Experience Summary
I have been a dynamic, successful elementary, middle and high school teacher as well as college instructor of Art, English, French and History for many years. I also taught in a two way language immersion school ( English and Spanish) for six years so I can teach Beginning Spanish. While teaching, I have always taken courses in the best practices of teaching as well as courses in subject matter content. I have tutored people of all ages, learning styles and needs in a range of subject matter, including testing; I ascertain how each student learns best to develop the most fitting, effective teaching strategies for them. I am considered a Master teacher as I have trainee other teachers about best practices and have also been recognized as "Teacher of the Year.”
Top Subjects
American History
I have spent several years teaching various American History courses to high school juniors.
Geography
I am especially proficient in World Geography.
Government
I am well-versed in US Government having taught it to high school seniors.
Social Studies
I spent many years teaching Middle School Social Studies and am quite knowledgeable about the curricula for grades 6-8: Ancient History, the World in the Middle Period of History and American History. I also worked as a member of a team developing curriculum materials for grade 7 Social Studies and have trained teachers in that curriculum.
Composition
As an English teacher I focus on critical thinking, reading and writing. Students work from a rubric and the Bay Area Writing Process.
English
Proficiency: Expert, and one of my top Subjects!
In addition to possessing a degree and teaching credential in the subject, I have spent many years as a classroom teacher and tutor of English and Language Arts, grades K- 12 and college.
Grammar
My two undergraduate majors were English and French. As a result, I am quite the grammarian.
Journalism
As a high school English teacher I also served as newspaper and yearbook advisor. I also worked as a freelance writer for a small town newspaper.
Language Arts
I have spent many years as a Middle School language arts teacher and have much experience tutoring elementary and middle school students in all language arts areas.
Literature
In addition to teaching and tutoring English, American, World and Contemporary Literature courses to middle and high school and college students, I have also taught and tutored elementary students about grade level literature. I am an avid reader of great literature.
Poetry
Poetry study units hold their own place of significance in any English or language Arts course for all grade levels. In addition to teaching poetry, I write it from time to time.
Reading
Reading for understanding is a critical skill; one essential for all disciplines of study. I have taught Reading for many years to students of all ages in classroom and individual settings.
Reading Comprehension
What is the difference between Reading and Reading Comprehension? If you do not comprehend what you read you are not reading, are you?
Shakespeare
Teaching Shakespeare is one of life's finer joys; the works are rich, insightful and humorous.
Spelling
A fundamental skill ...
Writing
I have worked for many years with classes and individuals to help them learn the writing process and to master the kinds of expository writing . This applies to grades 4- college as is grade level appropriate.
ACT
I have tutored students in their preparation of the more Verbal parts of this exam.
GED
I have spent a summer teaching a GED preparatory course and have privately tutored several students in their preparation for the GED test.
PSAT
I have spent many years helping people prepare for the Verbal SATs ... I am an English major and teacher of the language ( critical thinking and reading, composition, grammar and word studies etc.).
SAT - Verbal
I have spent many years helping people to do well on the Verbal SATs ... I am an English major and teacher of the language ( critical thinking and reading, composition, grammar and word studies etc.).
Teacher Cert Exams
Proficiency: Expert, and one of my top Subjects!
I have tutored teachers from several states so that they might be prepared to pass their state teacher certification exam. I teach students how to "beat" the test.
TOEFL
I have spent many years teaching individual students of English as a Foreign Language how to speak, understand, read and write in standard American English.
Study Skills
Effective study skill methods differ according to individual learning style. It is essential to discern at the very minimum, what kind of learner a student is and where they fall in Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. I have had much experience supporting students in my classes and different individuals to develop effective study skills.
Writing Skills
I have worked for many years with classes and individuals to help them learn the writing process and to master the kinds of expository writing . This applies to grades 4- college as is grade level appropriate.
Drawing
Proficiency: Expert, and one of my top Subjects!
I possess a masters in Art and have been a studio art teacher for many years at the elementary, high school and college levels. I have also tutored individuals in drawing - figure, still life and other. All Art projects begin with the sketch. It is critical for all visual artists to be able to draw and draw well.
Painting
As an elementary, high school and college Studio Art teacher, I teach units on painting in a variety of media as is age-appropriate. I personally work in water, tempera, acrylic, oil and beyond.
Sculpting
I teach and work in papier mache, found object and clay sculpture.
