I am a retired special education resource teacher who taught elementary school students with learning challenges for over 30 years. Most of my teaching took place individually or in small groups where I provided individualized instruction according to each child's unique learning needs. I primarily taught reading (including phonics), writing, spelling and mathematics, but at times I also provided academic support in other areas such as science and social studies.
Most recently I have tutored college aged students at a community college and was pleased that all of my students passed their classes.
I often found that students were not successful in the classroom because they needed a different approach to teaching than the one used by their teachers. I have received training in several specialized teaching methods for teaching phonics and spelling, and over my career found that using these methods allowed many students to experience success.
Many students who have learning challenges lack self-esteem and dislike school. I believe strongly that learning should be enjoyable and I try to make my tutoring sessions fun. My first goal of tutoring is allowing my student to experience some success so that he or she will begin to gain confidence, continue to make progress, and begin to like reading, writing, and math.
I love working with children who have learning challenges. Each child has very unique learning needs, and it is always a challenge to me to determine which strategies will bring success. There is nothing that makes my "heart sing" more than telling a child and their parents that my help is no longer needed!
Related Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy reading, writing, and cooking. I have the reputation of being a very good cook and I especially enjoy sharing the goodies that I bake with my friends (including the students that I tutor if their parents allow it..)!
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