Special Ed Teacher 25+ yrs | Grades 1–5 | Reading, Writing, & Math

Karen C.

I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education and have 25 years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings. I specialize in working with students in grades 1–5 who need clear, structured, and supportive instruction. My areas of focus include reading, writing, and math foundations, with instruction centered on phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension, grammar, spelling, language arts, and essential math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and money.
All subjects are taught to mastery, defined as 85% or higher. Previously learned skills are intentionally reintroduced for maintenance so students retain what they have learned and continue to build confidence over time. I believe strong foundations matter most at the elementary level. While advanced topics have their place later, children do not need algebra in elementary school. They do need to learn how to read fluently, spell accurately, write clearly, and understand basic math concepts.
Even in a world of technology and artificial intelligence, these foundational skills remain essential. Tools can support learning, but they cannot replace a child’s ability to think, communicate, and understand independently.
My teaching philosophy is simple: all children can learn, but they do not all learn the same way. Because of this, I adapt instruction using visual, auditory, and tactile approaches to meet each child’s individual learning style and pace. Lessons are structured, patient, and supportive, with the goal of helping students feel capable, confident, and successful as learners.