Experience Summary
I discovered a knack for teaching while voluntarily tutoring a classmate of mine at Marquette University in English & Creative Writing, (1976). He was a wonderfully bright student athlete, but had never been taught how to express himself well. He can now, and credits me for it. However,I learned the true JOY of teaching during weekly volunteer sessions at the SafeHome shelter, (1994-2004). There I helped kids of varied ages with homework in every subject, whenever they asked, while serving as a mentor to these at-risk kids. I had to be ready, too, because I never knew what subject I might have to tackle, and the ages of the children who needed help were anywhere from 9 to 16. Thus, I had to adjust my style to the age level as well. It was simply the best experience of my life!
Teaching Style
The childrens' therapists at SafeHome always marveled at my ability to get even closed-up children to open up, smile, laugh & enjoy themselves. Gentle humor, warmth & patience just come naturally to me, and are so very effective.(More than once, a child who hadn't spoken a word to adults in the shelter would "return to form" after I spent time with them.) It helps a child learn, after all, when they feel safe & know that someone cares that they succeed! You see,every child who needed my assistance became "the most important kid in the world" at that moment. Without my saying so verbally, they felt that way because of the care, concern, respect, (& laughs) I so gladly showed them!