Excellent, Award-Winning Teacher Looking to Help!

Hala K.

ADHD

I hold a Professional Educator License. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked closely with hundreds of students across a wide range of learning profiles—many of whom have had ADHD, diagnosed or not. Through daily experience in the classroom, I’ve learned how ADHD shows up differently in different students: the dreamy thinkers, the impulsive blurters, the kinetic learners who can’t sit still but light up when the lesson does. I’ve spent years adapting lessons, adapting pacing of lessons, tweaking environments, building trust, and figuring out—through trial, error, and research—what actually helps students with ADHD succeed. That includes executive functioning systems that actually work, behavior supports that empower rather than punish, and communication strategies that validate students without letting things slide.

Common Core

I use Ready Common Core, a highly regarded, fully sequenced literacy curriculum for grades K–8, designed around robust Common Core standards. Here’s what it includes: Structured Scope & Sequence – Carefully ordered lessons that build foundational skills before tackling more complex texts. Read – Think – Talk – Write Routine – Lessons consistently follow this cycle to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. Engaging, Standards‑Aligned Texts – A rich mix of literary and informational texts tailored to meet grade-level Common Core reading requirements. Supplemental Resources for Small Groups – Includes teacher guides, discourse cards, graphic organizers, and digital tools ideal for targeted, scaffolded instruction. Integrated Writing and Speaking/Listening – Lessons seamlessly incorporate writing prompts and oral discourse, ensuring practice with speaking and listening standards. Standards & Skill Areas Covered Common Core Reading (Informational & Literary): Students learn to analyze text structure, find central ideas, reference evidence, and understand tone, point of view, and author's purpose. Speaking & Listening Standards: Lessons include structured group discussions, oral presentations, and listening comprehension activities. Writing Across Genres: From short responses to extended essays, students practice writing that engages with text and builds critical thought. Scope & Sequence Transparency: Every lesson connects to specific Common Core standards and builds year-over-year, ensuring coherent and purposeful instruction.

Elementary (K-6th)

I bring a wealth of experience and training to K–6 tutoring, grounded in both academic study and years of hands-on teaching. I hold a Professional Educator License and have taken specialized child development courses at DePaul University, where I deepened my understanding of how children grow cognitively, socially, and emotionally. This foundation informs every interaction I have with young learners, helping me craft lessons that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and responsive to individual needs. My teaching career spans over 15 years, including extensive classroom experience across all elementary grade levels. I’ve taught in diverse settings, from public schools in Chicago to working with immigrant children in California—an experience that sharpened my ability to adapt instruction for English language learners and to honor students’ cultural identities as a central part of learning. I’ve also tutored at 826CHI, a creative writing nonprofit where I worked one-on-one with K–6 students on reading, writing, and homework support. That experience allowed me to cultivate patience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the many ways children express their understanding. Whether designing rigorous and joyful units in my own classroom or offering personalized support through tutoring, my goal is always the same: to make learning feel meaningful, empowering, and fun.

Elementary Math

I have over 12 years of classroom teaching experience, including extensive work with elementary and middle school students on foundational math skills. My instruction is rooted in the Common Core State Standards, and I specialize in helping students master key concepts such as: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division fluency Fractions, decimals, and place value Multi-step word problems and critical thinking strategies Geometry, measurement, and data interpretation Problem-solving using models, number lines, and visuals I differentiate instruction to meet each student’s needs and use a variety of tools—including manipulatives, games, and real-world examples—to make math both accessible and enjoyable. I’m also experienced in supporting students with IEPs, ADHD, and math anxiety, helping them build confidence and a growth mindset. My approach is patient, encouraging, and structured to help students see their progress and feel proud of their growth.

French

Minor in French from university Studied French consistently from middle school through college Ongoing language practice through Duolingo and immersion materials Traveled to France for cultural and language exposure Experienced tutor with a strong focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversational skills for young learners

Handwriting

In addition to ELA, I’m also confident supporting math instruction and can create engaging, skill-building lessons that reinforce foundational concepts. I use a variety of visual, hands-on, and interactive approaches to keep students motivated and growing. I’m flexible with scheduling and happy to meet at a library or public location that works for you. Looking forward to the chance to support your child!

Homeschool

Over the past 15 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of education—not from a distance, but on the ground, in real classrooms, with real students who brought their whole selves to learning. I hold a Professional Educator License (PEL), and I’ve spent my career not only teaching but continuously evolving with my students, especially those from diverse learning backgrounds. I’ve worked across public and private systems, mentored families in transition to home-based learning, and provided individualized instruction for neurodivergent learners, multilingual students, and children with IEPs, 504s, and everything in between. But beyond credentials and acronyms, what makes me an expert in homeschooling is the deeply personal investment I’ve made in learning how to actually teach. Not just manage behavior, not just hand out worksheets—but teach. Engage. Reach. Transform. In a homeschool context, that’s everything. Because homeschool is not a boxed curriculum. It’s not rigid pacing guides or standardized assessments. It’s personal. It’s adaptive. It’s rooted in relationships, flexibility, and responsiveness. And that is where I thrive. I’ve supported dozens of families in designing their homeschool plans—from unschooling to classical models to Charlotte Mason and hybrid learning. I’ve crafted custom reading lists based on student interest and developmental level. I’ve developed interdisciplinary projects that fuse science, literature, social studies, and art into coherent learning arcs that kids want to follow. I’ve coached parents on balancing structure with freedom, and I’ve walked families through everything from transcript creation and state requirements to managing social-emotional needs in the home classroom. I’ve also taught in traditional school settings, giving me a strong understanding of state standards, vertical alignment, and what students need to succeed academically. I know what sixth graders are expected to produce in a Common Core-aligned curriculum—but I also know how to teach those same skills th

Reading

I’ve been a certified educator since 2013 with over a decade of experience teaching reading across grades K–8. I specialize in building reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills using research-based strategies. I use the Ready Common Core curriculum, which is sequenced and aligned to standards, and I supplement with engaging materials tailored to each learner. I’ve taught students with IEPs and 504s, and I’m especially skilled at scaffolding for struggling readers and building their confidence. My sessions emphasize metacognition, annotation, inferencing, and text-based responses—making sure students don’t just read, but think deeply and critically.

Study Skills

✅ Professional Background & Certifications • Licensed Educator: Holds a Professional Educator License (PEL) in the state of Illinois. • Teaching Since 2013: Over a decade of experience teaching grades K–8, with a focus on middle school learners. • Common Core Expertise: Deep knowledge of Common Core standards, especially in reading, writing, and speaking/listening—essential for understanding how to break down complex tasks and organize learning. ⸻ 🧠 Study Skills Expertise • Curriculum-Based Instruction: Uses Ready Common Core curriculum, which includes built-in resources for teaching time management, close reading strategies, annotating texts, and test prep techniques. • Scaffolded Instruction: Skilled in modeling, gradual release (“I do, we do, you do”), and check-for-understanding techniques that help students internalize how to organize and retain new information. • Metacognitive Strategies: Regularly teaches students how to reflect on what they know, identify gaps in their understanding, and create personalized study plans. ⸻ 🧰 Tools & Techniques You Teach • Graphic organizers for organizing information • Color-coded annotation and highlighting • Test prep routines (multiple choice elimination, note review cycles) • Cornell note-taking and summarization • SMART goal setting and progress monitoring • Calendar management and assignment tracking • Mnemonic devices and visual memory tools ⸻ 👩‍🏫 Experience with Diverse Learners • Tailored Approaches: Experienced working with students with IEPs and 504s, customizing study strategies for attention challenges, processing difficulties, and executive functioning issues. • Small Group & 1:1 Intervention: Has led small group instruction and individualized support sessions specifically focused on skill gaps in organization, comprehension, and academic stamina. • Behavior and Focus Support: Skilled at helping students stay on task, self-monitor, and build habits that reduce overwhelm and procrastination.

Writing

I am a certified educator with over 12 years of experience teaching writing to elementary and middle school students. I specialize in building students’ confidence, voice, and clarity in both creative and academic writing. I’ve worked with learners from a wide range of backgrounds, including international students, and I tailor lessons to meet their developmental needs. I focus on structure, grammar, and purposeful word choice while keeping lessons engaging and age-appropriate. I’ve also supported students preparing for UK and U.S. academic standards and can adapt to either writing system.