Jordan Bivins
About
I am a Special Education and General Education major, meaning I specialize in creating lessons that cater to the needs of a specific child. I focus on goals of the student, parent, and school to raise a child up in their learning to reach grade level and beyond. I collect data daily to ensure my students are making progress and quickly adapt if progress isn't being seen. I make all lessons individualized to student interest as well, so that lessons are fun and interesting!
Throughout my time at Western, I learned to adapt lessons for students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I used this experience inside and outside of classroom settings to teach students math, writing, reading, science, and social studies.
Working with kids is my passion, and there is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a child feel confident in their abilities. Watching a student meet their goals and feel successful is what keeps me in education!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My first session is spent collecting data on their current abilities, discussing their goals, and establishing a relationship. I try to find out their interests, their strengths, and their weaknesses. I try to find out what they might feel comfortable with and what are things that seem scary as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I got my associates degree at Centralia College while doing Running Start. During that time, I babysat for a family of 5 and took courses on education while also volunteering in a special education preschool.
I then began classes at Western Washington University based around special and elementary education. I had many practica in grades K-8 where I adapted lessons, taught, managed behavior, and did interventions for students who needed additional help. I spent last summer tutoring a 1st, 3rd, and 6th grader in reading and writing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally a base rate per hour. I'm open to discussion of something else because I know families are struggling right now!
How did you get started teaching?
I struggled in school, and I felt like the teachers who took the extra time with me saved me. I want to be that person who helps those kids who just need the extra time. It's my passion.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds from all walks of life. My special education background has prepared me to be understanding of all students' needs and wants.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was student teaching in a resource room in a Title 1 elementary school. While I was there, I met a student who came from an extremely tough background and was unwilling to read. I spent an hour sitting with her and just talking. Getting to know her and her fears about reading. Turns out she was just upset she was behind and felt embarrassed. I told her about my story and how I had trouble reading, but practice made me a better reader and how now I read all of the time. I brought some of my favorite picture books to share and read with her. By the time I left, she had moved a level up in reading and came excited to read with me every day.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who listens to YOUR goals for yourself and takes them into consideration.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What am I having the most trouble with?
What am I having the least trouble with?
What is hard on a test to me?
What is easy on a test to me?
What do I like about learning?
What do I dislike about learning?
What do I think is the most important to learn right now?