All of
Arla’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Arla’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT English
Over the last 5 years, I have assisted a number of students in preparing to take the ACT. Having taught grammar and writing, I am able to explain grammatical errors in a fashion that helps students remember the proper punctuation and grammar in various situations. I also have assisted a number of students in raising their writing scores on the ACT.
ACT Math
Over the last 5 years, I have assisted a number of students in preparing to take the ACT. I have tutored high school math over the past 8 years and can assist students in improving their math scores on the ACT.
ACT Reading
Over the last 5 years, I have assisted a number of students in preparation for the ACT. My MA degree is in Reading and Language Arts. I help provide practice in various types of passages to promote good reading scores.
ACT Science
Over the last 5 years, I have assisted a number of students in their preparation for the ACT.
Algebra 1
I have always had a fascination with math and over the last 8 years I have done extensive tutoring in Algebra I and II for High School and College students.
Algebra 2
I have always had a fascination with Math and over the last 8 years I have done extensive tutoring in Algebra I and II for High School and College students.
American History
One of my group majors in college was Social Studies. I very much enjoy teaching American History as I have visited many historical sites in the USA. For students with difficulty in this area, I teach Study Skills, as well as promote an interest in how the history has an effect today.
Bible Studies
I attended Christian schools from grade K through 12. I then attended a Christian college. I have primarily taught in Christian schools, so have taught Bible stories and study of the Bible quite extensively. I know the Old and New Testaments quite well.
I am also very involved with my church - from being in charge of the Service Team (community service) to being a deacon. I try to live my life as a child of God.
Elementary (K-6th)
Most of my teaching experience (20+ years) was in the elementary grades. If you count student teaching (K and 4th grade), I have taught all grades K-6. I have been in self contained classrooms and in classrooms where the students rotate to various teachers. I have also taught in multi-grade classrooms. Each grade level has its own unique challenges, but each also has its unique joys and triumphs. I have very much enjoyed each grade level I have taught.
My major within education in college was reading and language arts. My masters degree is also in this area. I have taught all the subjects in elementary school and especially enjoy the language arts, math, and social studies. I use many age appropriate illustrations and am able to create hands-on materials when necessary.
Elementary Math
I have taught Math for years. When I team taught in the 6th grade, Math was 'my' subject. The 6th graders made record growth for the school the 2 years I was there. I love to make Math real, and demystify the concepts. Since leaving classroom teaching, I have tutored many students in Math - from 1st grade through college level.
GED
I work for a non-profit where I have taught GED classes on and off for a number of years (depending on when we have clients who need such services). Math seems to be the toughest subject for students to pass, and I love to make Math practical and fun! I also have tutored all the GED subjects in preparation for the ACT.
Geometry
Over the past 8 years, I have worked with a number of high school students on geometry. Often students who have done well in math can be thrown off with geometry. Geometry involves a whole different way of thinking. I assist students in making the adjustments and becoming competent in this subject.
German
I took 2 years of German in high school and 3 years in college. I have traveled to Germany and Austria a number of times. Wie geht's?
Grammar
My Masters' degree in Education is in Reading and Language Arts. I taught grammar to 5th graders for a number of years. They became so good at it, they would catch the principal making mistakes while making intercom announcements!
Prealgebra
Math has always been a passion of mine! Students in Pre-algebra in one school where I taught had the highest scores ever for their grade in that school two years in a row!
Proofreading
I assist students with writing for ACT preparation and classroom work. Part of this process involves proofreading.
Reading
I earned a Master's degree in Reading and Language Arts from the University of Vermont. I very much enjoy watching kids in younger grades as they grasp the 'task' of reading and learn to read more fluently. As students learn to comprehend and apply what they have read, the world opens up for them. I always say, "If you can read, and do read, you can learn anything and go anywhere in the world without even leaving your home!"
I have taught reading at all levels K through 9, and tutored Lit with High School students.
Study Skills
Study skills are taught from elementary grades on up. When I was a classroom teacher, I found that the most important things to learn in 5th and 6th grades were good study habits and skills. (I taught these grades for a total of 13 years.) I often hear from former pupils that they are so glad I 'forced' them to be organized and develop good habits. As these students entered high school, they could see the struggles others had in the area of study skills. I have worked on study skills in all the tutoring that I have done - much of the difficulty students have in becoming successful has to do with their study habits. My goal as a tutor is to work myself out of a job - I want students to learn the necessary skills (academically and study process) to become independent.
Writing
I assist students with writing for ACT preparation and classroom work.