LeAnn S. - Tutor in Libertyville, IL (60048)

I have been teaching learning disabled and behavior disordered students for the past 20 years. Ten years ago I designed a program for at-risk non-special education students....kids who fail with no one really knowing why. The program was called Academic Achievement and it was amazing. I first had to build relationships with all of my students and once I gained their trust, we were able to figure out what was causing them to fail their academic classes. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, the program was discontinued last year so I joined the special education department. I taught math and science to severely academically limited students but we learned and we had a blast. There was not a written curriculum for me to follow so I made up units that were appropriate to each student. For example we were discussing the male and female anatomy and when I asked the class who had a uterus...all of the class raised their hands. I have seven boys in my class!!
I love one-one interaction with kids and I feel I can bring my experience with me and assist each student in an appropriate manner.
I have a BS from Loyola University and I am getting my Masters in Educational Leadership from Saint Xavier University in Chicago.
I am a work in progress and like it that way!!!!!

• elementary (k-6th)

  I am a special education teacher and work with limited academically ability students. Based on the fact I failed BOTH the algebra and pre-algebra portions of the exam...I feel I am where I should be! I am very creative and use various modalities to teach each student I work with. I teach to their strengths. I like working with kids who are struggling because I find joy in them and in myself when the lightbulb goes on and the work is completed.

• study skills

  I do no think kids are taught HOW to study. They are given a vast amount of information, told to memorize it and then wonder why they fail their test. They are not taught how to be organized, how to manage their time or how to study for tests and quizzes. I developed a study skills class for the freshmen I taught in my high school and it was an absolute success. Students will be the first ones to tell you they do not know what they are doing when it comes to study skills. They should be writing assignments down but rely on their memory and then forget to turn in the paper or assignment. I even taught a summer class on study skills! In all of the classes I teach, I include study skills in the curriculum. It is imperitive that kids know HOW TO STUDY if they want to continue with their education.

• special needs

  I have been a special education teacher for the past twenty years. I truly enjoy working with kids who have special needs. Some just need a little more encouragement, others need hours of work to understand something you or I could understand in half the time. I find working with these kids rewarding and inspirational and I ALWAYS take away something from my instruction with them. I am certified to teach behavior disorders and learning disabilities and I have worked with profoundly handicapped kids. I would prefer to work with kids with special needs.

• discrete math

  I believe the invention of the calculator was a blessing and a curse to students today. They no longer know the proper procedures to do simple addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. I taught a basic math class last year and asked my students to add two and three digit numbers. Not one out of ten students received a perfect paper. They had no idea how to borrow or how to even set up a division problem. My goal for the year was to teach them these basic skills. I am happy to say they did achieve the goal I set for them but I can't help but wonder what is in store for them in their future. I will stay positive and hope they have a teacher who can see what I see in them.

• public speaking

  I am at my best when I am in front of a group of students. I feel I can relate to them and in doing so, I can teach them effectively. I have great interpersonal skills and I am able to see the small things which sometimes if left alone...turn into much bigger issues. I have taught public speaking in all of my special education classes as I feel it is critical students know how to speak well to adults and their peers. With the invention of text-messaging, kids do not have to talk to oneanother face to face any more. I feel I can assist in teaching kids to become great at communicating.