Experience Summary
I have been a special needs teacher (k-8 moderate disabilities) for seven years, and an Orton-Gillingham instructor for eight years. Prior to my certifications I worked as a volunteer in Boston, Weymouth, and Quincy schools. I earned a Bachelor's in Literature and history in 1993, and am confident about my ability to work with all types of students in all areas of academics. I am a teacher in a substantially separate classroom for children with emotional disabilities. I also work with autistic children each summer in a social skills program. I have co-taught in the general education classroom over the years, and consider myself experienced and well-schooled in all facets of special and general education. I have also tutored children with reading disabilities over the years with great success (no magic elixir, just hard work on the part of the students and my Orton-Gillingham practices).
Teaching Style
I am a patient, easy-going man with high standards and expectations for my students.
My Hobbies
I love to read, listen to music, walk daily, go to the theater, a great basketball or baseball game, and find great restaurants. I enjoy travel, and hanging with family and friends
| Basic Learning Skills |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I have worked with first graders in reading, spelling, writing, and math. |
| Dyslexia |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I use a multisensory approach espoused by the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction. Sight, sound, and neurological pathways to develop reading skills are utilized. |
| Elementary Phonics |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I have Wilson phonics training, as well as training in Project Read: Phonics, and Project Read: Comprehension. |
| Elementary Reading |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a strong background in phonemic awareness and phonics, as well as the experience to know when a student is ready to segue to fluency and of course vocabulary and comprehension. |
| Elementary Social Studies |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I incorporate a language lesson based on student need into every social studies lesson. |
| Elementary Vocabulary |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| i have seen students stop cold in their tracks while reading because even though they have strong phonics skills, if they come upon a word whose meaning they don't know their comprehension comes to a screeching halt. Pre-reading and ascertaining the words a student may not know is something I enjoy preparing for immensely. |
| Reading |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I am certified in the Orton-Gillingham method of reading instruction, and am pursuing a certificate of advanced graduate study in reading. |
| Reading Comprehension |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I use a variety of strategies to help students achieve maximum comprehension. |
| Special Education |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I hold a Master's in special education, and have ten years of experience in a substantial classroom and in inclusive classrooms, as well as experience tutoring students one-on-one with reading difficulties. |