All of
Kathryn’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Kathryn’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Elementary (K-6th)
Having passed the CBEST (on the first try and with a, rarely achieved, perfect score in the English section), I'm eligible to work as a substitute teacher in the LAUSD. Though I could teach in the classroom, I prefer the one-to-one experience tutoring provides. I'm able to focus on whatever area(s) the student needs most; helping him or her achieve academic success. I'm certified in 18 subjects here at WyzAnt. I have a breadth and depth of education, acquired through parents who were highly-esteemed teachers, great schools and a life-long, unquenchable, thirst for knowledge. I love learning new things and endeavor to instill that love in my students.
Elementary Math
I've been teaching math fundamentals for many years and know how important it is to lay a solid foundation in this subject. My philosophy is that math should be fast, efficient, and fun. I've shown many students how to approach and solve their math problems. Many of them began by telling me they couldn't understand math or felt they were bad at it, It's great to see that light bulb go on! Once it does, confidence and achievement follow.
English
I'm a specialist in tutoring all aspects of English. I passed the CBEST with a perfect score in the English section. I also passed the PRAXIS with a perfect score. I'm a very patient, effective teacher and have tutored many children and adults in the fundamentals of English. In addition, I've worked as an editor/proofreader for many years. I've worked on novels, scripts, resumés, court documents, essays, letters, etc., all of which has provided invaluable experience, honing my English skills.
General Music
I'm a graduate of Cal-Arts (California Institute of the Arts) and hold a BFA from the School of Music. I majored in Voice and have been a professional singer (as well as an academic tutor) for over 30 years. I've also taught voice for many years, helping many singers improve their talent, ability and confidence.
Grammar
I've taught grammar for many years and am considered an expert on the subject among my colleagues and friends. I have a breadth of knowledge in grammar but I continue to study and learn - feeling there is always more to know. I've helped many students understand how grammar works and how to use it in their everyday lives as well as their academic studies. I've passed the CBEST with a perfect score in the English section. I've also passed the Praxis test with a perfect score.
Phonics
I've been teaching phonics for 25 years. I am a college graduate, with a BFA from Cal-Arts. I passed the CBEST with a perfect score in the English section (making me eligible to be a substitute teacher in the LAUSD). I also passed the Praxis test with a perfect score. I specialize in English and elementary math instruction (as well as 19 other subjects) so I'm also able to handle student needs, beyond phonics, as they crop up.
Reading
I've always believed phonics to be the best method for learning to read. It's like the foundation of a house. The foundation doesn't look like much, it isn't fancy and you can't even see exactly what the house will look like just from seeing the foundation - but it's the essential part of the house; the part without which the house cannot stand. Reading is an evolving process in a nascent reader. If the foundation is good, a beginning reader can master the entire process, becoming fully fluent and able to enjoy reading for a lifetime! Without this ability, academic success is greatly imperiled.
I began tutoring phonics 20 years ago. My first student was a 7 year old (!) who couldn't read. She'd been taught "whole language" in school and this had been a complete failure for her. I began tutoring her in phonics; something to which she'd never before been exposed. Very soon after that, she learned to read - and, many years later, went on to be a college graduate.
I've taught phonics to many other children since then and it has always succeeded in improving their reading ability. A few years ago, I tutored in the No Child Left Behind program and always incorporated phonics into my tutoring. The program definitely had its problems, but by adding my store of knowledge and experience, I know I helped my students, immensely.
As for credentials, I am a college graduate, with a BFA from Cal-Arts. I passed the CBEST with a perfect score in the English section (making me eligible to be a substitute teacher in the LAUSD). I also passed the Praxis test with a perfect score. I specialize in English and elementary math instruction (as well as 12 other subjects) so I'm also able to handle student needs, beyond phonics, as they crop up. As I'm from a family of teachers, I understand there is no end to one's education. There is more to know than any one person can ever learn in a lifetime. Therefore, I am always studying and learning. My motto is: One should learn something new every day. If you haven't learned something new, you've wasted that day!
Writing
I have been a writer and editor for many years. I've edited scripts, books, letters, resumés and articles. Like playing the piano, writing is a process that can only be improved through lots of practice. The more you write (with the proper understanding of the process, of course), the better it gets - and the easier it gets!
Besides writing and editing, I've been tutoring writing for several years, now. It's never too early or too late to become a better writer. I've taught and helped students at all points of the spectrum. Naturally, the younger the student, the more fluent the writing will be by the time those skills become essential to academic and worldly success.