DR JOSIE GARDNER ACADEMIC COACHING
Get Higher Marks Without the Overwhelm
1:1 tutoring for university students who want to write high quality essays and study effectively for exams.
Struggling with Essays or Exams?
Most students aren't bad at writing; they've just never been shown how to structure arguments on the page and meet academic expectations in the classroom.That's where I come in.As the person who has marked your essays and exams, I know exactly what your tutors and professors are looking for.
Nice to meet you
I'm Dr. Josie Gardner
I’m Dr. Josie Gardner, a PhD-qualified academic with extensive experience in university teaching, tutoring, research, and assessment marking.Throughout my academic career, I consistently performed at the highest level, developing a deep understanding of what strong academic work looks like and how to produce it.I help students move from feeling overwhelmed and unsure to clear, confident, and capable in their writing, learning, researching and studying.As a university tutor and marker, I’ve worked on the other side of the grading process. I understand exactly what tutors are looking for, how assessments are evaluated, and what actually leads to higher marks.Alongside my academic work, I bring a strong foundation in coaching and facilitation, with training in trauma-informed approaches. This means our sessions are not only practical and results-focused, but also supportive, clear, and tailored to you.I’ve worked with students across a wide range of disciplines, helping them improve clarity, structure, and overall performance in their assessments.My approach is practical, personalised, and designed to help you improve quickly with clear, actionable feedback that you can immediately apply.
What I can help you with
Essay structure
Essay planning
Argument development
Feedback on your drafts
Understanding assignment questions
Exam prep and strategy
Academic writing
ESL barriers in writing and learning
Brainstorming
Thesis development
Writing craft
Research Skills
And more!
Who I work with
Students who have received low marks and want to improve
Students who want to move from good grades to top-tier academic work
Students who want to feel more confident in their writing
ESL students struggling to write in English
Students failing or on the verge
Students who feel stuck or overwhelmed
DR JOSIE GARDNER ACADEMIC COACHING
How to Work With Me
Book at Free 15-Minute Introductory Consultation
Schedule your first session
(Optional) Send me materials or drafts ahead of time to review
Meet with me on Zoom
Leave with a clear direction for success
FREE
Free Consult
We meet each other over Zoom
We chat through your goals and current struggles to decide if we're a good fit.
Parents are welcome at this session if relevant.
Sessions are 15 minutes long.
$100
Standard Support Session
Live 1-hour session on Zoom
Work through ideas and roadblocks together
Live tutoring/teaching
Understanding and planning assignments
Exam prep and study session
$120
Light Review
Live 1-hour session on Zoom
Everything in the Standard Support Session +
A review (with written comments for you to keep) of your light materials (syllabus, essay outline, rubric, basic brainstorm, etc.) before our session
I review materials before our session so we can talk through the changes and implement them as needed
$150
Deep Review
Live 1-hour session on Zoom
Everything in the Standard Support Session +
A review of your essay draft and rubric (or any other major materials) with written comments for you to keep
I review materials before our session so we can talk through the changes and implement them as needed
FAQs
Do you work with all subjects?
I primarily support essay-based subjects across the arts, humanities, and social sciences. If you’re unsure whether your subject is suitable, feel free to reach out below.Do you work with undergraduate and postgraduate students?
Yes, I work with all students at all levels.Do I need to prepare anything before the session?
Not necessarily. You can come with ideas, a draft, or just the assignment and we’ll work from where you’re at.How quickly can I improve?
Many students see immediate improvements in clarity and structure after just one session.Are sessions online?
Yes, all sessions are held online.Do you work with students in any location or university?
Yes, I work with students across universities and areas in Australia and the United States.Do you edit, proofread or rewrite essays for students?
No. I do not offer proofreading services to students to "fix" your work. I provide guidance, teaching, feedback, and support to help you improve your own work and develop your skills.Can you guarantee I'll get a higher mark?
I can’t guarantee specific marks, but I can help you significantly improve your structure, clarity, and understanding of what markers are looking for.Why come to you when I can just get help from AI?
AI cannot replicate the depth of understanding and skill it takes to produce high quality academic writing. I help you develop the ability to think critically, structure arguments clearly, and write in a way that meets academic standards. These are skills that will help you not only in your studies, but also in your career and entire life.How does the essay review session work?
For essay review sessions, you’ll send your draft in advance. I’ll review it before we meet so we can use our time to go through clear, targeted feedback and improvements.What should I bring to a session?
You can come with anything, from a blank page to a full draft. We’ll work from wherever you’re at.What’s the difference between the session types?
Each session is designed for a different stage of your work, from live support to detailed feedback on drafts. You can choose the option that best fits where you’re at or book a free consultation if you’re unsure.Do you work with high school students?
Yes, I work with high school students on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out!
Have a question? Contact me here
My Qualifications & Experience
PhD, The University of New South Wales (2023); Top 10% Thesis; Selected as 2017 Scientia Scholar
BA Honours, The University of New South Wales; First Class Honours (2015)
Bachelor of Arts, The University of New South Wales (2014); High Distinction average; Winner of the Kamal Bamadhaj Prize for the best degree performance in Development Studies
Dean's List across all undergraduate and graduate degrees
Certified Copy Editor and Proofreader (2024)
Research Assistant & Research Lead on several projects (2015 - 2022)
Associate Editor at the Australian Journal of Human Rights (2020)
Author and co-author of several Academic Publications
Undergraduate tutor (teaching and marketing) and guest lecturer (2016 - 2023)
Private tutor at Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programmes (UNSW)
Private Writing Tutor and Academic mentor at the Learning Centre (UNSW (2018 - 2020)
Human Rights Caseworker at Amnesty International (2015)
Several international projects in community education and development worldwide (Asia and Africa) (2010 - present)
Several interpersonal qualifications in interpersonal work, such as trauma-informed facilitation and 1:1 coaching.
Please don't hesitate to request my full CV.
Ready to feel confident in your writing and get higher marks?
Book a session and get clear, practical support tailored to exactly where you’re at.
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