About
I absolutely love to work one-on-one with students, find out specifically where their learning gaps are and start to give them the personalized instruction that will move them towards feeling more confidence, less stress, and have fun while learning math!
I am a certified K-8 teacher in Michigan. I have been a classroom teacher, a tutor, and a homeschool mom for a total of 25 years. I have always loved the experience of seeing the lightbulb moment in children when I have helped them learn and truly understand something new to them.
It is so rewarding to be able to work with individual students and to give them the personal attention that they need in order to get beyond their struggle and tap into their highest potential. I build a relationship with them first and then begin to rebuild their confidence in themselves. I use a wide variety of tools to teach the way that they can learn. Classroom teachers simply don't have the time to devote to each individual student... that's why a tutor can be so pivotal in helping the student to not only pass the class, but to truly learn and spark interest and joy in the subject!
Specialties
Grade level
Type of math
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Heather
Heather M.
Amanda G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I offer a FREE consultation over zoom or phone call to get to know the parents and student and find out what their concerns and needs are. It's important to me to build a relationship with the parent and the student first. After we agree to work together, I begin by using a great adaptive math assessment tool that pinpoints the specific gaps in the student's learning. Then I use several different online tools to begin working on those specific skills right away. I like to make the lessons fun and interesting by using a range of different online resources for different learning styles.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a certified K-5 teacher in Michigan, with an extra certification to teach math through 8th grade. I taught elementary math in private and public schools for 9 years. I homeschooled my own two sons through middle school. I have tutored students in-person and online.
How did you get started teaching?
I decided to become a teacher when I was in my senior year of high school. I was fortunate enough to work part-time in a kindergarten classroom in my home town. From then on, I have always loved working with children, and I knew that it was my gift to share with the world.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children from birth through middle school ages. I have worked with students who have dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning difficulties.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently began using a virtual classroom called Koala to tutor online with my students. I have such a blast creating fun lessons for them in our virtual classroom! A few of my students told their parents that they couldn't wait until their next lesson! They are having so much fun in the virtual classroom, that they forgot that math was a subject that they were struggling with and didn't like working on before! Now, they are engaged and learning the math without the struggle!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to them beforehand to get to know them a little and see if you might enjoy working with them. Then, find out if they have a specific plan to get the student assessed and to begin to fill in the learning gaps.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How do I like to learn? By seeing, by hearing, by doing, by moving?
What are the most difficult areas that I struggle with most? Why?
What are my strengths/gifts? What am I good at?