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She is the sort of English teacher that can inspire anyone to want to become an English major.

Rubric: Do everything I tell you, get a C. Use lots of effort, get a B. Be brilliant, get an A. That's tough, but she's an excellent instructor. Most clear engl prof I've had, especially specific feedback on essay grades. Super helpful in office hours.

Best teacher ever! Makes class a pure joy to come to and you learn a ton. A hard but extremely fair grader. Plus, when you leave the class you will be a better writer, person and she will turn you into an english major. The #1 must take prof!

Very sweet person and helpful teacher. You can tell she loves her job and to help her students. She is a tough grader, but overall, an exceptional teacher. I loved her!

She was a great friend and mentor. She is a beautiful smart woman.

Best English teacher i have ever had!...She speaks very clear and her energy and passion for English makes you want to really try in her class. I never liked English courses but I actually enjoyed Tina's class. You'll learn a lot of her.

She wants you to expand as a writer. You will discover yourself in this class. The workload is not hard or boring. She left in the middle of the semester to have a baby. The substitute is horrible. Tina gives clear examples of what she wants.

Exceptional teacher! Highly organized and focused, serious with great personality and humour. Captivating speaker. Passionate and inspiring. Genuinely concerned and flexible. High standards! Time consuming, take w/ light load. You will learn.

Really nice teacher, but i told her i wasnt an english major so i got a D...when confronted the 1st words out of her mouth were about me not being an english teacher....WORDS OF ADVISE..tell her your an english teacher then your good. Overall great teacher/funny/very organized adn helpful!

If you read, you will pass. Plus she's hot.

By far, the best english teacher I ever had, and I went on to transfer to Berkeley. Tina taught me how to write, and how to read analytically, which served me well at Cal, and because I am going to be an English teacher, too. She's worth the B if that's the best you can do. Read, do the assignments on time (she'll check) and be engaged in class.

Tina is a great teacher and I loved her choice of reading. Very accomidating and helpful. Helped me finish on time even though my dad went through surgery for cancer while I was in her class.

wonderful teacher. explains everything in detail and really wants you to pass.

Outstanding teacher! She's so cool, and she really knows her stuff. You will become a better writer! She cares about students, and she's super organized, enthusiastic, and funny. You won't be bored in her class because she changes things up all the time. Take her, take her, take her!

WOW! Super hard. I'm an honors student and this class was far more work than any of my other classes. She makes you become a better writer, but I hope you like being up 'till the crack of dawn writing. She's cool and enthusiastic and she'll help you, but unless you're an an english major STAY AWAY FROM THIS CLASS. Just aviod it, trust me

I wish I had this teacher for 1A. I learned more in one day of her 1C class than I did after a whole semester of 1A with a boring teacher. This teacher's interesting and cares. She makes you want to come to class. Yeah, she asks for a lot, but it's never busy work--the effort's worth it. Anyone who says not to take this teacher is a slacker!

what a looker!!! makes me want to come to class!!! Keep up the good work clementina!

AWSOME!

This class was challenging and the teacher was well-organized...gosh, it was sort of like a real college course! Her classroom demeanor is nothing short of excellent. Everyone gets treated equally, and she doesn't take any BS.

Tina is a great teacher. She really keeps your attention. She's very interesting and loves class discussion. I always had something to bring to the class every class meeting. She's never grumpy or mean. She's very easy to talk to. Excellent instructor! Increased the size of my brain 1/2 an inch! Definitely.

Easily the cutest teacher on campus, which makes it hard to concentrate on her actual lectures. To make matters worse she dresses kinda skimpy and for that I should give her a lower score, but I won't. She is hands down the most enthusiastic teacher I've had at West Valley. I highly suggest her comic book course.

The best english teacher I've ever had.

Definitely one of my favorite teachers--witty, knowledgable, clear, and keeps your attention. Her class is certainly no easy A, but not impossible to do well as long as you do the assignments. She assigns quite a bit of homework and doesn't always give ample time to complete them; nonetheless, it's a great class.

Great professor! Helped me so much with everything. This class is not easy, but you will learn alot. I would take her class again

She's so HOT!!!!! it's a hard class but its worth it. She can help you improve your writing greatly! I Loved her class.

AWESOME teacher! i loved tina! she's super nice and really wants to help you. class is hard and she spends a lot of time with mla citation but its worth it. my writing definitely improved!

This teacher is extremely helpful and the class is fun to attend. She lets you revise your essays after she looks over them and you only have to write 4. Homework is easy but you do have it after every class session. Take this class, she is an awesome teacher! You will love the class!

Mrs. Golaw was an amazing teacher. She offered many ideas and provided her students with a desire to write. She was very helpful and I hope she is doing well!

Most def' one of the best teachers I have ever had. She may have tougher assignments than a lot of other teachers, but as long as you understand what is required of you in the course and commit to it you will succeed. Also go to her office hours! She is so helpful and really just wants you to fulfill your potential as a writer.

Mrs. Golaw was an awesome teacher. I must admit at first I felt she was a bit too strict but in the end I grew to appreciate that about her. She is a well balanced teacher who is strict when she needs to be, but fun and mellow as well.

Class Myth. Awesome class which could have easily been boring by another teacher. She's truly passionate about this subject and it's infectious for both english and non-english majors. She's very engaging personable and fair. Great teacher.

I absolutely loved Tina's class, she is by far one of the best teacher I have ever had. She is so enthusiastic about everything and her class is never boring. She is a tough but fair grader, but gives her help whenever you need. TAKE HER!!

In response to the reviewer below, Tina is not an unfair grader. Her classes may be difficult, but she helps prepare students for the realistic rigor expected at the collegiate level. She goes above and beyond what many other instructors do by helping students become better writers and encouraging them to do well.

Awesome and Enthusiastic teacher. I had trouble with my first Essay but she helped a lot after class and I got my grades up. Her 1B class is fun if you're into Sci-Fi and Graphic Novels. I'd defiantly take her class again.

Took Amer.Lit. and 1a with her. Can't recommend her enough. Makes class fun and interesting. Knows her material but makes students come up with stuff. She made me want to do well. I actually learned how to write in her 1a. She's challenging but really supportive. This IS college, you know! So, you = slacker, take a slacker teacher, not this one.

TONS of reading. I got good grades on my papers, but note that she does grade based on what is expected at the college level. My only problem with her was that she made some comments in front of class that I found offensive. But she was enthusiastic about the subject, and it was fun.

She is one my favorite teachers of all time. The class discussions were amazing and she always gave a disclaimer about offending people. She never meant to and if she did she'd always apologize for it. I think the people who complain are the ones who don't even bother to try to participate. Class was never boring that's for sure.

Excellent teacher. Really! Fun, smart lady. Genuine personality. Truly helped me learn. Worked so hard in her classes but worth every minute. In Amer Lit if she offended, it's b/c she stated her support for Obama and her arguments against Prop 8. Didn't offend me but I'm a liberal too. She made today's issues make sense as we studied old Amer Lit.

She is a good teacher. I have learned a lot, not knowing anything about American Literature prior to the class. However, those who had any knowledge beforehand might not have increased it. Do not take her class if you're looking for an indepth intellectual analysis of texts. I personally think that prof. Golaw should stick to teaching high school.

She's an awesome teacher. Class is always interesting and she's enthusiastic and prepared. Keeps me focused. She genuinely likes all students and teaching. I don't see her play favorites. Everyone's gotta work hard in her classes. I'm in 7b now and it's even more interesting. Take this teacher. Worth your time.

I got so much out of this class. I wish I'd had her for writing a lot sooner b/c I get it now. She makes it make sense. You walk through writing steps that help you get it done. Also very fun personality and sincere, organized and happy.

She brings great energy to the class and really enjoys the subject. This class requires near perfect attendance, completion of all assignments to get at least a "B". Her grading is pretty easy and she writes positive feedback. I would have enjoyed this class more if it wasn't scheduled so early. Don't take this class if you slack/procrastinate.

lovely

Everyone told me to take this teacher. Glad I did and you should too. Learned so much. I feel really good as a writer, like I can get the essays done now. It helps a lot that she's nice and always willing to help. She really likes teaching. Class was usually fun.

Tina is an inspirational teacher. I tried taking 1B with different teeachers but dropped b/c they expected us to be english majors and just know how to pop out a paper. Tina taught us how to write essays and how to analyze the literature. Her graphic novel emphasis was so interesting. I recommend her.

All these comments are right on. She's a strong teacher and hard working. But you'll work for your grade. Don't think it'll be a free ride! I got a B and worked for it. She's not one of those teachers just collecting a paycheck so you'll write and do the work. She's high energy and most days were interesting class discussions. Not too many l

She's a harder grader than most. But she's soft on the eyes! Recommend her but not just cause she's good looking. I learned alot too. Her comments on my essays were long and helpful. Most teachers just write the grade.

Amazing teacher. Her comments on papers are useful and relevant; she is willing to work hard with you to get a good grade. Extrememly charismatic; all her discussions are lively and interesting. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I transfered to UC Berkeley a year ago. This teacher showed me how to become an excellent writer of arguments. My profs. now praise my stuff, and I know that it's because of Tina. She has high expectations, but she makes you believe that you can do anything. She gives a lot, emotionally and intellectually, sometimes more than my Berkeley profs.

I love Tina! She is such a wonderful professor with a great sense of humor. Her collaborative approach to literature brings about rich class discussions. I liked 7B more than 43, because we did more interpretation, etc. BUT, this class was truly enjoyable.

Tina's classes are challenging b/c she wants to set you up for success. If something is too hard, she's happy to break it down--in class or one-on-one. Her essay comments are very helpful. She is a MASTER of the writing process an has this magical ability to recognize your needs as a student and writer. She's been known to change lives...

Like everyone says, take this teacher's class. I learned a lot about my writing and had fun. She's really supportive and classes are entertaining. I think I did better in other classes that required writing because of this class. She's easy to talk to and treats you like an individual. She knew all our names by the end of the second class.

This teacher isn't easy, but I felt like I was in a college class. She expected a lot, but that was good for me because she was motivating unlike the teachers who really don't care. I wish I'd had her for 1A because my writing makes sense now. She doesn't force you to talk if you don't want to, but a lot of people participated which made class fun.

She wasn't my teacher, but she tutored me in the Writing Center in Fall and Spring when I took 905 and 1A. Her help was great. She's the only teacher whose ever been able to help me see why my writing sucked. I thought that she was only a tutor, but she's also a teacher. I would have taken her classes if I'd known. She really nice and friendly too.

Professor Golaw facilitates the group discussions well, has an avid love for her students, and her subject. Her essay feedback is extremely constructive and thoughtful. The only downside to her class was peer-editing, which relies too heavily on peers to know what they're doing. If you want to further your writing, ignore the capslocked reviews.

Tina is an excellent instructor if you give half a darn about your writing. Her criticisms are well thought out and extremely constructive. She works herself half to death to give each and every paper the proper amount of time it deserves, and she returns them on time. If you want to improve, take her and take what she says to heart.

If you care about really getting something out of college, take Tina. Ignore comments here from the slackers. Tina's really nice and helpful. Class was always an interesting discussion that she related to real life. Unlike some Engl teachers, she reads essays and gives great feedback. She's not easy though, so be ready to work and learn.

Tina is very helpful and interesting to listen to. she does talk about her personal life a little to much which can be annoying but not excessively. she is very friendly and attractive which makes attending the class much easier.

Very difficult class, but very rewarding. Tina teaches 7B at a trully UNIVERSITY level...slackers beware! Got an A and had to work very, very hard to get it. I found it hard to study for the tests just from the lecture notes. I relied on outside sources to help me understand the material (American Literature) better and do well on the essay tests.

Well...All I can say is that she cares about teaching. Even if I had not fallen madly in love with her, I would still rate her high amongst all my instructors. I agree with other's She does talk about herself, but usually it has something to do with her lecture. If I had to say 1 negative thing, it is that her looks are distracting :-)

She is literally the best English teacher at West Valley. If you are a serious student and want to learn take her. I learned so much and loved every class. Slackers Beware! She is a fair grader and knows when your paper is BS! Without A Doubt The Best Teacher I Have Ever Taken!

Sincere-Smart-Prepared- Approachable-Fair. Take this teacher! Discussions were interesting bc she wants and respects students' ideas. Amazing feedback on essays. She'll praise what you do well but be honest and clear about how to improve. Writing essays is easier for me now. You won't sit back but neither will she.Works so hard and knows her stuff.

I've never encountered a teacher so invested in her students progress. For the first time, I felt like a teacher made time for me. 1 on 1 and in class. I learned immediately why essay writing has always been hard for me. Now, I write essays without easily, and I'm doing well in 1C. Take this teacher!

She uses graphic novels and interesting other stuff, but it's the way she teaches writing that made it managable for me. She broke it down and had us analyze models. I easily saw how good or bad my writing was. Not an easy grader but not hard. She grades college level like other professors should. She's so nice but you can't slack with her!

I'm actually surprised by the bad reviews she got. Tina was one of my favorite teachers at West Valley. She is truly invested with her teaching and students. She definitely wants you to succeed and is super sweet. Her class emphasized Graphic novels which was very cool. She isn't an easy grader but is definitely willing to help you with anything

Best english teacher I've ever had! Take her class, you won't regret it!

One of the best teachers on campus. Engaging, caring, funny, intelligent, and a really good writing teacher. I was shocked to read some of the reviews on here, and expect that those who denigrate Tina were either slackers or disrespectful. She will put in a ton of effort to help you, and she cares about her students-- go to office hours for help.:)

Took the mythology class. She's such a sweet and hilarious lady! So pretty too. Do your work! and READ the books. You'll succeed. She does get off topic easily and lets her students overtake her lectures since mythology isn't always 100 percent accurate but I really like her a lot :)

I think she is a great teacher. I wasn't able to get an A on any of my essays, which was a bummer. She really wants all of her students to succeed and offers her time. Simple format, 4 essays total, reading responses every night. Final was straight-forward and pretty easy. I highly recommend her.

She is an amazingly helpful teacher who knows how to keep her students interested in her subject. She always helps a student out, if asked. She is funny and tries to make a subject like English more exciting for most students who dread having to take the an English course. Highly recommended.

Tina was a great teacher. The class was fun to be in, and I enjoyed going every day. The class is very discussion heavy, so if you don't like that it may not be for you. My only real complaint was that she could be a bit too complimentary at times. Beyond that she went out her way to be helpful, and made the class a fun learning environment.

She's very personable and friendly never ever be afraid to ask questions! It is NOT a fairy tale class so if you go thinking its an easy A you will get blindsided. She really enjoys student participation & if you meet you work head on w/ a great attitude you'll do stellar. Make her laugh and you'll do even better.

Turned every paper back late and never returned hw. She still has failed to post grades a week after the final; despite the final being a small short answer test . Hw every class and requires a lot of reading along side 4 essays and final. She's expecting you to spend a LOT of time dedicated to her class, but doesn't show dedication as a teacher

Absolutely one of the best teachers I've had in college. Her class is interesting and mostly fun. She really cares and helps. Approachable and smart! Be prepared to work but take her class. You'll be better for it.

She's all the good people say and none of the bad from bitter slacker types. You EARN your grade, but she makes writing manageable. I really improved. Just bc she's kind and pretty doesn't mean she has to give passing grades for free. While many teachers don't care, she does. She works as hard as she asks you to. Essay feedback was very helpful!

BEST teacher I've ever had. She is always smiling and is so happy to be in class. I've never had a teacher that cared about me personally and she did! Seriously changed my life. TAKE her class even if your not into graphic novels (I definitely wasn't) because she makes it interesting.. and she's stunningly beautiful and wears the cutest outfits!

Tina is a pleasant person. However, she talked about her personal life more than necessary. The lectures and analysis of the material were very helpful, but we didn't spend enough time on our essays individually. She also NEVER gave back essays on time. I had no idea what my grade was throughout the year. I'd say shes an okay teacher :/

Dedicated, sincere, and insightful professor. Tina can make any student a better writer and she genuinely wants to help. Prepared, happy, and energetic in class. Seriously beautiful inside and out. She genuinely cares about students as people, not just a job to her. I took her 1A three yrs ago and same high quality in 1B three yrs later.

Love this lady so much!! she is so sweet and will help you with whatever you need! everyone take her, you won't regret it at all ! i promise

Tina is the most AMAZING Teacher ever! She has been so friendly great, and she genuinely really do care about her students! She is supportive and funny and really understanding. Take her class and you definitely wont regret it! Don't take her class and you're missing out on a lot of good times and advice!

Great teacher. If you are struggling with an essay, her 1-on-1 feedback is really thorough if you bring her a copy of what you're working on. Provides very thoughtful notes when graded. DOESN'T grade on whether she agrees with your opinion, unlike some other teachers. Very positive and very encouraging. Homework due every class, but its light

You seriously need to take her. Her 1AM and 1B were tough. Never wrote that much before, but I learned a lot and feel really good about my writing and how to get it done. She's smart and supportive and cares about students' success. Class discussions were interesting and fun. They help you understand the readings and write the essays. Go to class!

Tina is probably the best english teacher I have ever had. She is very supportive of your success. I grew so much as a writer from taking time to sit with her one on one and get feedback on my essays. I learned a lot not only about english but also about life from her lectures. Expectations are challenging but reasonable.

Tina loves her students and truly cares about their success! I really enjoyed her class and learned a lot. She will expect you to make progress as a writer and you can't just throw something together for your essays: she can tell and will give you detailed grades on every essay. If you make an effort to improve as a writer and to participate, you !

Tina is an amazing professor. She always comes to class enthusiastic and with a positive attitude. Homework is fairly light and you can pass the class without doing it if your essays are strong. If you need help, you have to go to her office hours bc she doesn't return emails. However, utilize her as a resource and you will becom a better writer.

This by far is the best English class i have ever taken in my life. Tina actually cares and gives really good feedback if you actually want to learn about English and feel that you want to improve yourself this is the class for you. She is a hard grader, but fair if you put efferent into your work you will get a good grade. Take her class seriously

Tina is a phenomenal teacher. Not a single day passed that she wasn't happy, smiling and motivational. Even though it was a summer class, she made the work light and easy. Tina honestly cares about each student and went above and beyond by staying after class every day to offer support. She's also hilarious! Would definitely take her again.

All you have to do is show up and follow the discussions. She doesn't make it hard. I had her for ENGL 1A and 1B. She expects you to care about what grade you want in the class. Basically, if you care and put in the effort, she will too. I do have to say the only negative is that her personal life conflicts with her professional one.

Honestly, she's one of the best professors I've ever had! She understands that students have other obligations besides her class, and is willing to work with you to make sure you succeed. Her grading system is very fair, so you know whatever grade she gives you, you earned it. Just don't take advantage of her kindness and generosity. She's lovely!

One of the sweetest human beings I've ever met! She makes sure to create a super supportive environment for all ideas. For our essays, we take class notes on analysis so you won't go in blind. She also allows essay make-ups, and extensions. One hang-up is that rough-drafts are graded for credit, so you don't get back feedback. but overall, amazing!

Each class had great discussions and the overall class had a good vibe. Tina had a lot of personal stuff going on so grading and info was unreliable. I waited 6 weeks for grades to come in. She was sweet, caring, and wanted to meet outside of class if we needed it. Our class often ran long because we had great discussions. Would take again!

I had Tina last semester and she is very caring for her students and their success and always offering ways to better your writing and seek help. Only thing is she takes a while to grade essays, so I didnt know my grade until after the final and even then she ended up not grading one of the essays.

Tough grader on papers but actually wants you to succeed.

The world does not deserve such a wholesome character such as Tina. She is so kind, caring and you can tell she puts her whole heart into giving feedback to your essays.

Tina is a great professor. She really cares about her students deeply and wants to see us succeed; however, she might care too much about feelings. She doesn't seem to stop disruptive students. I'm currently in one of her classes where we have another student who interrupts constantly and Tina hasn't asked her to stop yet.

The world doesnt deserve someone like Tina. I have never met a teacher who was able to be so open/honest with her students. We only had about 4 essays and she gave us so much time to do them. We read 2 books in class and always had small discussions that were super inspiring and insightful. Take her if you can!!! You wont regret it!

Tina Golaw is absolutely one of the best professors I've had for GE. Her lectures were very informative and the class discussions were really intriguing as well. Her class is definitely NOT an easy A and you will have to work really hard to survive. But if you do, you should be rewarded because she is preparing your for a University course.

Tina is so amazing and beyond caring. I am a horrible writer and was honestly dreading taking this class because of the essays, but she made it interesting and was very generous with her time allowance. She appreciates thoughtful/genuine work, so don't be afraid to hold back. (Also she actually has such a soothing voice!)

I took a class from Tina in 1998 and I still credit her to this day for teaching me how to write. I'm currently going back to school to get a master's to become a teacher and every time I write a paper or get asked about my history as a writer I think of Tina Golaw the teacher that taught me how to write. Thank you so much for what you did for me!