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 confidence through a mix of high expectations, compassion, and humor. Over time, even my staunchest ‘left-brainers’ 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 Staff Writer for a Bay Area newspaper chain. I draw frequently on my decade of 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)