The Writers' Center

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The Writers' Center

The U-High Writers' Center is a valuable resource for all U-High students. The Center offers one-on-one assistance to students of all ages and abilities, from freshmen making the transition into high school curriculum to seniors seeking help on their college application essays.

We assist students with a variety of writing issues, giving them feedback on individual papers and helping them with any stage of the writing process, including pre-writing, composition, and revision. Students may bring in writing assignments from any subject area, including creative writing. Each year the Writers' Center works with more than half the U-High student body. Many of these students come in for help on a regular basis.

The Writers' Center staff does not write students' papers. Instead, we help students become more aware of their writing strengths and weaknesses so that they can improve not only particular assignments but also their overall writing skills.

This year the Writers' Center is staffed by

Nicole Berland, a former high school English teacher who completed her MA in Humanities here at the University in June 2008. Ms. Berland is an experienced tutor of both high school and college students.
Neil Cooper, a retired high school English teacher (Chicago and Wisconsin) with special expertise in working with ESL and ADD students. Mr. Cooper also works as a substitute teacher at Lab.
Howard Perlow, a current MAPH student at the University and a high school history teacher with eight years of experience. Mr. Perlow has taught students of all age and ability levels.
Carolyn Walter, a member of the English department. Ms. Walter has taught English 1 and Analysis and Composition. Currently, she is teaching English 2 and English 3-4 electives.

Students may either sign up for an appointment at the Writers' Center or just drop by. We're open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays 12 noon to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., in U-High 212.

Feel free to call us at 773-834-3464 if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Writers' Center for?
We're here to help you with any aspect of your writing. Come in with your papers, your drafts, your questions. The teachers here will conference with you to help you successfully through the writing process.

Who can get help at the Writers' Center?
Anyone. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors. Great writers, beginning writers, writers somewhere in the middle.

With what types of writing can the Writers' Center help?
We will help with any type of writing, from any of your classes. We also help with college essays, writing for extra-curricular activities, writing you're doing on your own.

Can I get help with my fiction or poetry writing here?
Yes. Come in for a conference and ask one of the Writers' Center teachers about the drop-box.

How can I make an appointment?
Drop in to the Center any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Or, sign up for an appointment on the bulletin board outside the Center (a very good idea when we're busy.)

What else happens at the Writers' Center?
The Writers' Center is a clearinghouse for writing-related activities. Check the bulletin board and the Daily Bulletin, or stop by and ask about what else is happening.