Tutoring Services

My Top 10 Tasks to Do with a New Student:

1. Introduce yourself and get to know each other. 2. Explain how the sessions will work. 3. Do a quick fun activity to set the tone for the first day. 4. Assess the student's current needs. 5. Make the student feel confident by offering praise. 6. Teach the student something new. 7. Continue with activities planned. 8. Give the student some home learning to complete. 9. Build some positive rapport with the student's parents. 10. Prepare the student for the next session.

1978) earned BS in Education-ISU certified to teach K-9, 1981) hired by Westmont Community School District #201 teaching 4th/5th grades - Miller School, due to cut in staff  - moved to Manning School teaching 4th/5th grades, reassigned to teach 2nd grade, 1985) earned MS in curriculum and instruction-National Louis University, attended several seminars and workshops, had the opportunity to work with students K-5th grade in various functions, 2015) retired after 34+ years from Westmont School District #201, 2018) started tutoring.

A tutor in my area may charge between $25 to $50 per hour. I negotiate my charge with the parent before taking on a tutoring job. Prep time for each session  and travel time are included in my cost. My average rate is usually about $22(?) a session. I joined the teaching profession not for the pay but for the rewards you receive when students are successful.

My mother knew when I was young that I would become a teacher. She discovered at an early age how passionate I was in my own love of learning. After I had a 4th grade teacher that I remember to this day, who had a positive impact in my learning, all I talked about was becoming a teacher. I worked long hours and participated in a variety of experiences to pursue my goal. But I knew that one day I would hold the power to influence many students’ lives very deeply, which would be very rewarding. My dream became a reality.

The most challenging aspect of being a teacher is that there is no set mold on the types of students in a single class. As a classroom teacher, I have worked with special-needs students, ESL students, deaf students, and behavior modification students. Some of these students get support from an instructional aide, some are only in the classroom for a specific subject, and others are included all day. 

At the end of every school year, there's a special event held to honor staff who reached milestones in their careers. All past employees of the district are invited. Being a smaller district about 150 people attend. The year I retired, two of my colleagues presented a review of my teaching career with silly props. This event is one i'm very fond of and will always remember. Although my mother and father were unable to attend, I had the opportunity to thank them both for the support and guidance they provided me to achieve a childhood dream of mine – to become a teacher.   

Be creative. - Bring a unique personality to your teaching experience. Be innovative. - Let the knowledge and ideas you have ignite your teaching. Remain dedicateed. - Always show your passion for what you do. Become involved. - Be willing to give 110%. Have fun. Enjoy the students; they will make you smile each day. Enjoy your colleagues. - Get to know them. They are great role models. Enjoy the experience. - It is something you will carry with you forever. Do what you set out to do, - Never give up on what matters to you.

1. Why is it hard for me to learn in the classroom? 2. Do I work as hard as other students in the classroom?  3. Am I putting enough effort into my work? 4. Do I focus on what is happening in the classroom? 5. Is the work too hard to do? 6. How do you think I'm doing in class?

I think when students know how to ask their own questions, they take greater ownership of their learning.