Diana's Profile

Diana C.

Botany

I have studied plants and their life systems since I was at Purdue years ago. I keep current with research and applications regarding flowers, herbs, and trees, and I conduct a Treekeepers' program (at the Boys & Girls Club in my hometown) through Trees, Indiana. Plants are my passion and hobby,and I also conduct Horticultural Therapy where I work as an Activity Director.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have been tutoring mostly elementary students in Language Arts and Math since 2006. I earned a degree in Natural Resources from Purdue University in 1987, and from 1990-2002 have presented educational programs to students of all ages and from all walks of life. I am currently working as a paraprofessional at Miami Middle School in Ft Wayne, helping mostly mildly mentally disabled 6th and 8th graders. My teaching history goes back to 1997, when I first started working as a substitute teacher.

Elementary Math

I tutored elementary and middle-school students in Language Arts and Math for 7 years.

English

I minored in English at college, and I enjoy helping others with it.

Phonics

My current position is with the Ft. Wayne Community Schools. I work as a paraprofessional for special education. I have been tutoring elementary and middle school students for 7 years now, and I teach them Language Arts and Math in their homes. Much of the Language Arts consists of functional phonics, especially the K-3 grades. I have used poster-sized short and long vowel words to help K-2 students learn, and I own 2 sets of phonics cards. I also utilize a set of "Bob" books, and I use my collection of word family books to help the student know about "ine", "ing", "ock", "ay", and others. I will also use phonics games, since learning can and should be enjoyable!

Prealgebra

I have completed college algebra and have used it often. I also tutor students in math (so far elementary and middle school). I believe in as much hands-on studying as possible, and I like to utilize my student's unique interests and prior learning experiences to help him or her succeed.

Special Needs

I currently work 30 hours per week with mildly mentally disabled middle school students. I have 8 years of experience in direct care of MR/DD adults, and 3 years with mentally ill adults. I have also worked 3 yrs as an Activity Director with Alzheimer's and MI/MR/DD residents.

Study Skills

I have tutored students of all ages in Language Arts and Math. I have also been working with middle school Special Education students in their Resource classes, which is designed for them to complete assignments and organize priorities. The students who want to succeed are using these classes well.