Experience Summary
I'm certified in Grades 6-12 to teach all English and language arts subjects in Oklahoma. I'm also certified to teach speech/drama/debate in Grades 6-12.
I've been working with teenagers since my freshman year of college. I've taught all ages--children, teens, college-age, and adults--in church settings since 1981. Since 1997, I've taught 7 years in Oklahoma City Public Schools, Altus Public Schools, and Chickasha Public Schools in Oklahoma. I taught junior high or high school English and one year of speech/drama/debate.
Teaching Style
I'm at my best as a teacher when the student has a teachable spirit. I believe all of us (students, teachers and tutors) possess this. We have an innate desire to learn. Sometimes, though, that desire has to be gently prodded because it's been lost inside a student.
I stretch my students, sometimes beyond what they think they can do. Encouragement and watchfulness go a long way in helping a student go further. Praise and accountability do, also.
My job as a tutor or teacher is to find out how my student learns best, then adapt my teaching style to his/her skill level. I know how to do that. Students thrive in my presence when they bring a desire to learn because they go away feeling like they've accomplished something important.