Experience Summary
I am currently a certified teacher for CCSD. I earned my bachelor's degree at University of Nevada, Reno. I was a substitute teacher for 3 years before obtaining my teaching license. I have taught high school and middle school science classes, and have tutored math and science up to college level. I currently teach 7th grade, but can work with anyone middle school age or older. I will happily work with even the youngest students interested in chess, since I learned to play when I was 3.
Teaching Style
When a student is struggling, I prefer to address fundamental skills and concepts rather than individual pieces of information. This helps to address the current struggles as well as preventing future ones. I can help your student with problem solving and test-taking strategies that will help them succeed in everything from homework to standardized tests. I excel at explaining difficult concepts in a way that's easy to understand. I try to relate everything I teach to the student's personal experiences, as I believe this helps them stay invested in the material, as well as giving them a frame of reference for understanding tough concepts.
I whole-heartedly believe that a student is never too far behind to catch up. I can help them do that.
My Hobbies
I'm a part-time blacksmith, avid Dungeons and Dragons player, and I enjoy a challenging chess match when I can find one.
Other Comments
While I don't have any official special education credentials, life has given me plenty of experience with special needs populations of a wide variety of skill levels. This comes mostly from being friends with a lot of SpEd teachers while I was substitute teaching and subbing in their classrooms, and having a step-daughter with special needs.