Thadra Petkus
Thadra Petkus is currently a freelance writer, English teacher and mentor. Although she has taught students from age two through seventy-two, she spent most of her classroom years teaching high school English and writing, where she also served as a new teacher mentor. She has trained with the College Board in A.P. Literature, A.P. Language, and Vertical Teaming. Thadra has also written Adult ESOL curriculum for Palm Beach County and American Literature curriculum for an online high school course with KC Distance Learning. After leaving the classroom, she served as Executive Director and Master Tutor for a learning center specializing in college preparation.
Thadra is available for online tutoring to work with adult students as well as students in grades 6 - 12. She specializes in writing and reading comprehension. If you'd like to know more about Thadra's tutoring services, please contact her via the email option displayed on this page. She also has a comprehensive video course produced by Brightstorm.com entitled Journeying Towards Success in Writing currently available online. To view a free sample video from the complete course, click here.
Thadra earned her B.A. in English and certificate in Women's Studies in 1995. She later won a scholarship from the English-Speaking Union to attend Oxford University in England, taking graduate courses in English Literature. In 2003, Thadra earned her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in English as well as her ESOL endorsement.
SInce then, Thadra has attended numerous creative writing workshops and retreats. Thadra has written essays included in the following publications: Knoxville Writers' Guild Anthology, Skirt! Magazine, Moondance Literary Magazine and MetroPulse, two of which can be viewed online: In The River of Now and Soul Revival: A Journey Toward Truth. She also has many articles published online with Catalogs.com and is currently working on a collection of essays describing her travels.
Thadra has a passion for travel. She has visited England, France, Spain and Morocco. In 2007, she and her husband succumbed to their wanderlust and recently finished a two-year American sojourn in an RV with their cats.
Latest Articles
|
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement for Student Essay
Here is a simple process students can use to write an effective thesis statement for their next essay. A thesis statement questionnaire is provided as well
Jan 21, 2012
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
How to Identify Effective Thesis Statements for Student Essays
Here's a thesis statement activity that will help middle or high school students identify a strong thesis statement so they may write their own effectively.
Dec 29, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
How Reading Teachers Help Struggling Readers Achieve Success
Here are some tips teachers can use to help students become better readers. Students must learn to self-assess, ask questions and connect with the text.
Nov 29, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Teacher Behaviors Help Create a Positive Learning Environment
Teachers develop positive classrooms by interacting positively with their students, displaying examples of student work, and providing balanced feedback.
Oct 29, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Teachers Prepare to Start a Book Club in the Classroom
Predicting, questioning, connecting--all are part of the process involved in deep thinking, a primary goal for students embarking on a new novel in class.
Sep 17, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
How to Enhance Comprehension in Middle School Reading Classroom
Teachers can help students improve their comprehension by creating an inspiring environment, modeling good reading skills and allowing ample time to digest.
Aug 27, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Teach How to Write a Better Persuasive Essay Using Strategies
Here are some strategies writers can use to improve their approach to writing a persuasive essay. Writers must understand their audience and use appeals.
Jul 19, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Themes in the Secret Life of Bees: Battling Racism
Middle school is a perfect time to teach literary themes, especially those involving racism. Students connect the stories they read to their own lives.
Jun 28, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Teach How To Identify Similes in The Secret Life of Bees
Teaching similes to middle school students can be a fun, engaging activity. Here is a lesson plan that provides specific similes from the novel to analyze.
May 29, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
|
Teach Metaphors in The Secret Life of Bees to Middle Schoolers
Identifying and discussing metaphors in novels is a wonderful first step in literary analysis. Middle school students will enjoy uncovering these devices!
Apr 22, 2011
- Thadra Petkus
|
