About
I am a Harvard-trained reading specialist with more than 30 years teaching experience working with students of all ages from preschool through high school, including dyslexic, learning disabled, and English Language Learners. I founded Reading Successes to provide individualized online tutoring for struggling readers of all ages. This endeavor follows my decades-long career as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by getting to know the student and building a rapport by chatting about school and their interests. I then complete a series of assessments typically including the Phonological Awareness Screening Test, a Nonsense Word Decoding Measure, a Reading Age test and a reading level test to determine the student's strengths and needs. I may administer other measures if necessary. I use these results to inform my instruction and plan lessons designed to meet the specific individual needs of the student using games, texts, manipulatives and interactive technology. I assess on an ongoing basis and adjust my instruction accordingly to ensure success.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.S. Ed from Lesley University and an Ed. M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education as well as a C.A.S. in Education Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. I am also a Teacher Trainer for the Lively Letters program from Reading with TLC and received a fellowship from Fund for Teachers in 2017. I have worked in public education for over 30 years as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and literacy coach.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $90 per hour but find half hour or 45 minute sessions are often more productive for elementary students. I usually recommend a minimum of two half hour sessions per week.
How did you get started teaching?
I studied elementary education in college and then got a teaching position after graduation. A few years later I earned my graduate degree in the teaching of reading and continued my career as a reading specialist.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught preschool through high school aged students but primarily elementary aged students including dyslexic, learning disabled and English Language Learners.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This past year I began working with a 5th grade student reading a year below grade level at the 4th grade level and was able to help him achieve grade level performance to enter 6th grade with confidence and on grade level.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure the teacher is able to assess your strengths and needs and will use those assessments to create individualized instruction using proven research based methods in a fun and engaging way.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How will the teacher make decisions about what sort of instruction is needed?
How will the teacher monitor progress to be sure the student is moving forward adequately?
What training, experience and credentials does the teacher have?