarity, organization, evidence, analysis, and audience while ensuring that the final piece remains authentic to the student's voice. My goal is not simply to improve a single assignment, but to help students develop a repeatable process they can use confidently across future writing tasks.
Pricing
Rates are based on current market averages in the Massachusetts and greater New England area and reflect the subject matter, session type, and level of instruction. All rates are flexible and subject to negotiation, especially for long-term or group commitments.
| Service | Length | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| College Essay Coaching | 1 hr | 125 |
| Supplemental Essay Support | 1 hr | 125 |
| Academic Writing Support (Non-English Courses) | 1 hr | 100 |
| High School English Coursework (CP/Honors) | 1 hr | 100 |
| AP Literature Tutoring | 1 hr | 125 |
| Executive Functioning & Study Skills Coaching | 1 hr | 100 |
| Reading Comprehension Support | 1 hr | 100 |
| Special Education Academic Support | 1 hr | 100 |
| SAT Reading & Writing Preparation | 1 hr | 125 |
| Writing Workshop (Small Group) | 3 hr | TBD |
| College Essay Workshop (Small Group) | TBD | TBD |
| Parent Consultation & Academic Planning | 1 hr | 100 |
Packages
🎈 The Red Balloon
Academic Coaching & Executive FunctioningInspired by the red balloon in Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street, a symbol of aspiration, possibility, and the desire to reach beyond one's current circumstances. Throughout the novel, Esperanza dreams of a future that offers greater freedom and opportunity, yet she also grapples with the realities that shape her path. Like a balloon, ambition can help students rise—but without direction and support, it can be difficult to navigate where to go next.This package provides individualized academic coaching designed to help students develop the executive functioning skills necessary for long-term success. Through support with organization, time management, study strategies, assignment planning, goal setting, note-taking, drafting, and project management, students learn how to approach academic challenges with greater structure and confidence. Sessions are tailored to each student's strengths, learning style, and aspirations, while helping them identify and pursue academic pathways that align with their goals.At the heart of this package is the belief that students thrive when they are given both freedom and guidance. My role is not to chart a student's course for them, but to help provide the structure, accountability, and skills that allow them to navigate it themselves. By developing strong executive functioning habits and greater self-awareness, students become better equipped to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and move confidently toward the futures they envision.
🐚 The Conch
Comprehensive College Essay CoachingInspired by the conch shell in in William Golding's The Lord of the Flies, a symbol of voice, order, and the opportunity to be heard. In a story filled with competing perspectives and growing chaos, the conch gives each character a chance to speak and helps transform scattered ideas into meaningful dialogue.This package provides comprehensive support for the college essay process, from initial brainstorming through final submission. Together, we identify meaningful experiences, develop authentic themes, and shape a compelling narrative that reflects the student's unique voice. Through guided brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revision, and polishing, students receive individualized feedback on content, structure, style, grammar, and prompt compliance. Supplemental essays, school-specific requirements, and application strategy can also be incorporated as needed.The goal is not simply a polished essay, but a thoughtful and authentic piece of writing that allows students to be heard clearly and confidently throughout the admissions process.
⭐ The Stars
Comprehensive Test Preparation and StrategyInspired by the stars in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, symbols often associated with fate, destiny, and the forces that seem to shape our future. Throughout the play, characters struggle with the belief that their paths have already been written for them. Beneath the play's references to fate and "star-crossed" lovers is a larger question about human agency: how much of our future is predetermined, and how much is within our control?This package provides comprehensive support for students preparing for SAT and ACT Language Arts assessments, AP Literature examinations, and/or advanced English coursework. Through individualized tutoring, strategic planning, targeted skill development, practice assessments, and personalized study resources, students build the reading, writing, analytical, and test-taking skills necessary for success. Instruction is tailored to each student's learning style, strengths, and goals, whether they are seeking foundational support or striving for top scores.At the heart of this package is the belief that there is no such thing as a "bad tester" or a "bad writer." Academic success is not written in the stars. When students are given the right tools, strategies, and support, they can develop skills that once seemed out of reach. My goal is to help students recognize their own capacity for growth and become active participants in shaping their future rather than passive observers of it.
"I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Laquinta for both SAT preparation and college
essay coaching during high school (2016–2020), and her support was essential to my academic
success. She taught me how to write more confidently, organize my ideas more effectively, and
articulate my opinions more clearly, all of which helped me become a better writer.
The impact of her SAT tutoring was comparable. By dissecting complex topics into
manageable chunks and providing targeted strategies, she gave me the confidence to tackle the
test. Her advice really helped me perform better, and I felt like I was ready for the test.
Mrs. Laquinta was understanding, encouraging, and genuinely curious about my development outside of the classroom. The skills I acquired from our partnership remained
helpful throughout my time in college. I recently graduated from college, and I can confidently
say that the writing and critical thinking abilities she assisted me in developing had a significant
impact on my success. I wholeheartedly recommend her to any young person who wishes to
improve their writing skills, improve their SAT"
— Colin Oppelt"My son's SAT Reading and Writing scores improved significantly after working with Shelly. What impressed me most was her ability to identify exactly where he was struggling and give him practical strategies he could apply immediately. She challenged him while also building his confidence."
— Parent of SAT Student"Before working with Mrs. Laquinta, I dreaded writing essays. She taught me how to organize my ideas, use evidence effectively, and revise my work without feeling overwhelmed. For the first time, I felt like I understood what good writing was supposed to look like."
— High School Student"Shelly has a remarkable ability to meet students where they are. She helped our daughter strengthen her executive functioning skills, improve her writing, and prepare for AP Literature exams. The academic growth was wonderful, but the increase in confidence and independence was even more valuable."
— Parent of AP Literature Student
Student Testimonials
No two students learn in exactly the same way. Throughout my career teaching Special Education, Honors English, AP Literature, and college essay writing, I have learned that meaningful growth begins with understanding each student's unique needs, strengths, and goals. The testimonials here come from students and families I have had the privilege to work with and reflect my commitment to helping every learner build confidence, develop skills, and discover their potential.
Writing in Practice - This part of my site is still under construction...
Writing is best taught by those who continue to practice it themselves. As part of my commitment to ongoing professional development, I pursued graduate coursework that emphasized the power of teachers writing alongside their students. Since then, I have maintained a writer's notebook and regularly complete writing assignments alongside the students I teach. This practice helps me better understand the challenges, vulnerabilities, and rewards of the writing process while modeling the habits of reflection, revision, and growth I hope to cultivate in every learner.These samples showcase a range of analytical, personal, and creative writing. Included are examples of student work as well as my own writing, reflecting the standards, strategies, and habits I bring to my teaching.
Shelly's Writing
Student Work
About Me!
My path to education began at Regis College, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Management and Business before returning to complete a master's degree in Education with a focus on Special Education. Over the past 15 years, I have been proud to serve the Franklin High School community as an English teacher, special educator, advisor, and advocate for students.Throughout my career, I have taught students across a variety of settings, including 9th, 10th, and 11th grade English, Honors English, AP Literature, college-preparatory courses, and specialized support programs. As a special educator and educational liaison, I have worked closely with students and families to help learners with diverse strengths and challenges achieve their academic goals.I am committed to lifelong learning and regularly pursue professional development and graduate coursework to strengthen my practice. This dedication led to my selection for a school-wide grading pilot advisory committee, where I collaborated with colleagues to explore approaches that promote meaningful learning and student growth. I also serve on my district's Social Emotional Learning curricular working group and have advised numerous student organizations and graduating classes throughout the years.At the heart of my work is a belief that students learn best when they feel supported, challenged, and known. Whether I am helping a student develop stronger writing skills, navigate executive functioning challenges, or craft a college essay, I strive to build relationships that foster confidence, independence, and growth.Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, writing, spending time at the beach, and making memories with my two daughters.
Booking Information
I primarily work with students and families virtually, allowing for flexible scheduling and the ability to support learners wherever they are located. Before beginning tutoring or coaching services, I encourage families to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can discuss the student's goals, strengths, challenges, and determine the best path forward.To get started, you may either email me directly or complete the consultation form below. I will personally review your inquiry and respond as soon as possible.If you have questions about services, scheduling, or which package may be the best fit for your student, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Complimentary Consultation — Free (30 minutes)
Individual Sessions — Standard hourly rates vary by service and are listed above.
5-Session Bundle — $115 per session
10-Session Bundle — $110 per session
Referral Bonus — Refer a new student and both you and the referred student will receive one half-price session.
Cancellation Policy — Sessions canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will be billed at 50% of the agreed-upon rate.
No Call / No Show Policy — Missed sessions without prior communication will be billed at the full agreed-upon rate.