Gifted Course Providers
About
I have deep experience working with gifted and 2e students from elementary to high school in math, social sciences, and language arts, both in support of school and instruction for homeschoolers.
This explicitly includes divergent learning styles.
I ran a school for "gifted disgruntled" students in Boston in the 90s, was a public middle school math teacher in a couple of Boston suburban schools, and have spent many years teaching a broad variety of subjects through the MIT Splash, Spark, and High School Studies Programs.
Currently, I manage and teach for Gifted Course Providers:
http://giftedconferenceplanners.org/Current-Course-Offerings
I love the joy I see on my students' faces as they grasp material - either that with which they have been struggling or when they are finally allowed to learn at their own pace!
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually start with diagnostic testing, to find out what a student does and doesn't know already, or reviewing prior testing if it is available. Often, then, a first session will include exporations of likes and dislikes, to help me to determine the best way to move forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in gifted education, along with 40 years working with high ability students, including gifted students with special education requirements.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I generally am looking for $30/hour, but would rather talk with a family about their situation than pass on a teaching gig because they can't afford it.
How did you get started teaching?
As a child, I was inspired by To Sir With Love and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. I started tutoring both elementary students and agemates while in high school. And then, as a college student, I bumped into the MIT High School Studies Program and for the first time saw student after student taking classes out of a love of learning, with undergrads designing and teaching these courses with passion for the subjects. It changed my view of education and my life path.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with 2nd graders through grad students, as well as running courses and programs for adults, including specific parent and teacher sessions. Most of my work has been with gifted students, though I have had regular public school classrooms and have worked with institutionalized and homebound SPED students on behalf of schools in three states.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find out what the teacher loves. Find out of the teacher considers themselves to still be actively learning and how they are doing so. Stay away from those who seem to think they are *done* learning.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you know what your goals are or have a plan for figuring them out? Do you have a grasp of what presents obstacles to your learning?