Elementary to High School

Melissa A.

Algebra 1

Algebra often seems like a foreign language to students. I like to show them how the "letters" (variables) match with the empty boxes they've been working with since elementary. I work not only to provide students with the extra help they need, but to also build their confidence. I hold a CA K-8 multiple subject credential and I have eight years of classroom experience in addition to my tutoring.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I hold a K-8 Multiple Subject teaching credential. As a classroom teacher, I have worked with several high-functioning children with Autism. While I am not ABA trained, I am aware of strategies for refocusing and handling over-stimulatred children.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have three years of classroom teaching experience at the elementary level. I have taught all subjects and have worked with children of varying abilities, from special needs to gifted. I am very patient and kind. I use physical actions to teach vocabulary and to help students understand and remember concepts. I hold a current CA state credential for multiple subjects grades K-8. I enjoy tutoring because you get to see more growth in the student when you can work one-on-one. I enjoy being able to work in a more tailored fashion than the classroom environment allows.

Geometry

I successfully tutored Geometry for several students. My K- 8 teaching credential means I have a solid foundation of background knowledge and differentiated instructional skills.

Hard of Hearing

As a classroom teacher with the LAUSD, I have had several hearing impaired students in my classroom. I am familiar with the need to look at the student when I speak to them, and how to incorporate visual cues to facilitate learning. I have done beginning coursework in ASL through GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness.) I know some ASL and can fingerspell as well.

Phonics

I have 5 years of classroom experience teaching phonics. This ranges from elementary (grades K, 3, and 4) to struggling middle school students who needed to return to the basics. I use visuals and physical movements to assist students with blending and sound identification. Phonics are the key to increasing reading speed. Comprehension can only occur once students are up to speed with their decoding. My years of experience and genuine love of reading and teaching will help the student reach his or her goal.

Prealgebra

I have tutored algebra 1 extensively and know the fundamental skills needed to help the prealgebra student succeed. As a K- 8 credentialed teacher, I am very familiar with Common Core and how its challenges may affect students.

Reading

i am a K-8 credentialed teacher and worked with struggling readers in a classroom setting for two years. Phonics and sight word strategies are strengths I have for younger readers, while word attack, context clues, and more work for older readers.

Spanish

Successfully tutored Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. Passed both AP Spanish Language and Literature. I conduct many parent conferences entirely in Spanish.

Special Needs

As a classroom teacher with the LAUSD, I have always had students with special needs in my classroom. These needs range from auditory processing disorders, visual processing disorders, ADD/ADHD, Aspergers, hearing impairments and OHI. As a fully credentialed (K-8 Multiple Subject) general education teacher, I have had coursework and professional development regarding differentiated instruction. I also had a long-term substitute assignment in Resource.

Theater

I have a bachelor of arts in theater from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.