Teaching Testimonials for Erin Van Rheenen

What really stood out about Erin’s teaching style was the way she gave herself to us students. The word generous comes to mind at first. Then nurturing. Especially as someone who’s just starting out in her writing, Erin provided some much needed direction while still being supportive and encouraging. I felt like for the five weeks of the class, she was like the North Star. It was really tough to say goodbye to this group!
–a participant in one of my online classes at the Writing Salon

Erin was very generous with her feedback between sessions for students who sent her work. Well designed flow. Erin was excellent.
–a participant in one of my online classes at the Writing Salon

It’s a rare treat to come across a teacher who makes you feel as if her guidance was individually tailored just to you.
–Ronnie S., blogger and marketing specialist

I took a travel writing class with Erin and found her to be a superb teacher and editor. She is very well organized, presenting useful examples of good writing and offering excellent prompts for developing your subject. Erin is also a brilliant and generous editor, always thoughtful and kind. First she points out what works and then offers suggestions for making the writing stronger. During my six-week course, she edited my piece twice and the suggestions she made helped me improve my piece dramatically.
–Lorna S., freelance food and travel writer and award-winning cookbook author

Erin’s class is well organized, with good resources and creative assignments. She offers both inspiration and fun in a structured but casual setting. As a secondary school principal (now retired), I feel qualified to rate Erin as an outstanding teacher. Her gift as a writer goes without saying (but I did want to say it)!
–Diane P., former school principal

Erin Van Rheenen is by far one of my top favorite teachers. I found her to be incredibly organized, and as a result it felt like we got a lot out of each evening together in a relatively short period of time. She had online resources available to us for our time outside of classes as well as short, engaging presentations prepared for our in-class time. The prompts were compelling, and the tricks-of-the-trade that she shared with us were incredibly valuable.

Not only that, this was the first time that I was in a writing class where I felt extraordinarily supported to take risks and make mistakes. Erin is able to create an atmosphere of curiosity and play that mitigates the critical voice that can sometimes discourage some of us more sensitive creative-types.

As a result of Erin’s excellent pedagogy and classroom management, a group of students in her class formed a writing club and began meeting on a semi-monthly basis. While writer’s clubs/groups had been suggested in past classes that I’ve taken, this was the first time that the idea really took off. It is my sense that we all felt so bonded and engaged, the writing club was effortless to commit to as a result.

I’m convinced that Erin Van Rheenen is a class act, and that I’ll be blessed with many years of friendship with the other writers I met in her class. I would jump at another opportunity to work with Erin.
–Amaera B