Experience Summary
Most of my professional career has involved working with Special Needs individuals: 3 years directing, teaching and training in a community skill center, and a thriftstore; 14 years as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor helping teenagers and adults obtain job training and/or schooling and job placement on a case by case basis; and then, the last 4 years as a special education teacher; the first year was as an elementary school substitute, and the last 3 was teaching Junior High English (written language) and Reading. I tutored my students after school and between classes on a regular basis and excelled in working one on one.
Teaching Style
I believe in starting each session with an example or review which allows the student to connect the task at hand with their prior homework/knowledge/experiences/interests, etc. To do this it is imperative to conduct an interest and needs assessment (mostly informally) at the beginning, and along the way, in order for me to be the best facilitator. Next, I ask critical thinking questions for each task at hand, and give choices of possible answers if needed. I give daily assignments for accountability, if the student needs to finish assignments on their own time. I am very sensitive to feelings, patient in interaction, and adept at using active listening skills.