Taylor Brazil Tutoring
About
I have wanted to be a teacher for my entire life! It wasn't until high school when I discovered my passion for special education. Nothing lights my fire more than creating an achievable goal for a student, working diligently to help them with that goal, and watching them crush it!
I am about to enter into my fourth year of teaching special education in Castro Valley, CA. During my first two years, I taught middle school resource. This past year was my first year teaching middle school special day class (reading and science), which is also what I will be doing this coming school year.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Liberal & Civic Studies, a Mild/ Moderate Education Specialist credential, and a Master of Arts in Teaching all from Saint Mary's College of California.
I especially enjoy the challenge of discovering ways to make learning super fun and effective for middle school students-- not an easy feat! However, when I see them engaging with the material and taking charge of their own learning experience, it gives me a sense of purpose.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Prior to my first session, I like to do an intake meeting with the student's parents to get input for strengths and areas to improves as well as learning preferences, accomodations/ modifications, and interests.
During the first meeting with the student, I prefer to build a rapport and ask them about their own learning preferences and interests in order to build a comprehensive learner profile.
Next, I like to perform some baseline assessments to determine the student's present levels of academic performance which, in combination with their learner profile, will help me to map out a plan for instruction.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For online tutoring, I charge $30 per 1 hour lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
In high school, my American Sign Language class collaborated with the moderate/ severe special day class to practice sign language. I instantly fell in love with the setting. I continued my work in this class by creating lesson plans for my classmates to follow and also became a TA in the class to get more time there.
After graduation, I became a subsitute paraprofessional to get more experience in classrooms. I also did ABA for a few years and was a respite care provider for a child with severe special needs-- I spent my time learning everything I could!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with special education and general education students from preschool through adult school levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We recently held a drive-through graduation for my 8th grade students and this is something I will always remember. They were my most challenging group of students throughout the year, but became my favorite students I have ever had. I enjoyed getting an opportunity to send them off!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that they ask you a lot of questions about yourself and your learning style! Tutoring should be individualized and student-paced and they should take those things into consideration when they are working with you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What is your favorite subject and why? Least favorite?
2. What makes a great teacher? What about a terrible one?
3. What kinds of assignments do you enjoy completing? What kinds do you hate?
4. Do you have support from family members at home with your schoolwork? (i.e. someone to help you with homework, remember your assignments, etc.)
5. Do you have an IEP or 504 plan? If so, what are your accomodations and learning goals?
6. What makes learning fun for you?