April O.

About April

I am a College Reading & Learning Association certified tutor with over 2,700 hours tutoring all levels of math from 6 through college. I am intimately familiar with many standardized tests and strategies to conquer them. I'm also certified to teach ESL. Above all else, I make learning fun! It's my goal that you leave feeling good about your subject.

About Me:
I am a certified CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) tutor who has been tutoring since September of 2011. I started at Appalachian State University in their Learning Assistance Programme's University Tutoring Services tutoring math, biology, Japanese, and a variety of other subjects. Most weeks I worked 16 hours a week and in a typical semester I tutored 30+ students a week over a variety of subjects, with most of my sessions being full (capped at 3 students/session).

I have been employed at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as a math/science tutor since January of 2013. As of September of 2013, I have well over 2,700 hours working with students since I began employment at Appalachian State University. My experience spans all age groups - from middle schoolers to adult learners (both at the GED and college level).

I have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over ten years and have spent the past 6 as an Assistant Scoutmaster for my Troop (4 of them as an Associate Advisor for our Venturing Crew in addition to the Troop). Before that, I volunteered to be an Assistant Leader with my local cub scout camp as well as assisted my local cub pack and Boy Scout Troop (moving with my younger brother as he aged through the ranks). I frequently help the boys in my troop with their homework, so I am very familiar with primary and secondary school education and at ease helping youth. Currently, I am the Crew Advisor (Scoutmaster for Venturing) for Venturing Crew 448 and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 448 in Salisbury.

I attended the NC School of Science & Mathematics for high school and graduated in December 2012 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Technical Photography, minoring in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). I am currently attending UNC-Charlotte (started Fall 2014) for a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Secondary Ed Math, hoping to transition to a Masters of Science in General Mathematics.

As of June 2015, I have successfully passed the Middle School Mathematics Praxis II with a score of 184 on a scale of 100-200 (passing is 160). I have also taken the Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 (PLT: 7-12) Praxis II test and passed with a score of 184 on a scale of 100-200 (passing is 157). I am planning on taking the High School Mathematics Praxis II within the next few months for licensure.

About My Tutoring Methods:
I have been told that I am a "tough" tutor, imposing strict attendance and participation standards, but one of the best our center has by my boss and our lab managers. I impose strict standards because I believe that regular attendance, proper preparation for sessions, and full participation leads to better grades and a deeper understanding of subject material. This is especially important in math and foreign languages where regular practice is essential to understanding the concepts and mastering the subject.

My tutoring method entails precisely identifying the underlying issue in the fundamentals of a student's learning and working with them to correct it while simultaneously assisting them with their current course work. This prevents students from falling behind in their current course work while still setting them up for success in future work. I also work with students on improving their study skills and time management skills (something I, myself, had to work on in school) so that they will experience success in all aspects of their academic careers.

I take a very laid-back approach to sessions. While my standards may be strict, I like to create a fun, positive learning environment. I often let the student direct the session to their specific needs while still maintaining control of the session as a whole. If I feel a student needs more work in a particular area, I will work with them until they are comfortable with the concept.

Frequently my students see me on campus the following semester or later and stop to tell me how well they did in their class, with many able to pull their grades up to beyond even their original expectations. I love hearing how well they did. Nothing makes me feel better than hearing, from one of my students, how they were able to ace their class and how our tutoring sessions have helped them with their new classes.

That is my goal - to prepare students for the future while still "throwing them a life raft" (as my students say) for today. I am a College Reading & Learning Association certified tutor with over 2,700 hours tutoring all levels of math from 6 through college. I am intimately familiar with many standardized tests and strategies to conquer them. I'm also certified to teach ESL. Above all else, I make learning fun! It's my goal that you leave feeling good about your… Read more

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