Boost your confidence with Reading, Writing, and ESL instruction

Jamie M.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have passed both the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) as well as the PRAXIS I and am a certificated Substitute Teacher. I have all the standard knowledge in basic math, science, grammar, reading, and social studies to tutor any aged elementary school student. I have the knowledge to assess an individual child's grade level and reading level, and am also very knowledgeable of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) elementary standards. I was also an after school director for 2nd through 6th grade for 3 years, where I tutored and taught elementary subjects.

Phonics

I have extensive experience teaching reading to young students, as well as older students struggling with reading. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and I am here to help. I believe strongly in phonics, as showing students how to sound out individual letters and working with them at their individual speed can give them the confidence to succeed in school and life. I believe in showing students how to read aloud with ease and confidence, and I love to put the effort in to see their faces when they can finally recognize words they worked so hard to read.

Social Studies

I have a secondary teaching license in Social Studies. I am qualified to teach and tutor any social studies related subject, including psychology, world history, European history, Asian history, and American history. I can also tutor elementary social studies and Virginia history, government, and civics.

Study Skills

I can especially help in the field of organization and study skills. I am Air Force trained in resume writing (including 'bullet writing'), Cornell notes, and file planning. I took Air Force courses that taught these specific strategies in order to meet the strict standards and regulations of keeping records, promotions and awards, and test taking success. In the Air Force, I specialized in overall Aircraft Production management, which involves rigorous record keeping and being detail-oriented. I took various classes that aided in this effort. All of these skills are transferable to the academic field. Since I am eligible to be a licensed teacher in the state of Virginia, (license is actually pending!) I have taught an International Baccalaureate level (IB) American history course and created quizzes and essay exams for this very difficult class. I have taught writing, note-taking, and organizational strategies to students including the five paragraph essay, Cornell notes, the "APEC" paragraph, and the "OPVL" argumentative essay. I've taught many lessons on study strategies, including recall games, and teaching for understanding. I have implemented and taught how to organize notes and handouts using the Interactive notebook and file plans for more difficult material. I believe that the key component in aiding students in being successful, no matter what their natural aptitude might be, is organizing and retrieving information in a way that they can actually use it when they need it!