Sebastian Penalillo
Meet Sebastian Penalillo – Expert English, Spanish, Writing & SAT Tutor
Sebastian Penalillo is an Arlington-based educator and writer with a strong background in psychology and literature. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Texas , he is currently enrolled for an August 2026 start in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at American University in Washington, D.C.. With a proven history of tutoring elementary students in after-school programs and providing music instruction, Sebastian brings a highly structured and empathetic approach to his students. He specializes in helping students across a wide range of ages master language arts, foreign language, and standardized test preparation.
Areas Of Expertise:
English & Writing: Confident and experienced in tutoring English and writing concepts. His expertise is supported by his active membership in the Denton Poetry Assembly and his upcoming MFA studies.
Spanish Language: Experienced in tutoring the Spanish language.
SAT Preparation: Provides targeted preparation for students taking the SATs.
Music & Violin: Experienced in teaching violin to students. He previously served as President of United Sound , where he conducted high school students in the orchestra and special education program , developed musical scores , and organized rehearsal agendas.
Grade Levels: Highly comfortable teaching a wide demographic, spanning 3rd through 12th grades, college students, and adult learners.
Teaching Philosophy
"When a student struggles to master a challenging concept, I implement a structured, gradual scaffolding technique following the 'I Do, We Do, You Do' instructional model. This process breaks down complex grammar, language patterns, or writing objectives into manageable, supportive stages. I strategically keep my students deeply engaged and intrinsically motivated by utilizing unconditional positive regard, creating a safe, empowering environment where mistakes are treated as natural milestones toward academic independence."
What Makes Sebastian Special:
Mental Health & Psychology Background: Holds a B.S. in Psychology and gained clinical experience leading group therapy sessions as a Summer Intern at the University Behavioral Health of Denton. He also collected data on patient moods and attended to adolescent and adult in-patient units, showcasing his strong empathy and observational skills.
Dedicated Youth Mentor: Served as a Mentor for Yearn to Learn , heavily volunteering in an after-school program to help elementary students complete assigned homework. He also successfully led multiple groups, games, and team-bonding activities for mentors and young students.
Active Literary Participant: Maintains active involvement in the literary community as a member of the Denton Poetry Assembly. He is a part of the Poetry Society of Texas and National Federation of State Poetry Societies , frequently tasked with composing response and free choice poems.
Consistent Academic Excellence: Demonstrated a strong academic work ethic by maintaining a 3.55/4.00 GPA and earning a spot on the Dean's List for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024.
Education & Achievements:
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, American University (Enrolled for August 2026).
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of North Texas (Graduated December 2024).
Academic Honors: 3.55/4.00 GPA, Three-time Dean's List Recipient.
Affiliations: Member of the Poetry Society of Texas and the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.