Experience Summary
I believe I have the skills set and passion needed to successfully tutor a variety of students. I have a Specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and I am a certified teacher with a master’s in Special Education. I currently teach adults studying for their
GED. I also taught a self-contained, city-wide program in the District of Columbia Public School system for four years for students with multiple disabilities. Both settings have made me very familiar with all of the core subjects, including Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. Teaching GED classes has enabled me to understand the importance of integrating writing into all subjects. I also help students with study skills, organizational skills, and test-taking skills.
In addition to teaching in DCPS, I have also managed the academic and behavioral needs of secondary students with moderate to severe autism. Using the MD state curriculum, I modified lessons and voluntary life skills to meet students’ academic needs and I differentiated instruction by using the picture exchange system and sign language for non-verbal students. I communicated regularly with families regarding students’ progress.
Teaching Style
My career as a teacher has taught me the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom. My work with families has made me sensitive to the needs of all students from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. I have excellent teaching and verbal communication skills. I differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students and to address multiple learning styles. Most importantly, I believe all students can learn.
| ADD/ADHD |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I use a variety of techniques to engage students and make learning fun and interactive. I also understand that students learn differently. One of the first things I will do is determine how a student learns best so I can adapt my teaching to fit that student's needs. |
| Continuing Education |
Proficiency: I know the basics
|
| My career as a teacher has taught me the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom. I have adequate knowledge on adult learning theories and practices. I differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students and to address multiple learning styles. |
| Dyslexia |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| One of the first things I do with my students with dyslexia is get organized. Homework, projects, and assignments are written down clearly, often color coded, so we know in advance what;s coming. We will organize the student's notebook, and review notes and school assignments so I can assess whether the student is grasping the content from the class. Additionally, we will practice reading and identifying errors in writing. |
| English |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I instructed middle school students in a self-contained classroom for several years and taught all the core subjects: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. During this time, I worked collaboratively with general education teachers to create lessons and plan instruction. |
| Homework Help |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Helping a student become organized is the first step to completing homework and helping a student become more successful. Homework is also a way to assess whether a student understands the content of the class. |
| Reading |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| One way to encourage my students to read more is to make reading relevant. I often review what they are reading in class and connect the material to pop culture, sports, or current events so the material becomes relevant. |
| Reading Comprehension |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| In order to assess a student's Reading Comprehension, you have to read with them. With younger students, I will have them read aloud and then explain what they read. With older students, I'll read the selection with them and ask questions. One way I engage students in Reading is to make the material relevant. I use pop culture or the media to compare/contrast the reading and make it interesting. |
| Special Education |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a master's degree in Special Education and I taught special education for several years. I've taught students with numerous learning needs and I believe all students can learn. |
| Study Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I will focus on helping a student become organized, manage their time, and take notes effectively in class. Another important study skill is how to understand the contents of a textbook. I work with students to identify the important material in textbooks so they are not just reading the chapters, but they are also comprehending the information. We also practice test taking to reduce anxiety. |
| Writing |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I teach students how to brainstorm ideas, and organize and edit their writing. |
| Writing Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| As a doctoral candidate, I do a lot of writing. This makes me very aware of grammar usage, voice, flow, cohesion, and other aspects critical to strong writing. I use a variety of techniques to teach students how to structure and edit their own writing. |