Experience Summary
After attending (and teaching in) a graduate program in American/British Literature and Language at L.S.U., I realized that my true calling was teaching. I began teaching English, Journalism, S.A.T. Prep., Latin, and other subjects in Springfield, MA in 2003 in an alternative, urban high school. I taught (and tutored after school) until I moved to Florida in 2009, when my spouse began graduate studies at U.S.F. Since then, I have continued to tutor a wide range of students in subjects ranging from high school Latin, 5th grade Math, college English, S.A.T. and G.E.D. Preparation, and graduate level writing, and I have extensive training and experience with students who struggle with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and ESL issues, as well as with children diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Teaching Style
I believe that all students can and will achieve academic success given appropriate instruction; i.e., instruction that is differentiated according to students' specific needs, learning styles, interests, and personal goals. As a classroom teacher and as a personal tutor, I have seen almost miraculous results in a relatively short period of time, both in terms of academic achievement and student confidence. Passion and enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and I am a carrier. For a dedicated instructor, nothing is more satisfying than watching a student "catch" the learning bug.
Top Subjects
Algebra
8-12th grade, as well as adult learners. Algebra can be fun (I promise)!
Algebra I
8-12th grade, as well as adult learners. Algebra can be fun (I promise)!
Geometry
Successfully guided several students through online Geometry courses
Math
Tutored for several years in Supplemental Education Services (SES) to prepare students for FCAT; also provided GED and college readiness classes in basic Math and Reading skills.
Pre-Algebra
Experienced 6th-adult via face-to-face and online tutoring
Biology
Long-time experience tutoring 6-12 grades in Biology. I use visual, auditory and mnemonic strategies.
Earth Science
Experience tutoring 6-12 grades, online and face-to-face
Composition
This is an area of expertise. B.A. and M.A. in English; 15-plus years teaching or tutoring writing to all ages.
Includes test preparation, academic and business writing.
Grammar
Taught ELA, including grammar, for 10-plus years in public alternative high schools. I continue to utilize multiple approaches, strategies and resources as a private tutor.
Journalism
Taught high school journalism and acted as advisor to high school pubications
Literature
Graduate degree in English and American Literature. Taught English at secondary and college levels.
Poetry
Graduate studies in English and American Literature. Experience teaching resistant learners in this area in public and private settings
Reading
Extensive experience and training in Reading instruction for grades 6-adult, both in and out of classrooms.
Reading Comprehension
Taught ELA in alternative public high school settings for many years, as well as after school classes to prepare students for MCAS (Massachusetts state assessment), S.A.T., and A.C.T. Focused on Reading Comprehension and Writing.
Shakespeare
B.A. and M.A. in English. Taught Shakespeare to high school students and adults. Extensive tutoring experience with Shakespeare and other early modern (Medieval-Renaissance) English writers.
Writing
This is an area of expertise. B.A. and M.A. in English; 15-plus years teaching and tutoring to all ages. Includes
test preparation, academic and business writing
Latin
Taught and tutored Latin I and II for 10-plus years
ACT
Proficiency: Expert, and one of my top Subjects!
Have helped over 50 students successfully prepare for and improve scores in the A.C.T. I work well with students who suffer from test anxiety or who believe they are poor test-takers.
ASVAB
Consistently helped raise scores in the AFQT (Language and Mathematics); can also provide strategies for vocational portions of the test.
FCAT
(Now the FSA). I have had extraordinary success with students who are preparing for state assessments, both in Massachusetts and in Florida. Had a 90% proficiency rate in alternative high school, which served needs of at-risk children.
Florida Writes
Taught state test writing preparation for many years in Massachusetts public alternative schools. Tutor extensively to prepare students for state and college exams.
GED
Work extensively with adult learners.
SAT - Math
Is one of my top Subjects!
Have helped dozens of students prepare successfully for the new SAT. Work especially well with students who suffer from test (or math) anxiety.
SAT - Verbal
Proficiency: Expert, and one of my top Subjects!
Have helped dozens of students prepare successfully for the new SAT. Work well with students who have test anxiety or who believe they do not test well.
Teacher Cert Exams
Have worked with several students and teachers in preparation for both the Mass. and Fl. certification exams--General Knowledge and English (content and pedagogy).
Special Education
As high school teacher in public alternative schools, I had many students with moderate disabilities. Continue to take classes and pursue Professional Development opportunities to stay current in latest scholarship and best practices for ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, RADD, ODD, and brain injury.
