CONFIDENT SCHOLARS TUTORING
WELCOME
Welcome to Confident Scholars Tutoring! I’m dedicated to empowering your child with the essential skills needed for academic success and beyond. Whether it's mastering reading comprehension, enhancing writing skills, acing the SAT, crafting college admissions essays, or developing executive functioning strategies, I provide a comprehensive approach to help students thrive. My goal is to build confidence in every aspect of their academic journey, ensuring they have the tools they need for long-term success.
SUBJECTS
Executive Function Coaching and ADHD Support
Strong executive functioning skills are key to academic success. In our personalized sessions, we'll focus on organization, time management, and study strategies tailored to your child's needs. From using digital and paper planners to implementing techniques like the Pomodoro method, your child will learn to set goals, break down tasks, manage time effectively, and create a productive study routine. We’ll also explore strategies to improve focus, reduce procrastination, and build lasting habits for success.
English and Language Arts Class Support
With 13 years of experience teaching English, I specialize in supporting students in English and Language Arts courses, assisting them in deepening reading comprehension, analyzing literary works, crafting essays, and excelling in exams. I prioritize fostering student confidence in their classwork and assignments. Through our sessions, my goal is to empower your child to tackle English assignments confidently.
Reading Comprehension (All Levels)
With experience in supporting struggling readers, I offer personalized reading assistance for students with language-based learning differences, ADHD, and other learning challenges. Together, we'll enhance reading comprehension through personalized close-reading strategies. Whether your child is navigating class texts or independent reading, from early levels to college complexity, I'm here to help!
Writing (All Levels)
Whether your child needs assistance crafting sentences and building paragraphs or tackling IB and AP essays, we will explore proven strategies to transform them into a confident writer. With experience in teaching writing across all grade levels and abilities, spanning from elementary to high school, I am well-prepared to support students of varying ages and skill levels.
SAT, ACT and Standardized Test Prep
Drawing from my experience assisting many students with significant score increases, I have a proven record of guiding individuals through the challenges of the English sections of the SAT and ACT exams. I aim to empower your child to achieve their best score by providing tailored strategies and dedicated support.
College Admissions Essays
Navigating the college application process can be daunting, but with my extensive experience supporting students, I'm here to offer personalized guidance. Together, we'll work through each stage of the writing process for your admissions essays, helping you authentically showcase your strengths and creativity.
Grammar & Vocabulary Instruction
I specialize in transforming grammar rules and sentence structure instruction into engaging and enjoyable lessons for elementary, middle, and high school students. Through the use of learning games and creative approaches, we'll collaborate to expand your child's vocabulary, ensuring that the learning process is both educational and fun. This approach will empower your child to articulate thoughts with confidence.
Creative Writing
As your child explores creative writing genres, including short stories, poetry, screenplays, and flash fiction, they will engage in sessions tailored to enhance their artistic expression. Beyond fostering creativity, these sessions also improve critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively. Creative writing not only serves as a form of self-expression but also as a valuable tool to boost your child's academic confidence across other disciplines.
WRITING WORKSHOPS
The Art of the Short Story
Unlock the secrets of short story writing in this workshop designed to deepen your understanding of key storytelling elements. Together, we’ll explore how to build multidimensional characters, craft narrative arcs that keep readers engaged from the first line to the last, and develop endings that leave a lasting impact. You’ll learn advanced techniques for creating stories that evoke emotional responses and connect with readers on a deeper level. Through hands-on writing exercises, personalized feedback, and group discussions, you'll refine your skills in plotting, pacing, dialogue, and world-building. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your writing, this workshop will provide the tools and inspiration to help you shape your creative voice.
Found Poetry & Poetry 101
Turn existing texts into original poems with artistic flair in the Found Poetry workshop. You'll experiment with different techniques for transforming prose into poetry, discovering how to extract meaning and emotion from familiar words. Together, we'll explore exciting forms and structures in Poetry 101 to elevate your writing and unlock new poetic possibilities. With engaging exercises and collaborative discussions, you’ll gain confidence in your voice and style.
Board Game Fantasy Writing
In this session, you'll draw inspiration from classic board games like Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan, and Splendor to craft immersive narratives and intricate plots that blend storytelling with the rich worlds of your favorite games. You’ll explore how game mechanics can enhance character development and world-building, allowing you to create vivid settings and compelling story arcs. Through collaborative exercises, you’ll brainstorm ideas, develop unique characters, and map out your stories.
Flash Fiction
Master the art of concise storytelling with flash fiction where every word counts. In this workshop, you'll learn how to craft impactful stories in just a few hundred words, honing your focus on brevity and precision. We'll delve into techniques that elevate your writing, such as creating strong imagery, developing compelling characters, and crafting powerful openings and endings. Discover how to leave a lasting impression on your readers while embracing the challenge of limited space.
Memoir Writing
Whether you're looking to reflect on meaningful life events, capture cherished memories, or explore your own unique journey, this workshop will guide you in crafting compelling memoirs. Through engaging prompts and interactive storytelling techniques, you’ll transform your experiences into vivid, impactful narratives. Open to writers of all levels, this workshop offers a creative space to express your voice and share your stories with a broader audience or for personal reflection.
TESTIMONIALS
“We hired Jess to work with our son on the English portion of the SAT and to coach him in essay writing. We were immediately impressed with Jess’ knowledge of SAT strategies that our son could easily implement. His scores improved significantly and he produced college essays that clearly articulate what he is most passionate about. Most importantly, he felt good about himself after working with Jess. She clearly enjoys teaching high school students and easily built rapport with our son. She knew when to push him and when to help him take a step back and reflect on the big picture of the college process. We are confident he will have even greater success in his next academic chapter because of this experience of learning with Jess and the skills she taught him.”
Elizabeth S., Parent of a senior at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“Jess has been a tutor for our son for over three years now. She has really helped him to strengthen his writing and analytical skills. She is incredibly thoughtful and caring. She relates well to children and teenagers and is able to connect with them. Our son is continuing to work with Jess, and his strong grades in English are a testament to her guidance and teaching skills.”
Parent of a Montgomery County High School student
“I highly recommend Jess Bello as a teacher for emerging readers and writers. Jess worked as a support specialist through my company, providing support to a child who was struggling with converting his thinking to written prose. Jess was able to develop a program that helped to meet this child where he was and provide him with strategies that enabled him to grow as a writer. I especially appreciated her ability to build relationships that earn trust, design creative lessons, and teach through childrens' interests. I find Jess to be a remarkable person and passionate educator, and a true find for anyone looking to help their child better improve their academics.”
Matthew Aborn, Founder and Director of Mindful with Children, LLC
“Jess is an experienced, effective, and personable educator who is devoted to her students and her craft. Students love working with Jess because she easily develops a rapport and engages with their interests. Jess makes her sessions and classes a place where students want to be because they can work in a positive environment. Highly recommend Jess as a tutor for your child!”
Rachel Gold Cederbaum, Founder and Lead Academic Coach at Gold Signature Writers
"Jess has been working with our 10th grade daughter for a year and a half on her writing skills, as well as coping mechanisms for her executive functioning due to her diagnosis of ADHD. Our daughter absolutely loves Jess and every week she states that each session helps her feel more confident and comfortable with writing. Jess will also help with other subject areas as needed each week. Our daughter looks forward to her sessions with Jess and we are extremely happy with her progress and will continue to have Jess help her throughout the school year!"
Heather Fletcher, parent of a 9th grader at Mercy High School
“My daughter has been working with Jessica Bello for two years, and we’ve seen a tremendous improvement in her work and confidence. My daughter was not a very motivated learner, but since working with Jessica, she has more desire to learn. She no longer fights reading! Jessica is now also tutoring my two younger sons; she is nurturing, caring, and creative, and she makes the students feel safe in a potentially challenging situation. I would highly recommend Jessica Bello as a tutor!”
Cristen Gordon, parent of students in 9th, 6th, and 4th grade in Montgomery County Public Schools
"Jessica worked with our 11th grader to prep for his AP English Language exam. She was so helpful in tutoring, and in keeping him focused at the end of an intense junior year -- he crossed the finish line with a top score!"
Bridget G., parent of students in Montgomery County Public Schools
“Jess has a real talent for creating a safe and supportive classroom community with all of her students. Her deep understanding of her craft and her commitment to students is the reason so many line up to take her classes.”
Derek O’Halloran, Department Chair at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
"Our son was trying to improve his SAT. He's a senior and wanted to be done. The suggestion of a tutor was met with trepidation. But, Jess showed up and in her unassuming, knowledgeable, and professional manner, got him motivated. He was all in. And he immediately engaged because for the first time he was challenged and focused and Jessica gave him concrete tools he needed to improve. His English SAT score improved by 100 points - and he gained a lot of confidence. She's amazing."
Nicole Warren, parent of a senior in BCPS
"Jess tutored my son in preparation for the SAT. She shared strategies to help him with the test, and he found the time with her extremely valuable. His score improved significantly, and he knocked the ball out of the park in the English section."
Michelle, parent of a senior at Boys Latin School of Maryland
"My son has been learning and growing with Jessica for three years, and we are excited to continue the journey with her. Jessica is very detail oriented and thorough with vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and writing. She uses engaging apps, books, and learning games to make the tutoring lessons fun!"
Parent of 9th grader at Walt Whitman High School
"We wanted to give our kids the chance to fall in love with creative writing, and sadly there’s not always time for that in the regular school curriculum. So we asked Jess to work with three of our children over the summer. She was so skillful at engaging them through brainstorming ideas, developing characters, and crafting a story. They created fun, imaginative stories that they felt proud of. And they truly enjoyed the sessions!"
Bridget G., parent of students in Montgomery County Public Schools
"Jess worked with my high school senior to coach him on his college application essay writing and also helped him with picking college majors. Jess was patient, friendly, and fun. I'm really glad Jess could help him, and the whole process went smoothly. For my son, it was nice to have someone knowledgeable and supportive available to answer his questions on college major picking. We really appreciate her help!"
Parent of a senior at Carver Center for Arts and Technology
"I had Jess as a workshop leader for a flash fiction class I took at Creative Alliance. She did a fantastic job at easing everyone into developing a taste for fiction, with a nice mix of compositional and reading exercises. She’s the kind of teacher that encourages each student to find their own individual entryway into appreciating art, and she appears to care deeply about others’ subjective experiences. Even though I’m a writer myself, I have little exposure to treatments of fiction as a craft. Jess is a wonderful and thoughtful teacher!"
Kristine S., Flash Fiction Workshop Participant
"I really enjoyed my Flash Fiction class with Jess. I hadn’t heard of flash fiction before, and by the end of the class I had written a piece I was proud of. It was lovely to hear the writing and perspectives of others in the class, and I felt encouraged in my own writing. I’m looking forward to attending more classes."
Greta E., Flash Fiction Workshop Participant
"I could not be happier with the tutoring sessions my elementary-aged children have received from Jessica. She is professional, knowledgeable, and my kids looked forward to working with her every week. Jessica is also patient, kind, and broke things down in a way that helped my daughters finally understand in a way I never could. Best of all, she’s always available and accommodating around our busy schedule. We definitely plan to keep working with Jessica!!!"
Michele D., parent of 4th grade students in BCPS
"Jess is amazing. She has been working with my child for just over a year. I’ve seen remarkable progress in terms of level of organization and timely completion of school assignments. In addition, Jess has a magic touch with adolescents, quickly building rapport, even with a reluctant student. She also deftly corrects negative self-talk and builds students’ confidence. I’m so grateful we started working with her!"
Sarah C., parent of 9th grade student at Baltimore City College
ABOUT ME
Hello, I'm Jessica Bello, the proud founder of Confident Scholars. With 13 years of experience as an educator teaching classes such as AP English, Honors English, and Creative Writing, backed by two Master’s degrees, my journey over the past seven years has been dedicated to personalized private tutoring. My focus is on guiding students to develop confidence in various academic subjects, including writing, reading, standardized test preparation, and executive functioning skills. My passion lies in providing individualized support to foster student confidence and empower each child to overcome academic challenges.
As a creative writing educator, I have a deep passion for leading dynamic writing workshops. I believe that writing is a powerful form of self-expression, and I am dedicated to creating a supportive environment where participants can develop their unique voices. My goal is to empower each participant with the confidence they need to thrive as writers and express themselves authentically.
