Experience Summary
I currently have a Florida Teaching Certificate, 17 yrs. teaching in PreK - 2nd grade, and 4 yrs. tutoring. I have always loved being around young children. It was no surprise that I ended up pursuing an Early Childhood Education Bachelor's and Master's Degree. Since I moved to Florida, I have spent time volunteering in Kindergarten classrooms, substituting in K-5 classrooms, and I was even offered an extended subbing position in a Kindergarten classroom.
My tutor experience began with a private company for 2 yrs. and now I find my own jobs through Care.com for the last 2 yrs. Even though I miss working with children in the classroom, I have really enjoyed the one to one tutoring sessions so much more. I don't feel the pressure to keep going, when I know the child doesn't understand it or hasn't mastered the skill. This year I was able to help a student in the lowest reading group finish on the honor roll. Another time I was able to help a 5th grader make the Honor Roll so he could be a Patrol Guard. This is what making a difference feels like to me.
For 21 yrs. I have been blessed to do what I love most . . . interact with young children at their developmental level. I would love to hear what your needs are for your child and how I could be of service to you. Contact me at: durry44@yahoo.com. I currently have openings for the summer.
Teaching Style
My training was based on accepting the child where he/she was and to provide developmentally appropriate activities that were hands on and based on the needs and interests of the child. In a classroom, I would differentiate activities to engage all children whether they were visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. In tutoring sessions I can easily personalize each lesson to the child's learning style and needs.
I begin by assessing where the child is at, build on what they know, and create new challenges to move them to where they need to be. It is so rewarding to watch them grow into confident learners.
My Hobbies
I like to travel, read, line dance, and create scrapbooks.
| Basic Learning Skills |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
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| I hold a current Florida Teaching Certificate with 17 yrs experience in Early Childhood classrooms. I have been a Tutor for 4 yrs. working with children K-2. I have the experience and understanding of how young children learn at this age and I have the patience and passion to make it happen. |
| Elementary Grammar |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I liked learning grammar, so I enjoy teaching it. There are so many fun ways to teach it now through games, songs, Marker Mania, to name a few. According to research, it should also be taught in context vs isolation.
My area of expertise is in K-2. |
| Elementary Math |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Reading was always my favorite subject; math not so much. I believe strongly children need manipulatives and hands on experiences with math. I wish they had ten frames when I was learning addition and subtraction. I love teaching math in K-2 now and making it concrete vs abstract. I also like relating it to stories that talk about numbers and problems and having children use art to represent their understanding of the story. It's so much fun this way! |
| Elementary Phonics |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I was horrible in phonics when I was young. Wish is why I am very passionate about helping children learn to read. There is a learning sequence to be followed, with a strong emphasis on letter sounds to help children be successful. Sorting and phonics games are used often with my students as well. I have lots of experience in this area (K-2). |
| Elementary Reading |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
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| I have worked well with children K-2. I focus on Sight Words, Fluency, and Comprehension. This is where I really start from where they are at and build on what they know. Then I slowly introduce new words or books to read and create new challenges in fun games and activities.
I had a student go from the lowest reading group to the honor roll this year and now she loves to read! This is why I love my job!!! |