Experience Summary
I am a former special education teacher who specialized with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations, but in the regular education environment, I worked with kids of all disabilities all the way to highly gifted kids. I was known for recognizing learning styles and adapting curriculum to reach all of those populations in very creative and engaging ways for excellent results. I also consult regularly with siblings who home school. I have a dual degree in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Psychology, so I am often simultaneously working with them on skills as well as self-defeating behaviors and attitudes that have been getting in their way of realizing success.
Teaching Style
I am not your typical tutor. Rather than doing rote exercises, I focus on methodically helping them develop tools and skills so that they eventually no longer need my services. I do quite a bit of advanced preparation, often with customized activities (that you are typically not charged for) and my time with your child is hands-on and engaging. My style grows their confidence and excitement about the learning process so they can leverage their strengths with new tools and skills to quickly advance beyond any hurdles that have been getting in their way of excelling in school or any specific subject area.
I offer a complimentary consultation where ideally we can review work samples / testing results of your child(ren), discuss goals, concerns, etc. and have some time to meet your chid(ren) to learn their personality, interests, preferences and do some quick assessments as to their natural learning style(s) and develop a customized plan.
We will begin the first session with an agreement and setting SMART goals with your child based on information collected. I have high but attainable expectations of children and nearly 100% of the time, they respond resoundingly to this approach of holding each other to high standards and open, clear communication. Likewise, I have high expectations of parents, including a 24-hr cancellation policy. However, I also provide you with the tools and guidance to best help your child succeed with as little additional disruption as possible.
Other Comments
I personally had some learning challenges growing up and had to teach myself how to process information differently than others. I went from being an average student to graduating from a 5-year college program in four years, Magna Cum Laude. I wish I had had someone like myself to put the pieces together much earlier. However, the experience makes me empathetic and highly passionate about seeing results quickly or changing strategies.