Reading And Writing By Experienced And CDE Certified And Montessori-trained Tutor

I will typically ask for a writing sample and identify the student's areas of growth are (eg. writing compound and complex sentences, vocabulary development, etc.) and enable the student to set some specific goals for improvement, making sure that they are receiving the support that best suits them. I will begin with some reading and writing that will also be geared toward getting to know the student (and helping them to get to know themselves). We will take a look at some of their previous writing and rewrite it together to help in deciding on what goals are appropriate and to show them how much they already know and to celebrate that. 

I have been an English teacher for 15+ years, specializing in English Language Instruction (ELL), literary analysis, reader's and writer's workshop, writing of all forms, and most importantly, I have always emphasized individual learning goals and one on one support. My training in Montessori over the last two years has introduced me to a way of working with students that empowers them and helps them to develop skills that will help them to be successful in the future in all aspects of life (rereading, revising and editing, asking for feedback, stress management, staying organized, etc.) and this also has enabled me to build strong relationships where students feel safe to speak their mind and take risks (which has always been my biggest strength) 

Currently, I am charging $50/hour of instruction and support

I worked as a teacher's aide in a special education classroom with students in grades 1-3. I realized that I could provide meaningful academic and behavioral support in a way that motivated children and made them feel safe, so I went back to school for English/Secondary Teaching. I then taught in South Korea in international skills for eight years, and have now found my passion for Montessori practices, which I will continue to utilize for the rest of my career. 

Literally all types from grades 1-12, but currently I am focusing on adolescents (grades 7-12). My last class had 40% IEP and 504 students. I have experience supporting students with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, specific learning disability, anxiety, depression, etc.  

I have always worked the closest with students who have challenges with reading and writing, and have extensive experience identifying their needs and responding in a kind and clear manner, with a plan that is specific to the strengths and weaknesses of that particular student. 

Seeing my students' growth in reading and writing on the MAP assessment has been a major source of pride, as this is their chance to demonstrate the skills that I have taught them to utilize in situations of high stress and pressure. More than 70% of my students were in the high growth area for the last few years. 

Find somebody who comes in ready to learn about you first. If they have a curriculum all prepared before they meet you, it may take you in a direction that isn't right for you, and can waste time and money, and most importantly, hurt the confidence and motivation of the student. Make sure the tutor is consistently flexible and responsive to make sure you are progressing in the specific areas that are most important to you in your time and place. 

What causes me the most stress in terms of academics?

What skills would help me to be successful in the future? 

How do I use my time now? How could I improve my use of time at school/home?

What kind of learner am I? (visual, auditory, thrives on praise, prefers a business-like approach, etc.)

What topics are the most fun/interesting for me? 

What are my short and long-term goals?