“Mr. Blacketer is the reason I’m confident in my applications, as he gave me the skills to enhance my writing to a new level. Any time I found myself with writer’s block he’d help organize my ideas and provide feedback that put me on track in no time. I highly recommend his services, I’ve learned a lot in our time together!”
“Joey helped our son cultivate his essays and capitalize on his experiences and attributes...Now he’s heading off to a dream college that wasn’t even on his initial list!”
Hi, I’m Joey!
I grew up in Virginia Beach, spending most of my teenage years shoveling charcoal out of the giant grill at my family’s restaurant. I’m a proud alum of the Math and Science Academy at Ocean Lakes High School. Having had my fill of chemistry, I went on to major in history at the University of Virginia. After a lovely, art-filled study abroad experience in Florence, I graduated in 2010 with Highest Distinction and earned the Chamberlain Award for History for my thesis on the Donatist controversy in Late Antique Roman North Africa. I earned my M.S. in Secondary Education through ODU’s Teacher Immersion Residency program, and I’ve been in the classroom ever since.
For the last twelve years, I’ve taught history of every variety in Norfolk and Chesapeake. Writing has always been a core component of my teaching, and I helped bring the AP Capstone program to Chesapeake Public Schools in 2016. I love what I do, and I was selected as Teacher of the Year at Norview High (2015) and Citywide High School Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake (2021). Most of my work as a teacher today involves helping students pick topics, develop strong writing skills, and continually improve each and every draft. As a reader and table leader for College Board, I also understand the challenge of working through thousands of essays under pressure.
Every student has a story to tell, and it is my goal to support them as they tell that story in personal statements, supplemental essays, and everything in between. Writing is a journey, and that journey goes all the better with a guide to help inform, shape, revise, and (most importantly) encourage at every step of the way.
When I'm not working, you can find me at the beach, in the kitchen, or playing Lego with my family.
Joey works with College Applications Mini-Package and College Essay students.
Schedule an initial consultation to learn more!