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 has helped me break down seemingly huge projects into manageable pieces that I can act upon. She helps me plan my time in such a way that I am more likely to find success. Gemma also knows when a plan needs adjusting so that I may find greater success with the things that I want and need to accomplish. Gemma's kind and understanding approach helps me move forward with her recommendations. She understands how people with ADHD operate with work and academics. She gets it and provides concrete help.
Joyce
graduate student
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
Gemma is a wonderful writing instructor. She really forces you to think, and connect what would appear at the moment unrelated. She helps you hone in on structure, and will definitely help bring to life a much stronger piece of work.
Thomas
business leader
Gemma knife (n.) 1. An effective and systematic approach to meeting grade goals without spontaneously combusting, pioneered by Gemma Cooper-Novack.
Jack
student
Get in Touch
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