Professional Experience
Writing Coach, GemmaCooperNovack.com, Boston, MA and elsewhere (2011-present)
Instructor, Various Writing Courses, Brookline Adult and Community Education, Brookline, MA (2014-present)
Instructor, “Writing Rights,” Boston Plan for Excellence, Boston, MA (2013-2014)
Resident Writing Coach, Boston Teacher Residency, Boston, MA (2013-2014)
Writing Coach, Access and Disabilities Services, Harvard Graduate School of Education (2010–2014)
Adult Education Instructor, Truman College at Association House of Chicago (2007–08)
High School Tutor, Howard Area Community Center, Chicago, IL (2007)
ESL Tutor, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries, Chicago, IL (2004–05)
Training
Disabilities Services
Eileen Berger, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Education Neuroscience
L. Todd Rose, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Publications
“Inclusive Practices for Graduate Students with Disabilities: A Writing Coach Model” (with Eileen Connell Berger), NASPA Knowledge Communities (2013)
Conference Presentations
“More Time Is Not Enough: Supporting Graduate Students with Learning Disabilities Using a Writing Coach Model, a Case Study” (with Eileen Connell Berger and Yamila Hussein), Conference on Equity and Social Justice, Syracuse University (2014)
Resources
FAQ: The “Snake Fight” Portion of Your Thesis Defense (McSweeney’s)
Testimonials
Gemma's class, "Writing Longer Fiction," helped me access a deeper, conscious connection with my developing form as a writer. I continued working with her as a coach when the class structure ended. She recognizes where research is needed to strengthen familiarity or broaden perspective. Gemma hears the voice of the project clearly and knows the questions to ask to help its form stay true to its evolution. I have found her guidance invaluable and it continues to be a fascinating unfolding for me.
Jean
writer & massage therapist
Gemma helped me pass the writing portion of the communication/literacy MTEL! She provided me with useful strategies that made the test so much easier.
Joanna
student teacher
Thank you for the impact you have made in my education.
Tabitha
GED student
Gemma is a talented coach and educator who is adept at assisting her students with learning and writing processes. She was an excellent support to me in chunking and organizing my work into manageable pieces and supporting fluid thinking in my writing. I strongly recommend her services to others looking to strengthen their organization, time management, and writing skills.
Suzanna
graduate student
Gemma helped me break down my work, keep things manageable, and graduate from grad school. She is not only a fabulous organizational coach, but also a fabulous person, who I would recommend without hesitation.
Whitney
educator
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!