Credentialed Special Educator, Elementary, Secondary and Adult Ed

Pamela M.

ADHD

Last year I took a workshop through the University of New Hampshire in teaching students with ADD/ADHD. For many years I have been a Special Education teacher and as part of my training to continue to qualify for a credential, information about working with students with ADD/ADHD has been an essential part of my education. It is important to note that only a doctor who is qualified to diagnose ADD/ADHD can say whether or not a child (or adult for that matter) actually has ADD/ADHD. Ritalin used to be the only medication available to help treat this condition but now there are other alternatives and choices. There are many strategies to help students and it is important that they understand what ADD/ADHD is and how they can begin to take responsibility for their own learning and behavior. Having support and developing coping strategies, sports and hobbies that help a student build self-esteem are critical to a student's success in school and in life. Tutoring sessions can be structured so help students focus. A timer is an essential tool during my sessions, letting a student know exactly what is expected of them and what will be covered in the session is necessary, having extra materials and supplies helps, working where there are no distractions is a key. Breaking up the session into manageable time segments also helps along with a simple motivation like a sticker or other desired object or game(approved, of course, by parents). As a teacher with students in a classroom I would use all of the above strategies and have used weekly progress reports for parents and teachers to facilitate communication that minimizes manipulation on the part of students. Frequent breaks and a chance to get up and move around in a safe way often works for students. Squeeze balls can aleve tension as well. The organization of a classroom is key, the setting, lighting and even the temperature can make a difference. Every day routines need to be established from the beginning. Very clear and simple rules and consequences need to be expla

Elementary (K-6th)

Along with a certification earned in California for Multiple Subjects (K-8), I have had the opportunity to teach Grades 2-8, all subjects.

Elementary Math

I am a certified elementary school teacher and have had the opportunity to teach Grades 2, 3 and 4.

English

English Grammar can be one of the most challenging parts of writing there is. I have had the opportunity to teach an adult night class in Exploring College Writing, I have been a part time journalist and was writing for a very public audience. My credentials include Special Education and Elementary (Grades K-8) subjects so I have used successful writing curricula and had to supplement with creative ideas. Writing is related directly to Reading and Reading Comprehension and is the last subject for most students to learn. I am a very good Reading teacher. Writing is a very important communication skill and needed for success in life no matter what your life goals are.

Phonics

My experience in teaching phonics begins with the training I received in the Orton-Gillingham Phonics program. From there I added Project Read and the Wilson program. It is my favorite subject to teach and I have been using it to teach reading, grades 2-8, in public schools and at a private school for students with Learning Disabilities.

Reading

For almost 30 years I have been teaching Language Arts and other subjects. I have a background in Reading and Special Education. Finding the methods and stategies that are the right fit for a student is one of my specialties. I love to read and have motivated many students to love reading as well.

Spelling

I have a background in several Reading programs including: Orton-Gillingham, Project Read and Wilson. Because all of these programs have a spelling component I have used them (and others) to teach spelling for many years as a K-12 teacher in Special Education, Middle and Elementary Schools, both public and independent. The origin (etymology) of words is one of my favorite subjects and spelling fits right in!

Study Skills

As a certified Special Education teacher I have worked with students from pre-school to adult learning programs. Many students struggle with organization and time management. Often they are confused about how to study for tests. I have been able to help students learn specific strategies (such as using a timer, or how to organize a binder, how to use a planner, relaxation techniques, how to take notes) that help make learning less overwhelming and less anxiety provoking.

World History

World History is my favorite subject, I have been a History Interpreter at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH and a role player as well. My first teaching certification was in Social Sciences and I now have an HQT certificate in History.

Writing

Writing is one of the last Language Arts skills that a student learns and can be one of the most challenging. It is directly related to Reading and Reading Comprehension which is a subject that I am the most skilled at teaching. As a journalist for a local paper in California I was fortunate to practice writing skills in a very public arena. I also had the opportunity to teach an adult class in Exploring College Writing. As a teacher of grades 2-8 I have found a writing program that used a scaffolding method to teach writing that was very successful. Writing is an important communication skill that all students need to succeed, no matter what their life goals are.