The Spelling Bee Coach: A Master of Languages or a Pricey Privilege?

The Scripps National Spelling Bee has long been a proving ground for young linguists. However, in recent years, it’s become increasingly clear that having the right coach can make all the difference. For 32-year-old Scott Remer, the success of his students is both a badge of honor and a lucrative business.

Remer’s influence on the spelling bee landscape cannot be overstated. He has coached five national champions since 2010, including last year’s winner Faizan Zaki, and his students consistently make up a disproportionate share of the top 10 finalists. Remer’s coaching empire has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding his pricing. With fees ranging from $120 to $180 per hour, depending on the student’s performance, Remer is far more expensive than most coaches.

Some argue that Remer’s success is a testament to his mastery of languages, while others see it as a privilege available only to those with deep pockets. Dev Shah, 17, put it bluntly: “He’s probably one of the most influential figures in spelling over the past 10 years.” However, others are less convinced, including Navneeth Murali, a University of Pennsylvania student who now coaches spellers at a fraction of Remer’s cost.

Murali is not alone. Many coaches have come to realize that while Remer may be effective with his small group of students, his methods aren’t for everyone. “I found it prohibitively expensive,” Murali said. “It wasn’t a realistic option for me.” Families who cannot afford Remer’s rates often opt for more affordable alternatives, such as Sree Vidya Siliveri’s family, who switched coaches after finding one of the “fresh, high school students” who charged less.

So what makes Remer so effective? His students and clients attribute it to his deep understanding of language patterns, his ability to spot emerging trends in spelling bee vocabulary – and his willingness to push students to their limits. Simone Kaplan, runner-up to the “octo-champs” of 2019, noted: “Scott is a true logophile… He pushes his students to keep up with him.” However, this approach can also be alienating for some students, particularly those who are already struggling.

Remer acknowledges that his coaching style may not be for everyone. “I try to be tough but fair,” he said, “and I also try to modulate my teaching methods based on the kids’ needs and personalities.” However, even with this adjustment in mind, Remer’s approach remains a far cry from more compassionate models of coaching – like those offered by Grace Walters, who charges $75 an hour and prides herself on getting to know each speller as an individual.

As the Scripps National Spelling Bee gets underway, it’s clear that Remer will once again be a dominant force in the competition. The question remains: what does this mean for the future of spelling bee coaching? Will Remer’s influence continue to shape the landscape – and at what cost to students and families who cannot afford his services? With his master’s degree from Cambridge, his Ivy League pedigree, and his lucrative business model, Scott Remer is a true anomaly in the world of spelling bee coaching. But as he stands on stage with another champion by his side, it’s worth asking: what exactly does this say about our values – and who gets to reap the benefits?