After graduating from Austin College with both a B.A. (Business Administration /Finance) and a Masters in Elementary Education, I've taught for 18 years. I have 11 years of experience teaching 2nd-4th graders students, 3 years teaching 5th-6th grade reading and writing, and 4 years in 5th grade general mathematics, GT mathematics, and 6th grade mathematics. In addition, during the last 10 summers, I've spent many hours working with 7th and 8th grade students in need of reading and/or mathematics remediation in addition to those who need to improve their algebra readiness.
I started tutoring students at a local elementary school and Boys and Girls Club while attending Austin College in Sherman. Since that time, I've continued to tutor students in the schools I've worked at and as a private tutor. I've helped students dramatically improve their reading comprehension strategies, word attack skills, elementary mathematics essentials, elementary and middle school problem solving strategies, middle school algebraic thinking, pre-algebra readiness, elementary and middle school science, algebra, elementary and middle school TAKS and STAAR test taking strategies, PreAP reading, PreAP math, SAT/ACT Prep, and those needing general homework support.
I've been highly successful improving the performance and decreasing test anxiety with:
*Students who've always been pretty good at math, but are experiencing frustration with new concepts;
*Students who've struggled and continue to be frustrated;
*Reluctant learners;
*Kids and families struggling with ADD & ADHD;
*Students with processing issues; and
*Dyslexic children;
I love seeing students when the light turns on and they "Get it". The excitement they experience is exhilarating for me. Many times I've worked with kids who have struggled for so long and hated math or reading due to bad past experiences. It doesn't have to be that way!
After a few sessions my students realize that math isn't some mysterious secret language that only a select few can master, but instead it's a very predictable system of patterns that's fun when explained and experienced the right way.
Reading is much the same for many students (especially boys). There are too many students who think reading is "boring". Why? Because they haven't had someone focus on finding high interest subject matter for them as an INDIVIDUAL. There is so much really good literature out there. In addition to explicit reading comprehension strategies, fluency, and vocabulary building, I focus on introducing students to a wide variety of subject matter, genres, and text formats. There is something for everyone, the challenge is matching the right genre/format with the right student. Once my students realize there is interesting material out there, learning becomes enjoyable. It is truly amazing how much easier things are for everyone involved once you make learning relevant to the child.
I'd be happy to provide references, if you're interested. If you feel that I am a good match for your child's needs, I would love to talk with you.
Marc
back to top