About
I am a retired teacher with over 25 years of experience. I taught Kindergarten and grade 1. I have also tutored students in all the elementary grades. I make it a point to make connections with my students so that we can also develop trust. It is important that the student trusts the tutor since it can be embarrassing and lower self-confidence to need help. When it is possible, I include the student's interests in the materials that I choose, especially when choosing books to read. I also make sure that the students have what they need, whether it is supplementary materials or additional practice sheets. I make materials and games to help my students progress in whichever subject we are working on. I also find online resources, like additional practice sheets, and/or confer with the classroom teacher when appropriate. My 25 years of teaching means that I know many different ways to approach lessons, including adapting to the student's learning style. With one student who was a bundle of energy, we practiced vocabulary and spelling while throwing a ball back and forth. With another student who was a very tactile learner I used playdough and ooblick to practice forming letters. I will also look foir videos from sources like Khan Academy when I need a different presentation (and some kids respond more to something online than by an authority figure).
I love interacting with the students. Even on my worst days, the minute I am with the kids everything else disappears and I have fun with my student. I love getting to know my students apart from the academics, so I know them as a whole person. One of my favorite things is when my student gets a good grade on a test or quiz; and is excited to share with me. Those high fives are worth all the work we put in to get there! Even baby steps are exciting, especially when kids realize that they understand something that had challenged them. I get really invested in my students and I'm thrilled when they succeed.
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Elena O.
Curt B.
Chris B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by getting to know my student. I chat with them and ask about their interests. Depending in the age of the student, I would also tailor the next interaction. I may play a game if they are young or ask about the classes they are taking, how they like school, and what helps them to learn if they are older. I may look at their homework and start some tutoring on the first day or we may just sit and chat. Some students are reticent at the beginning and it is through the work that we build a bond of trust. I also share with them about my life, like my little dog Andromeda, and answer their questions about me (that are appropriate of course).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's degree in teaching English as a Second Language. I have been a teacher in one form or another for 30 years. As a public school teacher I participated in many in-service courses as well as additional college courses to keep up with the newest methods and research in education.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard charge is $60.00/hour, although I am willing to negotiate.
How did you get started teaching?
Right after college I taught at an on-site day care with the 3 yr olds and the preschool class. I was a substitute teacher at the day care, after school programs and in two local cities during the time that I earned my Master's degree. I then taught K in Guayaquil, Ecuador for 5 years. Upon returning to the US I started in the public school system teaching an ESL K class, then mainstream K, and finally grade 1. Since I stopped working I have been tutoring students as young as 5 and up to 7th grade. I have had several students "graduate," so I am looking for new students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from age 3 to grade 7/8. I have worked with students who are new to English, children who have great conversationsl English and are still working on school related English. I have worked with kids who have ADHD, kids who struggle with school in academics, and kids who are good students who just need help with a specific skill such as writing. While teaching Kindergarten and first grade, I have also run several after school clubs, including tutoring for all the elementary grades, Spanish for Kingergarten to grade 4, and other enrichment clubs for K/1 students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I volunteer at my church and recently there was an appreciation dinner for all the volunteers. It was wonderful to visit with old friends who volunteer in a different capacity while also getting to know new people who also volunteer in a different capacity. We were served a delicious dinner and went home with leftovers. It was wonderful to spend an evening together!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In my case, it would be the parents who are looking to hire me. I would advise parents to look for someone who has experience teaching children who are the same age as their child. Additionally, the teacher should have expertise in the specific area where their child is struggling. I would also advise parents to speak with the potential tutor in person, since someone might have all the credentials yet not be warm or encouraging. As a tutor, I will always answer all parent questions about how their child is progressing and help them as parents develop some strategies to help their child when I am not there. I believe that when the parents ask, I should teach parents the strategies I'm teaching to their child.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First, what is the class or topic that your child is struggling with? Does it seem like a short term or long term tutoring program is better? How does your child learn, and can your child talk about what strategies help? Does your child have any special needs to keep in mind, such as being shy, being active, easily distracted, or prefers a male/female teacher? Keep in mind that you are looking for someone who will be the best fit for your child and it is good to be choosy about who works with your child.