Reading Rocks Tutoring!
About
Hi! I'm an experienced, caring and outgoing educator dedicated to helping my students grow, learn and reach their learning goals. There is nothing better than watching that light bulb go off during that "AHA!" moment! I'm passionate about reading, phonics and literacy. I'm an actively certified educator in Indiana and have taught general elementary education, middle school language arts/reading and special education (and hold certifications in all of these as well). I recently became trained in the Orton-Gillingham method by completing over 40 hours of coursework. I've been working with students on an individual basis in areas such as OG, reading intervention and executive skill training since October 2021, but have been a teacher for the past 10 years. My philosophy when it comes to tutoring that it should be engaging, meaningful and done in a positive, encouraging way to foster the student/teacher connection. Come check out Reading Rocks Tutoring to see how reading is fun!
I love working with students in all subject areas, but as you can tell by the name of my service that reading is my specialty! In the classroom, I have about 5 years of experience teaching reading at the middle school level. However, my knowledge has expanded to include more targeted reading interventions such as Orton-Gillingham and gaining some training in the Visualizing/Verbalizing method as well. I love teaching all things reading and watching my students grow as readers!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I start out working with a new student, the very first thing I like to do is just get to know them as a person. What do they like? What are their interests? How do they feel about school? Then, I do diagnostic assessments that help me to better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have about 10 years experience as a classroom teacher in different grade levels and specific areas such as reading and special education. I've been a private tutor since October 2021. I've also completed 40 hours of coursework and a 10 hour practicum in Orton-Gillingham training. I'm a lifelong learner and always looking to learn new things to better myself as a person and as an educator.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally, I charge by the hour, but will spilt the cost in half for a 30 minute session. My Orton-Gillingham packages are a bit different due to being more specialized.
How did you get started teaching?
Since I was young, I always loved working with younger kids. My Dad was a teacher, and it made a huge impact on me. My original degree was a BA in psychology, but after working in business for a short time I realized that it wasn't the fulfilling life course I was looking to do. I decided to enroll in a grad school teaching program and have never looked back.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with average students, high ability learners and exceptional needs such as mild to moderate cognitive disabilities, students on the autism spectrum, specific learning and emotional disabilities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One thing I am most proud of is- I was working with a student in a special ed setting who had a history of violent outbursts. During our time together, I built a strong relationship with that student. As a result, he went the whole school year without any violent incidents. Even the principal was amazed and asked me my secret, I explained that I did nothing magical just built a strong student/teacher connection. :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who has your best interests in mind and wants to make leaning engaging for you. Find someone who cares and wants to get to know you as a person. The best kind of teachers are those who encourage you to take risks and let you know it's OK to fail.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I think is my greatest difficulty with this right now?
What is something I could specifically ask for that might help me?
How can I use what I already know to help me in this scenario?
Don't be afraid to self advocate :)