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Orton-Gillingham Tutor, Literacy & Math, Executive Functioning
Melissa Z.

10 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 10 hours

About Melissa


Bio

With a passion for individualized education, I bring 26 years of diverse experience to support elementary and middle school students on their academic journeys. Throughout my career, I've served as a 5th Grade Classroom Teacher, a Literacy and Math Specialist, an Interventionist, and a Teacher Coach. I have extensive training in research-based interventions, and I adeptly identify specific areas of need, allowing me to monitor progress and efficiently guide students toward their goals.

My...

With a passion for individualized education, I bring 26 years of diverse experience to support elementary and middle school students on their academic journeys. Throughout my career, I've served as a 5th Grade Classroom Teacher, a Literacy and Math Specialist, an Interventionist, and a Teacher Coach. I have extensive training in research-based interventions, and I adeptly identify specific areas of need, allowing me to monitor progress and efficiently guide students toward their goals.

My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Indiana University, followed by a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language/Social, Multicultural, and Bilingual Foundations of Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. This academic foundation, coupled with my specialized training in various reading and math interventions, including Orton-Gillingham, equips me with a comprehensive toolkit to address the diverse needs of my students.

I received my Orton-Gillingham training from the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. This invaluable training prepared me to utilize effective and specialized techniques in literacy support. Currently, I provide one-on-one support to students in private schools during the school day, at my home, and online, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones.

As a lifelong learner, I continuously seek opportunities for professional development to stay current on the latest educational advancements. This commitment ensures that I remain at the forefront of innovative teaching methods and curriculums, providing students with the most effective and tailored support on their educational journeys. Through individualized attention, diverse experiences, and a dedication to ongoing learning, I am passionate about fostering success and growth in every student that I work with.


Education

Indiana University
Elementary Education
University of Colorado
Masters
Institute for Multi-sensory Education
Other
  • Licensed teacher

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Approved Subjects

ADHD

ADHD

With over 26 years of experience in education, I specialize in creating differentiated, engaging instruction for students with a wide range of learning needs. I have served as an interventionist, 504 Coordinator, and Teacher Coach, giving me deep insight into the academic and behavioral strategies that support students with ADHD. I hold a Master’s degree in Education and a BA in Elementary Education, along with extensive training in ADHD-specific teaching methods and behavioral support. My mission is to help every student thrive through individualized, research-based instruction that meets them where they are.
Common Core

Common Core

I bring over 26 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, and literacy and math/science facilitator. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education – English as a Second Language & Multicultural Foundations and a BA in Elementary Education. I have extensive training in research-based interventions and have led professional development on using Common Core standards to drive instruction. My deep understanding of the standards allows me to support diverse learners and educators with clarity and confidence.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I am a certified teacher with over 26 years of experience, specializing in literacy intervention and writing support. I work with upper elementary and middle school students to strengthen their essay organization and written expression, using research-based programs like Step Up to Writing. Through modeling and studying authors, I help students develop their creative writing skills. I provide targeted feedback and explicit instruction to guide students in applying the strategies of strong writers, giving them a solid foundation for creative expression.
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

I received my Orton-Gillingham certification from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and support students both online and in person. As an early literacy specialist and interventionist, I have extensive experience helping students build strong reading foundations. My tutoring sessions are highly personalized, with individualized learning plans tailored to each student's unique needs. I thoughtfully integrate materials from multiple research-based interventions to effectively close learning gaps and promote lasting success.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I hold a Master’s Degree in Education and a BA in Elementary Education. I am a professionally licensed teacher with endorsements in Elementary Education (K–6) and Linguistically Diverse Education (K–12). With over 26 years of experience, I have served in a variety of roles, including Classroom Teacher, Literacy and Math Specialist, Interventionist, and Teacher Coach. This diverse background has given me a deep understanding of K–6 instruction and how to support students at all levels.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I am a former Math Specialist, Interventionist, and experienced Classroom Teacher with over 20 years of experience helping students build confidence and skills in math. I have worked with a wide range of learners and know how to break down concepts in a way that makes sense to each individual student. As a private tutor, I provide personalized support that targets specific learning needs and helps close gaps. My goal is always to make math feel more manageable and enjoyable for my students!
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I hold a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on English as a Second Language and Multicultural Foundations, and have over 26 years of experience supporting language learners. I work with students to build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through engaging, personalized lessons that meet their unique goals. My background includes classroom teaching, one-on-one instruction, and coaching educators in strategies that support multilingual learners. I am passionate about helping students strengthen their English skills while honoring their cultural and linguistic identities.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I am a certified teacher with over 26 years of experience, specializing in literacy intervention with a focus on writing support. I work with upper elementary and middle school students to build a strong foundation in essay organization and written expression. Using research-based programs like Step Up to Writing, I help students learn to structure their ideas clearly and effectively. Through explicit instruction and modeling, I guide students to understand and apply the strategies that strong writers use.
Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

As an experienced interventionist, I’ve extensively researched and implemented strategies to support the development of executive functioning skills in students. I work with learners—particularly those with ADHD and dyslexia—to build essential skills like planning, organization, task initiation, and emotional regulation. My approach is supportive and personalized, helping students create practical tools such as study schedules, annotated notes, flashcards, and to-do lists for assignments and presentations. By integrating these strategies into daily academic routines, I empower students to become more confident, independent, and effective learners.
Grammar

Grammar

I am an experienced educator with over 26 years of supporting students in writing, from foundational skills to advanced composition. I specialize in helping upper elementary and middle school students organize their ideas, develop strong sentences and paragraphs, and express themselves clearly in both creative and academic writing. My approach is personalized and supportive, drawing on research-based strategies and years of classroom, intervention, and one-on-one experience. I am passionate about helping students become confident, effective writers across all subjects.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

I am well-versed in the structure and content of the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and understand the academic demands students face during test preparation. With over 26 years of experience in education, I equip students with targeted strategies to build confidence, reduce test anxiety, and perform at their best. I support students in mastering key content areas while developing critical thinking and time management skills. In addition to the HSPT, I also help students prepare for the ISEE and SSAT at all levels.
Homeschool

Homeschool

With 26 years of experience in education, I specialize in individualizing support for elementary and middle school students, including those in homeschooling environments. I’ve held diverse roles such as classroom teacher, literacy and math specialist, interventionist, and teacher coach, giving me the expertise to identify student needs and tailor instruction to meet their goals. My training in research-based interventions, including Orton-Gillingham, enables me to provide effective, personalized literacy support. Additionally, my experience with multiple curricula allows me to align instruction with Common Core standards, ensuring a well-rounded and effective learning experience.
ISEE

ISEE

I am well-versed in the structure and content of the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and understand the academic demands students face during test preparation. With over 26 years of experience in education, I equip students with targeted strategies to build confidence, reduce test anxiety, and perform at their best. I support students in mastering key content areas while developing critical thinking and time management skills. In addition to the HSPT, I also help students prepare for the HSPT and SSAT at all levels.
Phonics

Phonics

I am an Orton-Gillingham certified Reading Specialist with over 26 years of experience supporting students through research-based interventions. I offer structured, individualized reading instruction for students with dyslexia and other literacy challenges. My approach focuses on building skills in phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and overall reading confidence. I work with students from early elementary through middle school and am deeply committed to helping them become capable, confident readers.
Reading

Reading

I am an Orton-Gillingham certified Reading Specialist with over 26 years of experience supporting students through research-based interventions. I offer structured, individualized reading instruction for students with dyslexia and other literacy challenges. My approach focuses on building skills in decoding, fluency, comprehension, and overall reading confidence. I work with students from early elementary through middle school and am deeply committed to helping them become capable, confident readers.
Writing

Writing

I am an experienced educator with over 26 years of supporting students in writing, from foundational skills to advanced composition. I specialize in helping elementary and middle school students organize their ideas, develop strong sentences and paragraphs, and express themselves clearly in both creative and academic writing. My approach is personalized and supportive, drawing on research-based strategies and years of classroom, intervention, and one-on-one experience. I am passionate about helping students become confident, effective writers across all subjects.
Elementary Science
Handwriting
Proofreading
Spelling
SSAT
Study Skills
Vocabulary
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Response time: 10 hours

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Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 10 hours
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