Elementary Credential, over 30 years experience

Mark S.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have an Elementary Life Credential to provide instruction in all subjects in grades K through 6. With over 30 years experience as a classroom teacher and tutor with the Los Angeles Unified School District, I have always had success in helping students improve and master the curriculum for their grade level. I specialize in reading phonics and comprehension as well as writing, grammar and study skills. I also have expertise in mathematics, science and social studies. I am able to help my students get organized by teaching them study skills and can assist with completing homework assignments or projects. I am willing to contact current teachers to help identify skills in which improvement is most needed.

Phonics

I have an Elementary Life Credential which authorizes me to provide instruction for grades K through 6. With over 30 years of classroom and tutoring experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District, I have helped hundreds of students acquire the phonemic awareness skills necessary to learn basic reading. However, that is only the beginning component in becoming a grade level reader. Equally as important as knowing how to pronounce and blend letter sounds and words properly is learning to read with understanding. Mastery of reading comprehension along with the acquisition of phonetic skills is a cumulative process that results in the student learning to read on (or above) grade level. It is never too late for a student to acquire these skills, as learning to read is much like building a house. A proper foundation must first be laid and each new skill learned depends on mastery of an earlier one. I have had a great deal of success in not only teaching students how to read but also to help them develop a "love for reading".

Study Skills

I have an Elementary Life Credential which authorizes me to provide instruction for all grades K through 6. With over 30 years of classroom and tutoring experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District, I have helped hundreds of students master the curriculum for their grade level. One of the most important areas involves study skills. I am able to help students with note-taking, to develop techniques for studying for a quiz or test and to organize/prioritize their time. Prioritizing time is so important---especially for students who are in grades 3 through 6 and for those who will be moving on to middle school.