Search
Melissa D.'s Photo

Tutoring should be a relief, not an extra burden!
Melissa D.

4.8 (188 ratings)

532 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $55
Contact Melissa
Response time: 14 hours
Melissa D.'s Photo

Tutoring should be a relief, not an extra burden!
Tutoring should be a relief, not an extra burden!
Melissa D.

4.8 (188 ratings)

532 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (188 ratings)

532 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Melissa

Bio

Hello Students and Families,

My name is Melissa. I've been a tutor or a teacher for over 20 years. NH State certified as a Reading and Writing specialist, I'm also certified in elementary education and special education. My best subjects are writing, reading, and study skills at any level. I am good at teaching math through the first half of Algebra.

I teach full-time. With notice, my schedule is flexible after school on weekdays and on weekends. We can work together one time, for a...

Hello Students and Families,

My name is Melissa. I've been a tutor or a teacher for over 20 years. NH State certified as a Reading and Writing specialist, I'm also certified in elementary education and special education. My best subjects are writing, reading, and study skills at any level. I am good at teaching math through the first half of Algebra.

I teach full-time. With notice, my schedule is flexible after school on weekdays and on weekends. We can work together one time, for a couple of hours, or for a couple of months - whatever your student needs.

I try to be the tutor I wish I had when I was young. This means that I will believe in your abilities and point out the positive every time we are together. I will learn with you about your best learning style. And, I will help you feel prepared for your next academic challenge.

My headline says, "Tutoring will be a relief, not an extra burden." Even though tutoring is in addition to school hours, learning the right skills for you will lighten your load from the beginning and for the long term. You will never regret investing in your learning!

Read more

Education

Oswego State
Elementary Education
Rivier University
MEd
Plymouth State
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $55
  • Travel policy: Within 20 miles of Merrimack, NH 03054
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 4/10/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Corporate Training

Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

With a bachelors and a masters in education, I am state certified and recognized as HQT (Highly Qualified Teacher) in Reading. I am in my seventh year as a high school reading teacher and have over 20 years experience with various grade levels including elementary. Finally, I have my own son who just turned 15 so I have experience with teaching and in living with a little guy. Most students respond well to 1:1 attention and breaking down reading, math and writing skills for true understanding and mastery. They go back to their classrooms ready for success!
Handwriting,

Handwriting

I have specific training in handwriting instruction - both manuscript and cursive. Many years ago, it was part of training for Orton-Gillingham teaching. I use great workbooks by Diana Hanbury King - very traditional approach. The lessons are great, but the most improvement comes with accompanying independent practice.
Phonics,

Phonics

I am HQT for reading, and I have extensive training in basic reading instruction: a college course, 5 years experience at Sylvan Learning Center, five years as a reading specialist at a high school, and 80 hours of Orton-Gillingham training. This includes phonemic segmentation and blending which are often the culprits in delayed early literacy progress.
Reading,

Reading

This is my favorite subject to teach. It unlocks almost all the other subjects. I am NH state certified to teach K-8 General education and K-12 special education. I am recognized as HQT for reading. I have specific training for teaching students with dyslexia, including spelling and writing. Finally, I have over 20 years of experience including five years as Director of Education for a Sylvan Learning Center.
Spelling,

Spelling

I have specific training for teaching spelling to students with dyslexia. However, this is a very difficult subject to impact because English words come from various other languages. Nevertheless, I use a three-pronged approach including direct instruction in word histories and meanings; instruction in memorization techniques; practice spelling with eyes, ears and hands for muscle learning; and, of course repetition and motivation.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is my favorite subject to teach! The most effective way to teach it is through word histories, breaking down the roots and affixes, using memory techniques, recognizing usage in our daily life and of course review including smartphone apps.
Elementary Math, Grammar

English

English,

English

English has always been my strongest subject. I was almost an English teacher because I love literature and the entire writing process. My passion is for helping students "crack the code." My experience ranges from teaching little guys the mechanics of the reading process, through increasing vocabulary and comprehension and enhancing older student's independent work with study skills such as skim/scan/SQ3R/reading rate.
Reading,

Reading

This is my favorite subject to teach. It unlocks almost all the other subjects. I am NH state certified to teach K-8 General education and K-12 special education. I am recognized as HQT for reading. I have specific training for teaching students with dyslexia, including spelling and writing. Finally, I have over 20 years of experience including five years as Director of Education for a Sylvan Learning Center.
Spelling,

Spelling

I have specific training for teaching spelling to students with dyslexia. However, this is a very difficult subject to impact because English words come from various other languages. Nevertheless, I use a three-pronged approach including direct instruction in word histories and meanings; instruction in memorization techniques; practice spelling with eyes, ears and hands for muscle learning; and, of course repetition and motivation.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is my favorite subject to teach! The most effective way to teach it is through word histories, breaking down the roots and affixes, using memory techniques, recognizing usage in our daily life and of course review including smartphone apps.
Writing,

Writing

Writing tutoring is my most requested service. It's a very difficult subject to teach and to learn in a group or classroom setting. I am state certified with a bachelors and masters degrees in education. I have specific training in teaching writing skills including sentences, paragraphs, essays, and of course grammar. I strive to help my students develop effective written communication while still maintaining their own voice.
Grammar, Proofreading

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

With a bachelors and a masters in education, I am state certified and recognized as HQT (Highly Qualified Teacher) in Reading. I am in my seventh year as a high school reading teacher and have over 20 years experience with various grade levels including elementary. Finally, I have my own son who just turned 15 so I have experience with teaching and in living with a little guy. Most students respond well to 1:1 attention and breaking down reading, math and writing skills for true understanding and mastery. They go back to their classrooms ready for success!
English,

English

English has always been my strongest subject. I was almost an English teacher because I love literature and the entire writing process. My passion is for helping students "crack the code." My experience ranges from teaching little guys the mechanics of the reading process, through increasing vocabulary and comprehension and enhancing older student's independent work with study skills such as skim/scan/SQ3R/reading rate.
Handwriting,

Handwriting

I have specific training in handwriting instruction - both manuscript and cursive. Many years ago, it was part of training for Orton-Gillingham teaching. I use great workbooks by Diana Hanbury King - very traditional approach. The lessons are great, but the most improvement comes with accompanying independent practice.
Reading,

Reading

This is my favorite subject to teach. It unlocks almost all the other subjects. I am NH state certified to teach K-8 General education and K-12 special education. I am recognized as HQT for reading. I have specific training for teaching students with dyslexia, including spelling and writing. Finally, I have over 20 years of experience including five years as Director of Education for a Sylvan Learning Center.
Spelling,

Spelling

I have specific training for teaching spelling to students with dyslexia. However, this is a very difficult subject to impact because English words come from various other languages. Nevertheless, I use a three-pronged approach including direct instruction in word histories and meanings; instruction in memorization techniques; practice spelling with eyes, ears and hands for muscle learning; and, of course repetition and motivation.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.
Writing,

Writing

Writing tutoring is my most requested service. It's a very difficult subject to teach and to learn in a group or classroom setting. I am state certified with a bachelors and masters degrees in education. I have specific training in teaching writing skills including sentences, paragraphs, essays, and of course grammar. I strive to help my students develop effective written communication while still maintaining their own voice.
Prealgebra

Math

Prealgebra

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

With a bachelors and a masters in education, I am state certified and recognized as HQT (Highly Qualified Teacher) in Reading. I am in my seventh year as a high school reading teacher and have over 20 years experience with various grade levels including elementary. Finally, I have my own son who just turned 15 so I have experience with teaching and in living with a little guy. Most students respond well to 1:1 attention and breaking down reading, math and writing skills for true understanding and mastery. They go back to their classrooms ready for success!
English,

English

English has always been my strongest subject. I was almost an English teacher because I love literature and the entire writing process. My passion is for helping students "crack the code." My experience ranges from teaching little guys the mechanics of the reading process, through increasing vocabulary and comprehension and enhancing older student's independent work with study skills such as skim/scan/SQ3R/reading rate.
Reading,

Reading

This is my favorite subject to teach. It unlocks almost all the other subjects. I am NH state certified to teach K-8 General education and K-12 special education. I am recognized as HQT for reading. I have specific training for teaching students with dyslexia, including spelling and writing. Finally, I have over 20 years of experience including five years as Director of Education for a Sylvan Learning Center.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.
Writing,

Writing

Writing tutoring is my most requested service. It's a very difficult subject to teach and to learn in a group or classroom setting. I am state certified with a bachelors and masters degrees in education. I have specific training in teaching writing skills including sentences, paragraphs, essays, and of course grammar. I strive to help my students develop effective written communication while still maintaining their own voice.
Prealgebra

Other

Study Skills

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.

Special Needs

ADHD,

ADHD

I'm an NH State certified special and general educator with over 20 years experience, bachelors and masters degree in education. Many students I work with have this diagnosis. And, in my experience, 1:1 tutoring is very productive for a student with A.D.H.D. As a tutor, I interact with the student as an individual learner, especially to establish a rapport of trust. As the student works, I observe and can see where things may be breaking down. Tutoring provides students with privacy so they are insulated from embarrassment in front of peers. A student must learn to capitalize on the their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses. Skills learned during tutoring can then be applied in a group setting. This begins the process of building upon successes.
Dyslexia,

Dyslexia

First, I'm a state certified teacher with a bachelors and a masters degree in education and I'm recognized as HQT for reading. Twice in my career, I completed the Orton-Gillingham teacher training (about 80 hours total) and I did the supervised teaching. OG includes phonics, vocabulary, spelling and writing. However, I don't hold an OG certificate because I've never been able to do the observation hours. I've successfully tutored many students of all age levels who reflect a dyslexic profile. My passion is to help readers "crack the code." Finally, I have taught remedial reading at the high school level for over six years.
Phonics,

Phonics

I am HQT for reading, and I have extensive training in basic reading instruction: a college course, 5 years experience at Sylvan Learning Center, five years as a reading specialist at a high school, and 80 hours of Orton-Gillingham training. This includes phonemic segmentation and blending which are often the culprits in delayed early literacy progress.
Special Needs,

Special Needs

I have extensive experience with direct care, support and instruction because my own son has Autism and mental retardation. Professionally, I am NH state certified in Special Education. Finally, I've always been a 1:1 tutor so my focus is individual learning and individual progress. We can start where we need to and move forward at the student's own pace.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

With a bachelors and a masters in education, I am state certified and recognized as HQT (Highly Qualified Teacher) in Reading. I am in my seventh year as a high school reading teacher and have over 20 years experience with various grade levels including elementary. Finally, I have my own son who just turned 15 so I have experience with teaching and in living with a little guy. Most students respond well to 1:1 attention and breaking down reading, math and writing skills for true understanding and mastery. They go back to their classrooms ready for success!
Reading,

Reading

This is my favorite subject to teach. It unlocks almost all the other subjects. I am NH state certified to teach K-8 General education and K-12 special education. I am recognized as HQT for reading. I have specific training for teaching students with dyslexia, including spelling and writing. Finally, I have over 20 years of experience including five years as Director of Education for a Sylvan Learning Center.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I'm a general and special educator with 20 years experience, and a bachelors and masters degree in education. I have found that study skills is a great subject for tutoring. First, skills such as organization, time management, reading rate, note-taking, memory and test-taking are not necessarily taught in school. If they are, for some students, the lessons may be lost in a group setting. As a tutor, I get to know each student as an individual. We can begin to apply study skills on homework, long term projects, book reports - whatever is assigned. I was a student myself - at various stages of development. I don't judge students, rather I help them understand themselves as learners so they can reach their goals.
Writing

Writing

Writing tutoring is my most requested service. It's a very difficult subject to teach and to learn in a group or classroom setting. I am state certified with a bachelors and masters degrees in education. I have specific training in teaching writing skills including sentences, paragraphs, essays, and of course grammar. I strive to help my students develop effective written communication while still maintaining their own voice.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (188 ratings)
5 star
(151)
4 star
(36)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Superb instruction, engaging and very knowledgeable

Melissa has been working with my high school aged son and improving his writing skills. She is always prepared and moves along at a pace suitable for his learning. We can see the steady growth in his skills. Melissa is also able to keep him engaged and provide feedback that a teen can positively respond to.

Christina, 18 lessons with Melissa

Great teacher! Very patient!

Ms. Melissa D. is great with our 6 year old. Our son looks forward to his online session every week.

Anonymous, 19 lessons with Melissa

Patient and experienced educator

Melissa has been very patient working with my son, who is 11 years old. They are working on fundamental writing skills. My son enjoys the tutoring session and is learning from each session.

Barbara, 4 lessons with Melissa

Great tutor

Today was our first lesson with Melissa. I found her to be very patient, prepared and knowledgeable in the subject matter. Our son can be reserved and uninterested in English and I was a bit worried that he would not participate. Melissa was very patient, and I felt she was able to draw him in and keep him engaged. She really broke it down in simple form and kept it simple and uncomplicated, I think she will be a great fit. It's obvious she is passionate about teaching and cares very much. I think it was a great first day and My son liked her a lot. Thank you Melissa.

Debra, 6 lessons with Melissa

Amazing tutor

Currently I am doctoral student studying physical therapy. Melissa -helped me strategize how to study for my upcoming pharmacology exam. Overall, she was very supportive and gave me helpful tips on study preparation.

Leah , 2 lessons with Melissa

Patient and definitely reachable by phone. Good experience with only one lesson. Booked lesson for a second teaching.

Melissa D. will be giving a session Friday. One session we found her to attentive and a good listener. My son is comfortable and at ease and willing to sit read and learn with her. She is welcoming and informative and has no problem answering questions. A good learning experience and we are looking forward to tomorrow's lesson.

Mitchell, 8 lessons with Melissa

Caring

During our sessions with Melissa we have found her to be patient and caring. Melissa keeps the mood of the lesson light & fun. Melissa uses her sense of humor to connect with my son!! We are enjoying working with her.

Jessica, 4 lessons with Melissa

Patience

Patience is a virtue and Ms. Melissa has it with either Language Arts and Math. Encouraging with challenging students who need a little more time to develop skills and confidence.

Geralyn, 13 lessons with Melissa

Great Tutor!!

Melissa has done a great job with my son. She has provided him with tools (Apps) to utilize outside of school and tutoring to supplement what they are working on. She is extremely caring and creates a great atmosphere for him to learn and be challenged!!!

Brian, 3 lessons with Melissa
Hourly Rate: $55
Response time: 14 hours
Contact Melissa