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Valerie G.'s Photo
Valerie G.'s Photo
Valerie G.'s Photo

Valerie G.

Teacher and tutor with over 30 years of experience

Teacher and tutor with over 30 years of experience

$35/hour

5.0 (200 ratings)

  • 314 hours tutoring

About Valerie

Bio

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! I was a special educator in a public school in Vermont for 25 years, before relocating to Florida in 2014. Since then, I have worked in the Fort Myers and Vero Beach areas as a private tutor, a teacher in a small private school for students with special needs, and a substitute in the public schools. S While the majority of my career was spent as a middle school teacher, I have since worked with students in grades one through...

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! I was a special educator in a public school in Vermont for 25 years, before relocating to Florida in 2014. Since then, I have worked in the Fort Myers and Vero Beach areas as a private tutor, a teacher in a small private school for students with special needs, and a substitute in the public schools. S While the majority of my career was spent as a middle school teacher, I have since worked with students in grades one through ten.
The best part of being a teacher is to see students who struggle with learning begin to find their strengths and gifts, and to build the confidence in their skills to take charge of their education. In order for that success to happen, a trusting relationship must be developed so the student feels comfortable taking the risk to try again at the work that has frustrated them in the past. Building that relationship has always been my first priority as a teacher/tutor - and I always make sure there is some fun involved!
I have taught several curricula in elementary and middle school math, developing and implementing engaging, hands-on lessons which strive to present skills and information in a variety of ways, including independent practice, games, and projects. Students need to be taught with activities that make sense for them - there is no "one size fits all."
I have particular expertise and experience with the Wilson Reading System, an explicit phonics-based approach to teaching basic reading and spelling skills to struggling learners. I have also taught with several reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing curricula. There is a HUGE world available through books - I love teaching reading skills through a great story!
I would love the opportunity to work with you and your child to help them build skills, confidence, and joy in their learning. I have a flexible schedule, and would be glad to arrange times and locations that work best for your family. I hope to hear from you soon!

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Education

University of Vermont
Psychology
University of Vermont
MEd

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $35
  • Rate details: Starting August 15th, my online hourly rate will change to $40 for new students. Current students will not experience a rate change.
  • Lesson cancellation: 3 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Elementary Education

Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

In my many years in the classroom, I have worked with various curricula and materials to adapt instruction for students. I took a graduate course in "Math for Struggling Learners" to further develop my skills in making math concepts more accessible to all students. Math particularly lends itself to practical, hands-on activities to help kids see the application of math in real life.
Reading,

Reading

I achieved a Level II certification in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive, phonics-based program of reading/spelling instruction. I own a complete set of the materials, which has been very useful for tutoring. The confidence a child gains by being able to "crack the code" of the English language opens up the world of reading for many purposes: to learn as well as for entertainment and pleasure. Varied and engaging lessons and activities give students experiences in analyzing and evaluating what they read, beyond a literal comprehension.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have taken several post-graduate courses (30 credit hours) which include reading comprehension and literacy instruction. In my many years in the classroom, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of curricula; my tutoring experiences led me to explore many additional resources and activities to further make the world of words come alive for my students.

English

Literature,

Literature

My post-graduate work included several courses in comprehension and literacy skills, and addressed a variety of instructional strategies and activities to implement in my classroom to excite students about the world of books. Developing novel study units provided me with opportunities to create engaging projects and small group activities for students to explore the literature together. My Florida certificate included English 6-12 endorsement.
Reading,

Reading

I achieved a Level II certification in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive, phonics-based program of reading/spelling instruction. I own a complete set of the materials, which has been very useful for tutoring. The confidence a child gains by being able to "crack the code" of the English language opens up the world of reading for many purposes: to learn as well as for entertainment and pleasure. Varied and engaging lessons and activities give students experiences in analyzing and evaluating what they read, beyond a literal comprehension.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

I have taken several post-graduate courses (30 credit hours) which include reading comprehension and literacy instruction. In my many years in the classroom, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of curricula; my tutoring experiences led me to explore many additional resources and activities to further make the world of words come alive for my students.
Writing

Writing

Writing well - with purpose, focus, accuracy, and appropriate voice - is one of the hardest skills for struggling learners to develop. It takes a great deal of time to write a good piece, often with several drafts to edit and revise. While the writing process can be complex, I have worked with a variety of curricula and resources that keep it manageable and fun. Each student needs the chance to develop and celebrate their own, unique writing voice - it is a joy to see that happen for a child!

Homeschool

Reading,

Reading

I achieved a Level II certification in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive, phonics-based program of reading/spelling instruction. I own a complete set of the materials, which has been very useful for tutoring. The confidence a child gains by being able to "crack the code" of the English language opens up the world of reading for many purposes: to learn as well as for entertainment and pleasure. Varied and engaging lessons and activities give students experiences in analyzing and evaluating what they read, beyond a literal comprehension.
Writing

Writing

Writing well - with purpose, focus, accuracy, and appropriate voice - is one of the hardest skills for struggling learners to develop. It takes a great deal of time to write a good piece, often with several drafts to edit and revise. While the writing process can be complex, I have worked with a variety of curricula and resources that keep it manageable and fun. Each student needs the chance to develop and celebrate their own, unique writing voice - it is a joy to see that happen for a child!

Most Popular

Reading,

Reading

I achieved a Level II certification in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive, phonics-based program of reading/spelling instruction. I own a complete set of the materials, which has been very useful for tutoring. The confidence a child gains by being able to "crack the code" of the English language opens up the world of reading for many purposes: to learn as well as for entertainment and pleasure. Varied and engaging lessons and activities give students experiences in analyzing and evaluating what they read, beyond a literal comprehension.
Writing

Writing

Writing well - with purpose, focus, accuracy, and appropriate voice - is one of the hardest skills for struggling learners to develop. It takes a great deal of time to write a good piece, often with several drafts to edit and revise. While the writing process can be complex, I have worked with a variety of curricula and resources that keep it manageable and fun. Each student needs the chance to develop and celebrate their own, unique writing voice - it is a joy to see that happen for a child!

Summer

Reading,

Reading

I achieved a Level II certification in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive, phonics-based program of reading/spelling instruction. I own a complete set of the materials, which has been very useful for tutoring. The confidence a child gains by being able to "crack the code" of the English language opens up the world of reading for many purposes: to learn as well as for entertainment and pleasure. Varied and engaging lessons and activities give students experiences in analyzing and evaluating what they read, beyond a literal comprehension.
Writing

Writing

Writing well - with purpose, focus, accuracy, and appropriate voice - is one of the hardest skills for struggling learners to develop. It takes a great deal of time to write a good piece, often with several drafts to edit and revise. While the writing process can be complex, I have worked with a variety of curricula and resources that keep it manageable and fun. Each student needs the chance to develop and celebrate their own, unique writing voice - it is a joy to see that happen for a child!

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (200 ratings)
5 star
(199)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

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Featured review

Making a difference

Valerie has had 4-5 tutoring sessions with my teenage son so far. This is after I spent months trying to get through to him to no avail. After his latest session, I asked him how it went and he said, “Really, really well actually.” Then he excitedly told me how he got all of her questions correct. While actual improvement on spelling, reading, and writing might not be obvious yet, his improved attitude about learning these skills feels like a miracle. And his confidence has improved quite a bit. I’m very grateful and excited to see his progress as we continue!

MELISSA, 16 lessons with Valerie

Very Knowledgeable, Kind & Patience.

Valerie is helping my son with reading using the Wilson method. My son has ASD/ADHD and I can see significant improvements on his reading skills. Valerie has training and experience with the Wilson method and teaching Special Education kids. She is very professional, kind and always on time. She teaches the material at a good pace, my son can follow the lessons and she makes him feel comfortable. I like the fact that Valerie incorporates vocabulary and reading comprehension. My son is now decoding words and eager to read. He loves Valerie and I am grateful that we found her!

Enid, 175 lessons with Valerie

Great Tutor

My 13yr old nephew has his best attitude when it comes to reading. I am seeing progress and am so so thankful to have found a tutor who both understand his need, understand the importance the tutor-student relationship and knowledgeable to boot!

Kimberly, 18 lessons with Valerie
Contact Valerie

Response time: 3 hours

$35/hour

Valerie G.'s Photo

Valerie G.

$35/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Valerie

Response time: 3 hours