About
I have been teaching language arts at the middle school level for 14 years. I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from Governors State University in 1997 and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Xavier University in 2011. I currently teach 5th through 8th grade language arts at St. George School in Tinley Park Il.
I believe that no child learns in the same way. I structure my content in a way that reaches all students and lends to the way each individual learns. I also believe that children must be active participants in their own education. I am not only an advocate for all students but I also try help my students become advocates for themselves. I teach with relevance so that my students realize what they are learning will benefit them through high school and beyond.
The best part about my job is watching my students grow from when they come to me in 5th grade to when they leave me, ready to take on the world in 8th grade. We look back in the work we’ve done together and they can see their progress, this makes it all worth it.
Highlights
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Cara Q.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In taking on new students, the first meeting will involve the student getting to know me and vice verse. We will discuss school in general and focus on the areas of difficulty. We will make a plan with a student divided goal in mind.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Currently I am a junior high language arts teacher. I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing system in $40.00 per hour with a minimum of 1 day per week session. I would like my students to commit to a 6 week period but it is not necessary.
How did you get started teaching?
I’ve always wanted to become a teacher, mainly so that I could break the barriers of traditional classroom learning. I had trouble in school but whole group learning was the norm and differentiated learning was unheard of. My goal as an educator is to provide students with learning experiences tailored to individualized content.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students in grades 4th through 8th. I’ve also tutored students from kindergarten through 3rd grade. Students in my classroom show varying learning abilities, ELL students, and I have taught many autustic students as well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event in my life that I am very fond of is my trip to Alaska. I was there for 2 weeks and immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the Alaskans. I brought everything I learned from this trip back to my students and I talk with them regularly about Alaska. I use my pictures, maps, brochures and tons of other things I picked up in my language arts class, the kids love it and so do I!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
if I could give one piece of advice to a student looking to hire a language arts tutor I would tell he/she to keep an open mind and make sure that you really click with the teacher. If you close your mind you won’t be open to trying to learn a different way or accepting challenges. If you don’t click with your teacher you can’t build a one on one relationship to work together to accomplish your goal.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The main thing students should think through before talking to a teacher is a way to verbalize the need. Where does the difficulty lie? Is it comprehension? Grammar? Writing structure?