Seattle, WA  ·  K–12 & University  ·  Online & In-Person

Learn with
Miss Sue

Expert tutoring in reading, writing, literature & test prep — taught with patience, heart, and genuine care for every student.

Susan A. Dryer, MA, MLIS  ·  University of Washington

Get in Touch View on Outschool
About

A Teacher Who Teaches
to the Heart & the Mind

Susan A. Dryer — Miss Sue

Sue is a dynamic educator with deep expertise in literature, writing, and English Language Arts. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts, both from the University of Washington — where she also earned her teaching certificate in Drama.

From 2008–2023, Sue served Seattle Public Schools as a substitute teacher-librarian and standardized test proctor. She has taught ELA, information literacy, technology, theatre arts, writing, and mindfulness across Northshore, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Seattle school districts.

Through her business Threshold Tutoring, Sue works independently with students locally in the Pacific Northwest and online via Outschool and Varsity Tutors — bringing individualized, compassionate instruction to learners of every background and level.

A fine arts photography student, Sue took this photograph in the Suzzallo Graduate Reading Room at the University of Washington — a breathtaking Collegiate Gothic study hall spanning the entire third floor of the library, often compared to the Hogwarts Great Hall from Harry Potter.

Meet the Team

The People Behind the Learning

Miss Sue
Susan A. Dryer
MA, MLIS  ·  Lead Educator

With over 30 years in Seattle classrooms and tutoring rooms, Sue brings warmth, rigor, and a genuine love of literature to every session. Professional, prepared, and compassionate — she teaches to the heart and the mind.

Toby the Canine Co-Teacher
Toby
Co-Teacher & Canine Assistant

Toby came into Miss Sue's life with big therapy dog ambitions — and an even bigger personality. After careful training, it became clear that Toby's true calling was less "calming presence" and more "devoted guardian and classroom enforcer." He takes his role as teaching assistant very seriously, attending every online session with an air of quiet authority. Students love him, he loves students, and he has never once let a lesson go unsupervised.

Toby at the Reading Marathon finish line
Services

What Sue Teaches

Digraph examples chart

Reading & Phonics

Phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension for struggling readers of all ages. Individualized to your child's exact needs.

Grammar letter tiles

Writing & Grammar

The writing process, grammar, research skills, and English Language Arts from elementary through university level.

Film reel — literature comes to life

Literature & Film

Novels, plays, short stories, and poetry — each paired with short films or full adaptations to deepen engagement and analysis.

A pendulum among rare books in the Suzzallo Graduate Reading Room, University of Washington
A pendulum at rest among rare books — Suzzallo Graduate Reading Room, University of Washington. Photographed by Sue.
Student browsing library shelves

University & Graduate

Research guidance, essay writing, and academic English support for college and graduate students.

Steps to success

Enrichment & Acceleration

Challenging advanced students and supporting those with learning differences — meeting every learner exactly where they are.

Test Preparation

The SAT Trifecta

Vocabulary Grammar Reading Comprehension

Sue's targeted SAT and SSAT prep covers all three pillars — building the skills students need to walk into test day with confidence. SSAT all levels · SAT · Praxis Core & Secondary ELA for teacher candidates.

Student focused on SAT prep

Focused, individualized prep

Teen showing SSAT success

SSAT prep success

Toby — Main Idea or Bust — timed reading comprehension

Main Idea or Bust — timed reading comprehension with Toby

Reviews

What Families Are Saying

★★★★★

"Miss Sue is a real gem. She's patient and caring, and my kids are making real progress because of her. Highly recommend."

Read Classic Short Stories and Prepare for the SSAT and SAT · Outschool
★★★★★

"Ms. Sue is an excellent educator. Her lessons were well-prepared and thoughtfully structured. She makes learning both effective and enjoyable. It is fortunate to find an instructor like Ms. Sue."

Outschool Parent
★★★★★

"My daughter kept asking me to enroll in more classes. Her teaching method is clear and supportive — an incredibly inspiring learning experience!"

Outschool Parent
★★★★★

"Miss Sue is a brilliant educator. Her class is engaging, fun and flexible. The section on To Kill a Mockingbird was beautifully crafted — a great way to homeschool."

Literature Class · Outschool
★★★★★

"Sue is an excellent tutor! Her thoughtful, insightful approach goes above and beyond in creative writing, drama, literature, and academic writing. Fabulous experience!"

Parent · Cincinnati Country Day
★★★★★

"Miss Sue helped my son raise his SSAT score from 1490 to 1941 in just five months! Her dedication and expertise got him into his preferred school. Highly recommend!"

Parent · SSAT Prep
★★★★★

"Sue, thank you for sharing your expertise and dedication! You truly bring out each student's strengths and motivations."

Teacher · Seattle Children's Hospital School
★★★★★

"Ms. Sue helped me go from below average to advanced in reading and writing! She made learning fun and gave me confidence for middle school. I wouldn't be here without her!"

Student · Washington, D.C.
★★★★★

"Ms. Sue helped me go from struggling to confident in reading. I felt ready for the STAAR test and love how kind and fun she is!"

Student · Texas
Current Offerings

Classes & Pricing

All classes are hosted on Outschool and priced per class unless noted. Many listings include a coupon code for a discount — first-time Outschool families: look for the coupon icon on the listing page to save on your first enrollment.

SSAT Prep
10 Classic Short Stories That Crack the SSAT Reading Section Grades 8–11
$19.90coupon available
Read Classic Short Stories 2 for SSAT and SAT 16 weeks
$30per class
8th–11th Read Classic Short Stories 28 classes · 50 min · 2×/week · Homeschool
$20per class
SSAT: Reading and Verbal Reasoning 20 group classes · Starts July
$17per class
SAT Prep
SAT: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & Grammar Full course
$130coupon available
Reading for Tests: Strategies, Comprehension & Evidence Group class
$60per class
SAT Grammar for the Win ~ Summer! Group class
$50per class
Full-Year ELA & Homeschool
K–12th Full-Year Homeschool Classic Literature 70 classes · 2×/week
$20per class
10th–12th Full-Year Homeschool Language Arts 74 classes · 2×/week
$20per class
6th–8th Full-Year Homeschool Language Arts 2×/week · 32 weeks · 50 min
$20per class
8th-Grade Full-Year Classic Language Arts Pod 4×/week · 32 weeks · 50 min · Small group
$14per class
Literature
To Kill a Mockingbird — Read It. Discuss It. Watch the Film. Grades 6–10
$19.88per class
Coming Soon
  • How to Read
  • How to Learn
  • Reading to Make It Stick
Credentials

Education & Background

Susan A. Dryer — Miss Sue

MLIS — Master of Library & Information Science, University of Washington

MA — Theatre Arts, University of Washington

BA — Drama, K–12 Teaching Certificate, University of Washington

Seattle Public Schools — Substitute Teacher-Librarian & Test Proctor (2008–2023)

Threshold Tutoring — Self-employed, Seattle, WA (2003–present)

Outschool & Varsity Tutors — Online instructor, nationally & internationally

"Be like the bird who halteth in flight
on a limb so slight yet sings —
knowing he hath wings…"

— Victor Hugo

Contact

Ready to Get Started?

Reach out to schedule a session or ask any questions.
Sue works with students locally in Seattle and online everywhere.

✉️ dryer611@gmail.com 📞 (801) 477-7765 🔗 Outschool Profile