When I was in early elementary school, I was timid and awkward. All the kids called me “Shakespeare” because I wrote 10-page book reports for fun. By middle school, however, that moniker had become a badge a honor. I discovered my narrative voice, entertaining my Catholic school classmates with humorous, irreverent short stories about our teachers and everyday life. Their laughter filled me with confidence and joy, helping make me the person I am today.

Now I enjoy helping students of every skill level reach their fullest literary potential. I believe that insecurity chills creativity, so I work hard to build self-esteem through a mix of high expectations, compassion, and humor. Over time, even my most reluctant writers come to love expressing themselves through language, as I debunk myths about what makes good writing and encourage them to develop their own unique narrative voices … It truly is never too late to become a better writer and thinker!

Before I began working with students full-time, I worked as a newspaper reporter in the San Francisco Bay Area. I draw frequently on my journalism experience to help my students become both more analytical and daring in their writing.

My Credentials:

• Founder/Principal at Jeanine Benca Tutoring (2011-Present)

• Language Arts Content Director at Test Precision, a start up e-learning company that developed an SAT/ACT application for smart phones (2014-2015)

• Classroom Instructor at Brilliant Minds Tutoring Academy, Dublin/Fremont (2011-2016)

• Classroom Instructor at Nirmitee Arts & Tutoring Center, Pleasanton (2012-2014)

• Writing Instructor, Tri-Valley Academy Tutoring Center, Pleasanton (2011-2013)

• Writing Instructor, Yang Fan Academy, Pleasanton (2010-2013)

• Award-winning Staff Writer, Alameda Newspaper Group/Bay Area News Group (2001-2011)

• SAT (Verbal) Classroom Instructor, City of San Ramon (2006-2008)

• SAT Tutor, Ivy West, Marin County (2005-2007)

• B.A. English, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2001)