About
We individually design each program to meet the needs of the student. We move along as fast - or slow - as the student is able to go. We are NOT a national franchise so we make decisions that are in the best interest of the student, not a corporate office somewhere.
I personally enjoy watching students realize their potential. Too many come to us very discouraged and we endeavor to replace that feeling with one of confidence. Each student is important. The challenge is discovering why the student is having problems, correcting it and moving forward. We are actually pleased when a student no longer needs us!
I have a BA in English education and MA in Education/Curriculum and Instruction. Although I formerly taught English and French at the junior high level, during my MA studies I became very interested in why - and how - younger children became frustrated and fell behind in school.Teens have so much to deal with that I felt it was critical for students to not have to worrry about school. So, I wanted to work with students before they hit the age of high school.
I have worked with students at every age from elementary through college in one leadership position or another. Now I get to work with them one-on-one and I love it!
Below are links to sites that will tell more about me and j&R Tutoring Academy!
http://www.jnrtutoring.com/
https://jnrtutoringacademy.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jnrtutoring
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-smith-7a02b5b/
Highlights
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Felice W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is given an online diagnostic in either math or reading. This tells us exactly where we need to focus our initial efforts.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I and my other tutors are all former classroom teachers. We also have Masters Degrees in Education. Additionally two of us have worked with children who have disabilties.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Our basic program is two, 45 minute sessions per week. Four weeks/eight sessions is $280. Clients sign a 16 week contract. At the end of the 16 weeks, they either elect to continue with another 16 weeks or not. We also have pricing for one, three or four sessions per week. Additionally, we charge $50 for the diagnostic, but if you sign up for tutoring, we give you a $25 discount on the first month.
How did you get started teaching?
My mother was a teacher and it was always something that I wanted to do. I strongly believe that it is in the lower grades that we must identify those children who are struggling and help them before it becomes a self-image and self-defeating situation.
What types of students have you worked with?
We work with students who are behind; students who may have just "missed" understanding a basic skill which then leads to additional problems. We also work with children who have various forms of dyslexia, ADD and ADHD. Many of our students also have IEPs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students' mothers and I were discussing the value of an item, and the difference between it and another item. Suddenly her son, who has dyslexia and has been struggling to learn basic addition and subtraction facts, blurted out the answer! We were both so happy; we could have cried!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a tutor in your area of expertise?
I would make certain that the tutor has an educational and/or instructional background. I worked briefly for one of the national franchises and realized I was the only employee with a college degree. The others were "certified" by the company. This may prepare you to read the lesson and determine if the responses are correct, but it does not give you the ability to see what is not obvious. I have learned a lot about the problems a child is having by just watching how they resolve a challenge. Persons who have no actual instructional experience just are not able to "see" this.
What questions should students think through before talking to tutors about their needs?
Since my students are all elementary level, they do not ask me questions. I talk to their parents. Parents should know about the tutor's background, education and experience.