Experience Summary
My major in college was elementary education, with an "area of concentration" in mathematics. However, my experience in teaching was in all subjects. I first taught grades one through eight in a one-room school setting; then grades 4-8 in an expanded two-room school. In the small-school environment, I was able to give much one-on-one instruction; and therefore, I realize the value of this type of teaching. I also was able to see levels of abilities among the students in each small class, and can adapt material accordingly (once I get to know the student). I have also done some temporary private tutoring for one student in reading, math, grammar, and spelling, at the 3rd-4th grade level.
Teaching Style
I have seen the value of repetition in teaching children (multiplication tables, for example), but I also realize that fresh ideas are necessary in order to keep students interested. I believe that I have the patience necessary to be able to deal with each student according to his attention-span and abilities to comprehend the material. I was reared to be polite and considerate, and I try to instill those qualities in my students. I know how important encouragement is, no matter how small the accomplishment might seem. Because of my age and my own personal schooling, my approach would be considered more "traditional" than modern. I believe in starting with strong "basics" on which the student can build.