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Experienced Reading Specialist with M.A. in Educ./Reading Disabilities
Susan S.

4.9 (122 ratings)

222 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $70
Contact Susan
Response time: 3 hours
Susan S.'s Photo

Experienced Reading Specialist with M.A. in Educ./Reading Disabilities
Experienced Reading Specialist with M.A. in Educ./Reading Disabilities
Susan S.

4.9 (122 ratings)

222 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (122 ratings)

222 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Susan

Bio

I am a state certified Reading Specialist and elementary classroom teacher with a Master's degree and 20 years' experience. My private and public school experience includes working as a classroom teacher (K-5), reading and learning specialist, and working as a tutor for beginning readers through adults. I am successful in helping students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. To begin with, I conduct informal inventories and assessments to determine students' learning style as well...

I am a state certified Reading Specialist and elementary classroom teacher with a Master's degree and 20 years' experience. My private and public school experience includes working as a classroom teacher (K-5), reading and learning specialist, and working as a tutor for beginning readers through adults. I am successful in helping students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

To begin with, I conduct informal inventories and assessments to determine students' learning style as well as their strengths and challenges. In addition, I talk with students to find out their interests as well as their concerns. I supplement my assessments with learning about their school experience...reading formal reports, IEPs (if relevant), and other material provided by parents.

In beginning reading, students learn the mechanics of reading: phonics, blending skills, sight words, sentence and paragraph reading, fluency, and basic comprehension. I use Orton-Gillingham techniques to teach structured, sequential phonics, starting with consonants (including consonant blends and digraphs) and progressing to vowel teams and diphthongs. I teach phonemic awareness and blending skills for the young learner.

From 3rd grade on, students move from learning to read to reading to learn. They are now reading multisyllabic words that are often content based. If a student has not learned syllabication rules, they will struggle in reading grade level material. In addition, reading becomes more content based after second grade and critical thinking, as well as inferential comprehension, is necessary to the success of a student in any subject matter, including math. I use numerous techniques to help children comprehend fiction and non-fiction material. I am a firm believer that these skills must be taught and practiced for a student to apply them in school.

In addition, I have taught and tutored math in the elementary grades. My experience includes Everyday Math and Saxon math for students with learning differences. I util

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Education

University of Florida
Education
George Washington University
Masters
Case Western Reserve University
MBA

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $70
  • Rate details: If you live outside my travel radius, there may be an increase in the hourly tutoring rate.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/11/2012

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Business

Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Not only do I have experience in teaching children, but I also worked in several corporate jobs in training and development. In addition, as a trainer for the sales/ marketing department of a large health care insurance company, I made presentations to sales professionals at conferences. My skills in organizing my speech material, establishing connection with my audience and driving home the points that needed to be remembered were all important to my effective as a public speaker. All students, even in the elementary grades, should be taught how to stand up in front of a group and present their information effectively. I was also a member of Toastmasters for several years, which helped me acquire the feedback I needed to be successful as a public speaker.

Corporate Training

Grammar,

Grammar

I have over 20 years of experience teaching language arts and reading at the elementary level through 5th grade. This includes grammar, which is essential for the other important subject of writing skills. Grammar is also an important component in annual state-wide testing, the Iowa Achievement Test and is part of the Common Core curriculum throughout the U.S. In addition, using correct grammar in oral speech influences how people respond to a person, especially in the workplace/business world.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

Not only do I have experience in teaching children, but I also worked in several corporate jobs in training and development. In addition, as a trainer for the sales/ marketing department of a large health care insurance company, I made presentations to sales professionals at conferences. My skills in organizing my speech material, establishing connection with my audience and driving home the points that needed to be remembered were all important to my effective as a public speaker. All students, even in the elementary grades, should be taught how to stand up in front of a group and present their information effectively. I was also a member of Toastmasters for several years, which helped me acquire the feedback I needed to be successful as a public speaker.
Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have an M.A. in Education from George Washington University and 20 years of classroom experience in both public and private schools. I am a certified reading specialist with an M.A. in reading disabilities. I teach all levels of reading, phonics, languages arts, writing, math and study skills. I am certified in Distar and experienced in Orton Gillingham structured, sequential phonics program. I am experienced in teaching inferential and literal comprehension, improving study skills and narrative, persuasive, report and descriptive writing.
Grammar,

Grammar

I have over 20 years of experience teaching language arts and reading at the elementary level through 5th grade. This includes grammar, which is essential for the other important subject of writing skills. Grammar is also an important component in annual state-wide testing, the Iowa Achievement Test and is part of the Common Core curriculum throughout the U.S. In addition, using correct grammar in oral speech influences how people respond to a person, especially in the workplace/business world.
Phonics,

Phonics

I hold an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I learned about dyslexia in the '70s, long before schools were aware of how the brain's "wiring" affected a student's ability to read. I have experience in specific programs, such as Distar, Orton Gillingham, Project Read, Wilson Reading, etc. that have been developed and used specifically to help dyslexic students. These programs include instructing students in structured, sequential phonics, using multi- techniques. I also emphasize improving reading fluency so that comprehension is improved as well. I have worked in several private schools as a learning specialist. In public school, I worked as a Reading Specialist, tutor and classroom teacher with students that had reading disabilities based on diagnosed dyslexia. I have 20 years experience between working in public and private schools. In my teaching experience, I analyzed psychological-educational reports from psychologists, developed IEPs (Individual Educational Plans) based on student needs, (in public schools I implemented IEPs but did not develop them), benchmarked student progress through the year's curriculum and modified goals as necessary. As part of my job working with Dyslexic students, I have conferenced with parents, suggested materials, approaches and ways to help the student used their learning strengths to compensate for their learning challenges.
Reading,

Reading

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I am state certified as a Reading Specialist and elementary/middle school to teach all components of reading: phonics, comprehension,and fluency. I have used Orton Gillingham techniques for dyslexic students and taught reading to all skill levels of students. I have worked with students from age 4 through adults. In this last category, I tutored adults who were non-readers or LD students who were never identified and given remedial help.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

As a Master's level certified reading specialist, I know that a good vocabulary becomes even more important for students (4th grade and up) to use as a tool to comprehend increasingly difficulty reading material and literature. Most students do not understand this and just feel that knowing the definition of a "word on a card" for a test is what is important. However, it is much more important in reading and analyzing text, as it contributes to reading comprehension, in both fiction and non-fiction text. In order to learn the meaning of a word, the first thing a student must do is use syllabication and vowel sound rules, as well as accent rules, in order to blend and say the word correctly.
Spelling

English

English,

English

I am a Reading Specialist and have a Master of Arts Degree in Education. I have excellent English skills and know how to best teach students writing and language arts skills.
Grammar,

Grammar

I have over 20 years of experience teaching language arts and reading at the elementary level through 5th grade. This includes grammar, which is essential for the other important subject of writing skills. Grammar is also an important component in annual state-wide testing, the Iowa Achievement Test and is part of the Common Core curriculum throughout the U.S. In addition, using correct grammar in oral speech influences how people respond to a person, especially in the workplace/business world.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

Not only do I have experience in teaching children, but I also worked in several corporate jobs in training and development. In addition, as a trainer for the sales/ marketing department of a large health care insurance company, I made presentations to sales professionals at conferences. My skills in organizing my speech material, establishing connection with my audience and driving home the points that needed to be remembered were all important to my effective as a public speaker. All students, even in the elementary grades, should be taught how to stand up in front of a group and present their information effectively. I was also a member of Toastmasters for several years, which helped me acquire the feedback I needed to be successful as a public speaker.
Reading,

Reading

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I am state certified as a Reading Specialist and elementary/middle school to teach all components of reading: phonics, comprehension,and fluency. I have used Orton Gillingham techniques for dyslexic students and taught reading to all skill levels of students. I have worked with students from age 4 through adults. In this last category, I tutored adults who were non-readers or LD students who were never identified and given remedial help.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

As a Master's level certified reading specialist, I know that a good vocabulary becomes even more important for students (4th grade and up) to use as a tool to comprehend increasingly difficulty reading material and literature. Most students do not understand this and just feel that knowing the definition of a "word on a card" for a test is what is important. However, it is much more important in reading and analyzing text, as it contributes to reading comprehension, in both fiction and non-fiction text. In order to learn the meaning of a word, the first thing a student must do is use syllabication and vowel sound rules, as well as accent rules, in order to blend and say the word correctly.
Proofreading, Spelling, Writing

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have an M.A. in Education from George Washington University and 20 years of classroom experience in both public and private schools. I am a certified reading specialist with an M.A. in reading disabilities. I teach all levels of reading, phonics, languages arts, writing, math and study skills. I am certified in Distar and experienced in Orton Gillingham structured, sequential phonics program. I am experienced in teaching inferential and literal comprehension, improving study skills and narrative, persuasive, report and descriptive writing.
English,

English

I am a Reading Specialist and have a Master of Arts Degree in Education. I have excellent English skills and know how to best teach students writing and language arts skills.
Reading,

Reading

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I am state certified as a Reading Specialist and elementary/middle school to teach all components of reading: phonics, comprehension,and fluency. I have used Orton Gillingham techniques for dyslexic students and taught reading to all skill levels of students. I have worked with students from age 4 through adults. In this last category, I tutored adults who were non-readers or LD students who were never identified and given remedial help.
Spelling, Writing

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have an M.A. in Education from George Washington University and 20 years of classroom experience in both public and private schools. I am a certified reading specialist with an M.A. in reading disabilities. I teach all levels of reading, phonics, languages arts, writing, math and study skills. I am certified in Distar and experienced in Orton Gillingham structured, sequential phonics program. I am experienced in teaching inferential and literal comprehension, improving study skills and narrative, persuasive, report and descriptive writing.
English,

English

I am a Reading Specialist and have a Master of Arts Degree in Education. I have excellent English skills and know how to best teach students writing and language arts skills.
Reading,

Reading

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I am state certified as a Reading Specialist and elementary/middle school to teach all components of reading: phonics, comprehension,and fluency. I have used Orton Gillingham techniques for dyslexic students and taught reading to all skill levels of students. I have worked with students from age 4 through adults. In this last category, I tutored adults who were non-readers or LD students who were never identified and given remedial help.
Writing

Special Needs

Dyslexia,

Dyslexia

As part of my M.A. in Education, I majored in Reading Disabilities. I learned how a dyslexic student's brain was "wired" differently. Students are helped by instructors who use a structured sequential program in phonics, teach organizational and time management skills, and improve fluency and comprehension. I worked as a reading specialist in the Alexandria public Schools for 5 years, served as a reading and learning specialist for students who learn differently at 4 private schools in Atlanta (7 years), as a tutor for elementary, high school and adults through a special school for dyslexics and as a CRCT tutor in a county school in GA for 2 years. This is in addition to accommodating students with learning differences in the classroom, where I taught for 7 years. I have been very successful in helping my students, from kindergarten children through adults.
Phonics

Phonics

I hold an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I learned about dyslexia in the '70s, long before schools were aware of how the brain's "wiring" affected a student's ability to read. I have experience in specific programs, such as Distar, Orton Gillingham, Project Read, Wilson Reading, etc. that have been developed and used specifically to help dyslexic students. These programs include instructing students in structured, sequential phonics, using multi- techniques. I also emphasize improving reading fluency so that comprehension is improved as well. I have worked in several private schools as a learning specialist. In public school, I worked as a Reading Specialist, tutor and classroom teacher with students that had reading disabilities based on diagnosed dyslexia. I have 20 years experience between working in public and private schools. In my teaching experience, I analyzed psychological-educational reports from psychologists, developed IEPs (Individual Educational Plans) based on student needs, (in public schools I implemented IEPs but did not develop them), benchmarked student progress through the year's curriculum and modified goals as necessary. As part of my job working with Dyslexic students, I have conferenced with parents, suggested materials, approaches and ways to help the student used their learning strengths to compensate for their learning challenges.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have an M.A. in Education from George Washington University and 20 years of classroom experience in both public and private schools. I am a certified reading specialist with an M.A. in reading disabilities. I teach all levels of reading, phonics, languages arts, writing, math and study skills. I am certified in Distar and experienced in Orton Gillingham structured, sequential phonics program. I am experienced in teaching inferential and literal comprehension, improving study skills and narrative, persuasive, report and descriptive writing.
Reading,

Reading

I have a B.A. and an M.A. in Education with a major in Reading Disabilities. I am state certified as a Reading Specialist and elementary/middle school to teach all components of reading: phonics, comprehension,and fluency. I have used Orton Gillingham techniques for dyslexic students and taught reading to all skill levels of students. I have worked with students from age 4 through adults. In this last category, I tutored adults who were non-readers or LD students who were never identified and given remedial help.
Writing

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (122 ratings)
5 star
(114)
4 star
(7)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

The Best of the Best

She is wonderful, patient, caring, knows the English language inside and out, sensitive, goes the extra mile, gives of herself freely, has the student in mind and at the front always, thinks inside and outside the box and applies it to the students situation and level. Your child will improve just seeing her. She has a complete understanding of the progression of learning the English language and the application of it; how to get your child from where they are to a better place. I learned almost as much as my daughter. I am a tough sell and I would recommend her to anyone seeking help without reservation or hesitation. She is the best, whatever situation, learning disability, struggle, or problem.

Joe, 16 lessons with Susan

Knowledgeable reading specialist

Susan assessed my child’s phonemic awareness and showed me what our next steps should be in a very productive 60-minute session. She was genuine, professional and personable.

Gina, 1 lesson with Susan

Great tutor and educator

I can't say enough wonderful things about Susan and her passion for education. I would highly recommend her. Her ability to develop a plan for a challenged learned is exceptional.

Adria, 12 lessons with Susan

Very Knowledgeable

Ms. Susan is very knowledgeable in the areas of teaching young children pre-reading and early reading skills. She has certainly demonstrated her extensive experience in education.

Ana, 9 lessons with Susan

First visit was great!

Yesterday was our first meeting with Susan. My son really liked her a lot! She picked up on some of his needs immediately after the initial assessment. We look forward to continuing to work with Susan.

Sarah, 5 lessons with Susan

Attentive

Susan is just who my daughter needs to take her to the next level in her education. She is kind, patient, and attentive. my daughter was very receptive to her we look forward to seeing her for awhile.

Modupe, 3 lessons with Susan

Helpful Assessment and Tutoring

Susan was really thorough and very helpful in providing specific recommendations to help my son. She started the session by building rapport and then moved into the assessment / lesson. I felt very confident in Susan's knowledge of not only reading strategies, but her ability to talk about why those strategies are helpful provided me with more insight into the reading difficulties my son is having. I highly recommend Susan if you have a child who is struggling with reading or who has been diagnosed with dyslexia.

Daniel, 1 lesson with Susan

Great job

We are early in the process and still uncovering what our student needs but Susan is doing a great job with her and her frustrations. I truly appreciate the level of communication and feedback we get.

Alan, 15 lessons with Susan

Knowledgeable and kind

Susan has been doing testing with my daughter to asses her reading strengths and weaknesses. She has also been breaking down words for better understanding and has recommended books for my daughter to read right now.

Jill, 13 lessons with Susan

Perfect Fit And Amazing Results!

10/9/2014 Susan is the perfect fit for our tutoring needs. She has a wealth of experience as a teacher and also a wealth of experience as a reading specialist. My daughter needs help with both Math and Phonics/Reading, so finding Susan fills both of those needs. I would definitely recommend Susan. In two lessons, she has taught my daughter "little tricks" for subtraction and addition that are helping her with her timed Math tests. She has been great! 12/6/2014 Susan worked with my daughter for one hour the afternoon before a big math test. She created some flip cards with common math terms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. That hour really helped. My daughter scored a 100 on her math test! Thank you Susan! You are a great resource.

Elizabeth, 16 lessons with Susan
Hourly Rate: $70
Response time: 3 hours
Contact Susan