About Thomas Rompf
A career educator who still believes close attention matters.
Now retired from full-time school teaching, I devote my time to a limited number of students. More than forty years in education have taught me that students improve when expectations are high, feedback is thorough, honest, and timely, and the teacher takes the time to know the person behind the work.
The work behind the experience
Teacher. Librarian. Reader. Mentor.
I spent thirty-five years at Colegio Bolívar in Cali, Colombia, working as a teacher, librarian, department chair, administrator, and curriculum leader.
I taught AP English Literature and Composition for twenty-three years and served for more than twenty years as an AP Reader for the College Board, evaluating more than 25,000 student essays.
As a librarian for more than twenty years, I taught students how to find credible information, ask better questions, read beyond the obvious, and use evidence responsibly.
Today, I bring that breadth to college essays and academic writing. The immediate goal may be an application or a paper; the larger goal is a clearer, more independent writer.
Education & professional background
Experience across teaching, research, writing, and curriculum.
Western Carolina University
University of Rhode Island
University of Iowa
Cali, Colombia
State teaching credentials
I hold teaching licenses in Iowa and Oklahoma in English/language arts, composition, psychology, and related secondary-school subjects. Documentation is available for families or programs that require instructor credentials. Academic-credit decisions remain with the student’s school, program, and state.
Professional credentials and documentation are available upon request.
What students can expect
Close reading
Learn to read attentively, recognize patterns, and move beyond summary.
Stronger writing
Develop clear, well-supported ideas while preserving your own voice.
Honest feedback
I explain clearly what works, what does not, and what to do next.
Independence
Build reading and writing skills you can use without me.
“Mr. Rompf is especially knowledgeable in analyzing difficult literary works in an approachable manner.”
Ellen · Former student
Direct, personal instruction