Experience Summary
I have always desired to be a teacher. I graduated from Penn State in 1981 with an English degree and a music minor. I have since continued to take classes in both English and Music Education. I have taught all grades, tutored individuals and groups in summer school, and have a private studio as a music teacher. I have tutored students with reading difficulties for 20 years. As an English teacher, I have taken students on trips to see Shakespeare in the Park and to Pattee Library to learn to use reference materials. As a Music teacher, I have created performance opportunities for students from a coffee house format to recitals for the elderly. I believe in inspiring students to learn by empowering them to use their gifts.
Teaching Style
I teach students in an informal manner. My individual students call me Phyllis. I welcome questions, and if I do not have an immediate answer, we will look up the answer together. I am a positive, patient teacher. I use creativity to help students learn. Often I will introduce an idea, and then have students explore how to use the idea. Then the student and I evaluate the result together. If I give a student practice examples to reinforce the ideas we have covered, then I am prompt in returning those materials, and will not move on until the student is satisfied with his own proficiency. I do not believe in standardized student learning.