All of
Natalie’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Natalie’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ADD/ADHD
My undergraduate degree is Speech Pathology. I have had clinical, teaching and tutoring experience with students requiring alternate study habits/skills to perform well in school.
Algebra 1
I am a CA credentialed teacher who has taught math through Geometry to students up to college. Having worked as a corporate trainer, I am able to help students clear the 'hurdle' of thinking algebraically and getting past the memorization of concepts which impact future learning/thinking.
Most recently I tutored students in the local health care workers union who were looking to apply for nursing school.
American History
I love U.S. and World History. Due to many travel and living abroad opportunities, I have developed a 'fluency' and passion for understanding past and current history and politics.
Most recently I tutored students in AP U. S. History.
Anatomy
As a science teacher, I am able to explain and help students understand the location of various cells, tissues and organs of the body AND I can help in interpreting the relationships of organs.
Anthropology
As an undergraduate student, I began my studies in anthropology including a background in physical and cultural anthropology. I have taught 'The Big Dig' with colleague teachers in middle school. On a personal level, I have traveled quite a bit and keep up on news and discoveries within this subject area. I can help you learn to appreciate what our ancestors have provided from the past. There is a rich and thoughtful discourse around the world regarding evolution, migration and how we have come to be where we are now.
Archaeology
During my undergraduate career, I took classes in archaeology. I am a huge fan of Joseph Campbell and his work. In addition to teaching 'The Big Dig' with colleague teachers in middle school, I am well traveled and explore various museums around the world in this subject area. I have a deep personal interest in art objects, specifically masks and costume used for cultural/religious celebrations.
I can help you understand what artifacts teach us about the past. Not only does archaeology help us appreciate what has happened in history, it helps us think about the future. Archaeology helps us think through events before there was the ability to write words!
Aspergers
My undergraduate degree is in Speech Pathology. I have 25 years of professional teaching which includes mainstreaming students.
At various times in my career I have been on the student study team and am comfortable in writing as well as implementing an IEP. Currently I consult with parents to advocate for their students and help improve IEPs as well as work with teachers to assist them in teaching methodology for students with alternate needs.
Biology
I am able to help students understand complex functions within the body so they can succeed in biology. I have a graduate degree in secondary science education, specifically biology and have taught for 25 years.
Botany
During graduate school I spent time taking various classes of botany or including concepts from botany, most notably on the area of photosynthesis. Over the years I have successfully helped students overcome their mis-education around this important chemical reaction via labs in and out of the classroom. I participated in Teacher Forestry Camp in Oregon. My education includes being a licensed pharmacy technician where I continue to spend time keeping up on botanical research as related to human health. I can help you learn and understand the fundamental most important chemical reaction and precursor to life on earth. In addition, it is a goal to assist you in understanding the developmental process of plant complexity/environmental conditions AND understanding how the DNA of said organisms also managed to become the Red Woods, Saguaro Cactus, various cedars on mountains and sea weed.
CBEST
Although I took the CBEST long ago, I am very familiar with the contents and the questions asked due to tutoring students over the years. I am able to work with students on both evaluating the question to answer it and strategies for M/C test taking.
Cooking
I have made yeast bread cinnamon rolls on an open campfire (Peace Corps). This is a portion of my informal education around food, cooking and nutrition. I have the knowledge of cooking a variety of ethnic foods from living in those countries and tutoring students where parents taught me how to cook. My volunteer experiences include working with new immigrants to the U.S. in understanding nutrition and how to cook foods which may not be the same, but similar to traditional foods.
My formal education includes college coursework in nutrition, chemistry and physiology which I can relate to principles of nutritious eating.
Since we all have to eat, I can help you with basic cooking (kitchen chemistry) up through some more sophisticated techniques to turn out a nice meal.
I am not a chef and do not have formal training - I have the training you get from being in the kitchen with people who cook for their families. My science background gives me the ability to explain how various foods help us and how techniques enhance our food (ex: I know how 'shortening' works on gluten fibers).
Dyslexia
My undergraduate degree is in speech pathology. I regularly work with students needing support in areas of dyslexia and other processing issues. When working with students, I use a variety of strategies to have students develop the skills necessary for their success. Strategies include everything from tools to block out other distractions on page up to using kinesthetic reminders (b vs. d with hands).
Elementary (K-6th)
I am a Credentialed Teacher in the State of CA. My professional experience includes 20+ years of teaching K-12 and adult professional development/corporate training. I regularly consult at schools where parents need advocacy for implementing IEP's and 504's.
Elementary Math
I work with students to develop the 'foundations' of good math practice and syntax. My teaching philosophy is hands on, most especially with the younger set, and very little memorizing until they understand the underlying concept.
Elementary Science
I work with students to instill a LOVE of science. It is my goal to help students understand the process of scientific method as well as how scientists use information. Examples: How can we use details from examining rocks to determine the type of rock they may be? Why do frogs and birds lay eggs, but different kinds and they hatch them in different ways in different places.
English
There is much more to writing than a mere five paragraph essay. Being able to perform quality research, note taking and applying this information to your writing becomes incredibly important from MS through college and into the professional work world. I am able to write across the curriculum, most notably science which requires a different mind set. I will work with you to develop your reading (the backbone to good writing) and writing skills and learn many methods of editing.
ESL/ESOL
I have worked with students from foreign countries to develop emerging English skills as well as students who require language help in a particular area (computer skills, how to interact with people on LinkedIn, writing professional correspondence, etc.) Many of my students have also requested an 'American Culture' component and I have worked with them in that regard.
I am a returned U. S. Peace Corps Volunteer and understand the challenges of learning and using a new language. I am familiar with many cultural customs and nuances from other parts of the world in part to my own travels and have a very east time relating to people of foreign origin.
GED
I will be able to help you successfully understand the math questions, self check your answers and prepare to complete the exam. Many students need help with the process of MC tests as much as the material itself and I am able to work on both issues.
Geometry
Geometry is an application of logical thinking. I am able to work with students and reinforce the underlying algebra skills as well as help students navigate the process of proofs and constructing various geometric drawings to understand the complex ideas at hand.
Government & Politics
I work with students to understand local and global political systems, the impacts of local decisions in the larger community and around the world. My experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer and teacher allows for a 'beyond the book' insight. It is my aspiration to help students be aware of the great benefits we have being American Citizens and how we can effect change.
Grammar
Grammar is a unique set of rules for any specific language. While it is rule based, it is usually developed through reading skills and applied into writing. I am able to help you discern what 'sounds' and 'looks' appropriate as well as the reasoning behind these important ideas so you can improve your writing.
Hard Of Hearing
My undergraduate degree is in Speech Pathology. I have taught for 25 years including students with different needs in a mainstreamed classroom. My speech cadence is articulate and I am able to modify what needs to be done within instruction to help students who have lost or are losing hearing.
This past year, I worked with a young student who had a cochlear implant and was assisting in both improving the students speech, fluency and ability to localize sound as well as improve academic work related to time lost in classroom with minimal hearing.
Phonics
My undergraduate degree is in Communicative Disorders and my clinical work required work in the area of phonics use for language acquisition/development. As a credentialed teacher, I use concepts from phonics regularly for classroom teaching, most especially with students where English is not a first language. Phonics is also helpful in the understanding of Latin and Greek words in the sciences.
Physiology
As a science teacher, I am able to explain and help students understand the processes of various cells, tissues and organs of the body AND I can help in interpreting the relationships of organs.
Prealgebra
I am a CA credentialed teacher who has taught math through Geometry to students up to college. My strong suit is helping the student go from concrete thinking to the abstract world of algebra. Syntax is an important skill set and I have worked with all types of students to get through this necessary grinding of the numbers.
Proofreading
I can edit in person or online with MS Edit. My experience has included students and professionals in many fields which require a polishing up of their work.
Psychology
I enjoy working with students to evaluate human behavior and the connection to organic brain issues vs. learned experiences. My own personal interest in the field of neuro keeps me up to date on developmental concepts and the basic application of psychology research from the 'book'. I encourage students to use their increasing knowledge of psychology to improve their own lives instead of just seeing it as a 'class to pass'.
Public Speaking
I am a Certified Toastmaster and do public speaking regularly professionally and personally. As a credentialed teacher, I have coached students, both K-12 and adults in best practices for presentations.
Reading
Reading is a favorite activity of mine and so I strive to pass on the love and enjoyment to students. I am well versed in phonics, development of reading and the transition of reading for information at Gr 4. In addition, I am able to work with students on reading in all subject areas, how to take notes, summarize and using a text book vs. other types of books. Reading is the portal to all knowledge and I make every effort to make it fun, enjoyable and more than a task from school.
SAT Writing
The SAT is rigorous in testing how well you take a test - not necessarily how intelligent/smart you are. I am aware of what the SAT is after and how to evaluate questions efficiently as well as write a good piece. As an avid writer/blogger, I am aware of what it means to be on point, articulate yourself by marshaling the evidence and ending the case succinctly. I regularly work with students on the SAT/ACT and AP courses requiring writing.
Social Studies
During my undergraduate years in college I studied anthropology/sociology/history. I have had the opportunity to use many of the skills of sociology working as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and also as classroom teacher. In addition, I keep up with local, national and worldwide news, discussions and World Affairs via KQED.
Special Needs
I have worked with students who have IEP's and 504's. Not only am I familiar with the education jargon, I am able to work with students and parents in helping students develop strategies and skills for learning, thinking and producing meaningful work.
My undergraduate degree is in speech pathology and I have years of classroom experience with a variety of differently abled students.
Speech
I am a Certified Toastmaster who has presented to large and small groups professionally. My writing skills have been well received by others who need assistance in creating an effective presentation/speech.
Spelling
There is spellcheck on the computer......there is also spellcheck in your brain! Knowing some of the tenants of word construction and practicing will help you be able to read and write more efficiently. I am able to work with you on techniques to make spelling more familiar, in particular, science and maths language.
Study Skills
My undergraduate degree is in Speech Pathology. During my 25 years of teaching, I have worked with youth through adults on becoming better learners/students through developing a variety of study skills.
I practice a modification of Mitch Weathers' Organized Binder when appropriate. I help people understand how to modify behaviors for better learning in all subject areas as they each require a different technique, style of thinking for mastery.
Vocabulary
One of the most critical skills for students is developing a vocabulary from all areas of knowledge. A broad vocabulary is essential for SAT/ACT and college success. There are techniques for increasing vocabulary beyond the flash card method, which involve Greek/Latin roots (most notably in science and maths), contextual reading and the use of a thesaurus in order to obtain the best possible verbiage for the situation.
I have been called a wordsmith by many and work with students to develop the interest in learning more words/vocabulary beyond the classroom setting.
World History
We all need to know all we can about the world we live in. As a returned U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, I feel that I am able to give world view which is not xenophobic nor overly 'Americanized' in view.
Writing
I work with students on analyzing the task, reviewing the rubric and methodically going through the writing process. Some of my strengths include helping students self edit, use tools such as a thesaurus to develop better word choices and effective research. I do believe that good readers make good writers and work with students to develop better reading skills to ferret out information.
Zoology
Part of my training in undergraduate work was understanding zoology. In graduate school, I took more coursework in this area, specifically related to evolution, DNA and epigenetics and their effect on living organisms. In addition, I have taught this subject matter over many years and keep abreast of current research as a licensed pharmacy technician.
First came the plants and then the animals. I can help you understand the transition plant organisms needed to make from self sufficient photosynthesis to adapting to a different mode of nutrition. Single celled protozoan to mammal... every living (and some dead, but found by anthropologists!) animal organism came about with unique AND related (we have some banana genes!) adaptations to the environment.