Search
Donna M.'s Photo
Donna M.'s Photo Donna M.'s Photo

Certified 40 Yrs Exp, Lang Art, Math, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, SAT/ACT
Donna M.

4.9 (353 ratings)

2,425 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $81
Contact Donna

About Donna

Bio

Learning can be daunting when we feel stuck and confused. For over forty years I've enjoyed helping students develop understanding and confidence, overcome learning disabilities and succeed in academics.

I am a certified teacher. I've tutored hundreds of students, in clinics and private practice and have taught in the classroom. I am a distinguished Upper-level Math teacher, recipient of the ETS Recognition of Excellence in Math: Content Knowledge and am trained to work with Dyscalculia,...

Learning can be daunting when we feel stuck and confused. For over forty years I've enjoyed helping students develop understanding and confidence, overcome learning disabilities and succeed in academics.

I am a certified teacher. I've tutored hundreds of students, in clinics and private practice and have taught in the classroom. I am a distinguished Upper-level Math teacher, recipient of the ETS Recognition of Excellence in Math: Content Knowledge and am trained to work with Dyscalculia, using hands-on learning; Dyslexia, with Orton-Gillingham method; and with College Test Prep.

We start with an informal assessment, as needed, to see the learning needs and style of the student. Our work is collaborative and we maintain communication about our process and progress throughout.

For homework help, students share material and I teach underlying concepts and skills to answering questions.

For math, we do hands-on work to learn concepts and build skills. We practice in various formats to clarify and deepen understanding. We review key concepts over time to integrate and maintain them.

In Reading, Spelling and Writing, I use the Orton-Gillingham method, a structured multi-sensory approach for phonics and spelling rules. I teach handwriting, grammar, sentence structure, paragraph and essay forms and to develop fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills.

I create individualized home-school curricula in language arts and math. We work at a students level and pace to develop deep and broad comprehension and a healthy mindset.

With College Test Prep, we assess then review needed grammar and math skills, and build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. We practice methods for answering questions, untimed, then learn timing and guessing methods and practice taking timed tests. Students improve language arts, math and test-taking skills and gain confidence and higher test scores.

It would love to work with you/your student to bring confidence and success to your academic endeavors!

Read more

Education

New York University
Environ Economics
Hofstra University
MEd
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $81
  • Rate details: Homework Help, Learning Disability & Homeschool Help - $81/hr SATI, ACT, CLT Prep - $100/hr
  • Lesson cancellation: 36 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/5/2012

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Donna hasn’t set a schedule.

We’re having trouble loading this schedule right now. Please try again later.

Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

We start out our test prep with an assessment that covers grammar and punctuation. We review needed concepts and practice applying them through drills. We then work on actual English ACT sections, identifying the error type and finding the corrected words/lines of each question. This part of the ACT is a very easy one for which to prepare; scores can greatly improved by learning the rules and applying them correctly. I would be delighted to help you improve your English ACT scores!
ACT Math

ACT Math

I have been helping students improve their ACT Test scores since the late 90's. We start our test prep by reviewing Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trignometry and Word Problem Skills. We make notes and drill cards to help in the memorization of key information and formulas. We then practice answering actual ACT math questions and add in timing and guessing strategies. I am a certified math teacher and would love to help you improve your ACT scores!
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

We start by becoming familiar with the questions and then skimming the passage to get the overall idea. We then read in more detail to fully comprehend the passage. We work with precision and thinking skills to most accurately answer the questions and discern between possible answers and then incorporate timing methods.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I have a Masters of Education and am certified to teach Math; in addition, I was awarded the ETS Certificate of Excellence in Math. I have taught Algebra in the classroom as well as one-on-one through tutoring. In 2011, 70% of the at-risk students in my Algebra I classed passed the Algebra EOC exam. I like to use hands-on manipulatives and colorful graphic organizers to help students understand Algebra concepts, as well as put key concepts on index cards to assist students in committing them to memory. I love Algebra! It would be my joy to help you or your child learn how to use it.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I am a certified Math teacher and have successfully taught Algebra I and II in the classroom. I was awarded the ETS Award of Excellence for high scores on my math certification exam. I demonstrate and clearly and patiently explain concepts and skills, using hands on materials when possible. I make step-by-step notes and diagrams for greater comprehension. We then review past work each session for long term retention using concept cards we've made. I would love to help you be more comfortable, competent and confident with your Algebra II skills!
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

In 1987 and 1996, I received training in the Orton-Gillingham Method for teaching students with Dyslexia and hands-on approach to math for those with Dyscalculia. These methods are multi-sensory and sequentially structured. I have taught students with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in clinics in New York and North Carolina, and through private tutoring for more than thirty-five years. The method I use helps students develop an understanding of sound-symbol relationships through a step-by-step, multi-sensory introduction to them. Students gain confidence in sounding out words, reading fluently and comprehending the written text. I love working with Dyslexic students helping them develop their Reading, Writing and Spelling skills and have had great success over the years doing so.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I earned a Master's Degree in Education from Hofstra University in 1987. I am certified to teach Elementary Education in NY, NC and FL. I am also certified in Math and History, grades 6-12. I have taught as a classroom teacher and a tutor for almost 25 years.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I am a certified Math Teacher and received the ETS Award of Mathematical Excellence for high scores on my certification exam. In addition, I have been trained to work with students with Dyscalculia, Learning Disabilities in Math. I have taught Math with success in the classroom, in clinics and in tutoring sessions since the early 90's. I use hands-on materials whenever possible, to help develop basic understandings and create colorful notes and concept cards to help students organize and retain information. I approach math concepts from many perspectives and make ideas clear and understandable. I would love to help improve your student's confidence in, understanding and joy of math!
English

English

We can start with a Grammar/Punctuation Assessment and Writing Sample to see your areas of strength and weakness. From there, we can review and practice Rules of Grammar and Punctuation, as well as work on areas of Writing in need. I love Grammar/Punctuation and Writing and am a published poet and recorded songwriter. I have helped students both in the classroom and through tutoring improve their English Skills since the early 90's and would be delighted to help you improve your English Skills!
Geometry

Geometry

I am a certified Math Teacher and received the ETS Award of Mathematical Excellence for high scores on my certification exam. In addition, I have been trained to work with students with Dyscalculia, Learning Disabilities in Math. I have taught Geometry with success in the classroom as well as one-on-one through tutoring. I use hands-on materials whenever possible and create colorful notes and concept cards to help students organize and retain information. I explain concepts clearly and have patience in helping students master skills. I would love to help you do the same!
Grammar

Grammar

I have successfully taught Grammar in the classroom and through tutoring since the early '90s. I like to start with a Grammar Assessment to find concepts we need to review and then do drills to reinforce these skills. I find that diagramming sentences to identify all parts of speech helps bring an understanding of Grammar together. It also helps with Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills. It would be my pleasure to help you solidify your understanding of the rules and application of Grammar!
Phonics

Phonics

I have been trained to teach phonics to students with dyslexia using the Orton-Gillingham Method. This is a structured, sequential, multi-sensory method. I have taught phonics since 1987, in clinics and through private tutoring in New York, North Carolina and Florida.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I have a Masters Degree in Education and thirty year's teaching experience. I am a Certified Math Teacher, including Prealgebra. I have a Certificate of Excellence from my Certification Exam.
PSAT

PSAT

I have been trained to teach PSAT/SATI Test prep and have been teaching students in small groups and individually for over thirty-five years. I develop a tutoring plan based on each students needs. It can include assessing and reviewing grammar and math skills and teaching reading comprehension, timing and guessing skills. We can do untimed and timed sections of practice tests and then correct missed answers, with an emphasis on understanding errors and building skills that are applicable to questions of similar type. I would love to help you build your language, math and test-taking skills and improve your confidence and test scores!
Reading

Reading

We start with an Informal Reading Assessment determine strengths and needs in Phonetic Awareness, Decoding Skills and Reading Comprehension as well as Visual Tracking of letters and words. If necessary, I recommend formal testing, especially if Dyslexia is a possibility. We then put together a plan to best fit the needs of the reader. I have been trained to work with students with Dyslexia using the Orton-Gillingham Method. This method introduces sounds and symbols in a structured, sequential and multi-sensory way. I have taught reading one on one, privately and in clinics, and in the classroom for over thirty years. In addition to using the Orton-Gillingham Method, I introduce Latin and Greek root, suffixes and prefixes to develop vocabulary. I teach grammar and sentence structure to help identify main points of sentences. We text mark to identify the main ideas, details and sub details of informational text. We also work with reasoning skills, figurative language and inferences to develop higher level understanding. We do this with literature as well. I interrelate the Reading and Writing processes to develop a whole language understanding, so teach Writing Skills along side Reading. I love helping students learn to read and write and would love to work with you~
SAT Math

SAT Math

We start by reviewing Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Word Problem Skills, then practice SATI problems in each area. Next, we practice setting up the problems by getting the important information, identifying the question to be answered seeing what we can do with what we know to get there. We practice on actual SATI problems and work with Timing an Guessing Rules. I am a certified math teacher, love math and can help you understand the concepts and questions on the SATI to improve your scores. I have been helping students with the SATI Test since 1996.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

The Sentence Completion Portion depends heavily on Vocabulary. We start improving vocabulary by learning common Greek and Latin Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes and then learn how to break down words using these. We also use a workbook to increase vocabulary. We then work with a step-by-step method I've developed for breaking down the Sentence Completion question and finding the answer. I teach you how to get the overview of the reading passage, reword the question so that it makes more sense, put the answer in your own words, and carefully sift through the answers to find the correct one. We practice on actual SATI test questions and work with Timing Methods and Guessing Rules. I would love to help you improve your Reading SATI scores!
Spelling

Spelling

I've been trained in the Orton-Gillingham method for teaching spelling and reading. It is a multi-sensory, structured approach to learning sound/symbol relationships and spelling rules. I have over thirty-five years experience and would love to help you build your skills!
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have taught study skills in middle school classes as well as individually to students through tutoring. I start by discussing the importance of setting a schedule of regular study periods when one is refreshed. I talk about setting a quiet, uncluttered, organized location with appropriate lighting and supplies to always study. By studying at the same time each day in an appropriate setting, one sets a habit which makes studying easier. Next we look at types of subjects and the importance of setting up a list of what one needs to do each night, then organizing the subjects from hardest to easiest, doing the hardiest subjects first to get them done and leaving the easier ones to do when one is less refreshed. Also, we discuss the importance of alternating between subjects requiring reading, calculations and writing, so as to not overdo one type of activity and tire oneself. We then look at setting aside time for review each night before sleep to help build retention of facts. We talk about breaking down bigger projects into smaller steps and setting up a time frame for each activity. We set up a schedule, starting a few weeks ahead of time, so as to do a little at a time and have time in between work periods for integration and reflection. We also discuss setting a schedule for test review including creating study sheets. Notetaking and classroom behaviors like asking questions and where to sit are also looked at. Overall, we talk about what we can learn to build our understanding of the world and what we can develop as capacities and skills to take with us from school activities. This motivates an individual to learn for his/her own growth and development and not merely for grades, which will come as a result of this process.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have been trained in structural analysis, which is a way of breaking words into roots, suffixes and prefixes to determine their meaning. This is a helpful way to learn many words through the knowledge of common affixes, or parts. I also teach grammar and sentence structure to help students use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words. In addition, I offer definition and memory building methods to understand and learn unknown words.
Writing

Writing

I love writing! I started writing as a child and to date my favorite things to have are a pencil and piece of paper. I took hours writing English essays in high school, poring over a dictionary and thesaurus to find just the right word for each thought. In college, I started writing poems and lyrics. To this date, I have written a couple of hundred poems and songs. Some poems are published and some songs appear on tape and cds. I have taught grammar, vocabulary and writing as a classroom teacher and tutor over the past twenty five years. I would love to share my skills and passion with you and/or your child.
Precalculus
Donna M.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Donna before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Donna

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (353 ratings)
5 star
(337)
4 star
(13)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

A Dream Come True!!!

Donna has been such a wonderful breath of fresh air. My daughter hated going to school and would even get physically ill before leaving for school in the mornings and she would miss school. We hired Donna before the school year started and my daughter has a whole new attitude about school. She wakes up when I do in the mornings and is ready over an hour before school starts. She is even requesting to take classes online to catch up with her classmates. She has gone from 4 Fs to straight As so far this year. Almost 100% in all classes. I am so grateful for the help and for Donna helping to get her excited about school and learning.

Kelly, 31 lessons with Donna

Competent, friendly, and focused grammar tutor

I reached out to Donna with a unique and specialized request for grammar tutoring. Despite being a highly literate and educate adult, I was looking to fill in gaps and master the discipline of grammar. Not only did she get clear with me on exactly what I needed, she tailored a program to meet my exact needs, systematically presenting what I needed in a way that challenged me at my level and yet was incredibly easy to understand. I started learning useful new principles in the very first lesson. On top of her diligence, she is delightfully friendly and focused, and she has a knack for intuiting just the right exercises to help reinforce your mastering of a given grammar concept.

Jonathan, 20 lessons with Donna

Professional, knowledgeable, patient tutor.

My daughter is 8 and has dyslexia. We have been working with Donna twice a week for several weeks and I can already see growth in Kaelani's reading and coding abilities. I can see she will progress tremendously over the next year because of Donna's expertise. Donna is very knowledgeable and is helping my daughter gain tools for success and confidence as a learner. She is very patient, respectful, and structured. She looks for the root cause of learning disabilities and develops strategies to address them. She meets my daughter where she's at - being careful to challenge, but not overwhelm her. Her communication is fantastic with both my daughter and myself. She takes the time to explain the learning process and assignments to me, and helps me with strategies to improve my one-on-one work with my daughter which, as you probably have experienced, can be difficult to be both the parent & the "teacher" (working on homework assignments). So thankful to have found Donna!

Hannah, 232 lessons with Donna

Dedicated and insightful

Donna has been working with our daughter, who has dyslexia, for the past five years. During that time she has helped our daughter identify and overcome the challenges of dyslexia, as it pertains to her education. In doing so, our daughter has become a high achieving, self sufficient, proactive student. In addition, Donna is a thoughtful and caring individual who has been a joy for our family. As a parent, I couldn't have hoped for a better tutor. With kind regards, J. G.

Jenn, 217 lessons with Donna

Very patient Tutor

I can't say enough about Donna. My daughter started seeing her in Freshman year for Algebra and is still seeing her as a Senior now for Advanced Topics. My daughter went from failing math to consistently receiving A's & B's. She taught her a lot and has helped her have confidence in herself. Highly recommend Donna.

Carol, 106 lessons with Donna

Calm, knowledgable, & warmhearted

After the assessment, she was able to fine tune her approach. The boys really like her. So far, so good!

Lisa, 137 lessons with Donna

Wonderful Algebra II Honors Tutor

Donna has done a wonderful job building my daughter's confidence in Mathematics. She is on track and feeling better prepared with every session. We are so blessed to find such a wonderful tutor for a subject that can often be trying for even the best of students.

Sherri, 63 lessons with Donna

Knowledgeable, kind, and patient tutor.

Donna is a wonderful tutor. Our son was not reading well and since she has been tutoring him, he has shown great improvements. Donna uses her skills and knowledge to teach using a different approach that works very well. We are extremely happy with Donna and would highly recommend her to others.

Francesca, 135 lessons with Donna

Great, very patient, tutor.

My twin 9 year old boys are enjoying learning with Donna! Even in a Saturday they like to see her. I think they feel a sense of accomplishment. Tristan was having trouble with conversion measurements. The way he was learning was so difficult and ongoing! He could never get it or focus on finding an answer. Donna showed him how to eliminate units and pearl he got the answers! All of them! Seems it was like a light bulb went off! Thank you Donna, see you next week! A happy mom

Laura, 12 lessons with Donna

Very Helpful

I was preparing for a college entrance exam and Donna made a tremendous difference in my ability to score well on the writing portion of the test. I will be working with her again to prepare for the reading portion.

Julie, 4 lessons with Donna
Hourly Rate: $81
Contact Donna