Middle & High School tutoring in the bay area
A reading and writing tutoring space built on curiosity and experimentation.
In a lab, learning happens through trying things out, asking questions, and reflecting on the results. The same is true in reading, writing, and executive functioning: there isn’t one formula or single path forward. Instead, students and I work together to test out strategies, explore ideas, and discover what fits their unique ways of thinking and expressing themselves.
Services
My approach to reading, writing, and executive functioning skills grows out of years of experience with progressive, constructivist education. At $150 per session, my pricing includes the hour-long tutoring session as well as additional time spent on organization, material creation, and communication.
Reading & Writing Support
In reading, I help students develop the skills and confidence to engage deeply with texts—asking questions, making connections, and finding meaning that resonates with them. When it comes to writing, I guide students to experiment with ideas, explore their own voice, and view writing as an act of self-discovery. Whether crafting essays, creative pieces, or school assignments, students leave with tools and perspectives that make literacy feel personal, authentic, and empowering.
Executive Function Coaching
Just like with reading and writing, I see executive function not as a checklist of skills to impose, but as an evolving set of practices that each student can shape for themselves. Every learner brings their own rhythms, strengths, and challenges, and my role is to help them discover strategies that actually fit who they are. Together, we experiment with tools for organization, time management, and planning, while also reflecting on what feels sustainable and meaningful. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a sense of agency and confidence so students can approach schoolwork (and life) with greater independence, flexibility, and calm.
About Rob
Hi, I’m Rob — an educator, parent, and lifelong believer in the power of curiosity. Before starting Rob’s Literacy Lab, I taught middle school humanities and served as an 8th grade dean, developing deep relationships with students. Along the way, I also facilitated antiracist workshops for white educators, helping schools create more just and inclusive communities.
In 2024, I stepped out of the classroom to take on the primary care of my two young kids. While my days look a little different now, one thing hasn’t changed: my love of working with students. Tutoring has given me the chance to stay connected to that work, supporting learners as they grow in confidence, skill, and independence.
At the heart of my approach is a belief that learning is most powerful when it’s personal, meaningful, and rooted in discovery. I see reading, writing, and executive functioning not as rigid skills to master, but as processes where students can experiment, reflect, and grow. Effective instruction, I believe, always starts with trust. When students feel respected and supported, they’re able to take risks, make mistakes, and discover what they’re truly capable of.
Whether guiding a student through a challenging novel, supporting them in clarifying their writing voice, or helping them build strategies for organization and focus, my goal is always the same: to create a space where they can explore, take ownership of their learning, and build confidence that lasts well beyond school.