Search
Karen W.'s Photo

Karen W.

Experienced literacy/dyslexia specialist & test prep tutor

Experienced literacy/dyslexia specialist & test prep tutor

$75/hour

5.0 (213 ratings)

  • 606 hours tutoring

About Karen

Bio

Hello! I am a NYS-certified teacher (Reading K-12) and a literacy specialist with a small independent practice in Salamanca, NY. I work in person and online/virtually with learners of all ages on reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary development, comprehension, executive function strategies, study skills, and test preparation, The tests I have tutored extensively include the newest forms of the SAT, ACT, Praxis, and NYS teacher certification exams.

I have extensive background in working...

Hello! I am a NYS-certified teacher (Reading K-12) and a literacy specialist with a small independent practice in Salamanca, NY. I work in person and online/virtually with learners of all ages on reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary development, comprehension, executive function strategies, study skills, and test preparation, The tests I have tutored extensively include the newest forms of the SAT, ACT, Praxis, and NYS teacher certification exams.

I have extensive background in working with individuals of all ages who experience dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties, and I am certified in Wilson Reading System. I was a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, and I ran a university reading center for 7 of those years. As a teacher educator, I helped to prepare several hundred other reading teachers and literacy specialists in NY and PA. For the past five years, I have taught hundreds of word-curious literacy and Latin-language learners on the Outschool platform.

My interested in literacy and language instruction began with an Orton-Gillingham course I took years ago at The Gow School's Teacher Training Institute. I taught Orton-Gow (also known as Reconstructive Language, an Orton-based program for adolescents) for several years at The Gow School and The Gow School Summer Program. These experiences propelled me into graduate school at the University at Buffalo, where I earned my Ed.M as a reading specialist and my Ph.D in reading education.

If you are searching for a literacy specialist for individualized literacy instruction or test-preparation tutoring, face-to-face or online, I'd love to talk more with you about your goals and needs. Please send me a message.

Read more

Education

The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C
B.Mus Vocal performance
State University of New York at Buffalo
MEd
State University of New York at Buffalo
PhD

Policies

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Subjects

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Grammar

Grammar

Individuals who struggle with writing tend to struggle with composition aspects, or with transcription aspects. Some struggle with both. In other words, for some writers, getting their ideas organized is the hardest things, and for others, getting the words onto the paper or the screen is the biggest challenge. Grammar is both a composition challenge and a transcription challenge. Word choice, word order (syntax), and sentence construction are all things that happen when the writer is trying to compose. Mechanics like punctuation and spelling become challenging when the writer tries to put the composition down on paper or on the screen. In my work with literacy learners of all ages, I try to support both the composition and transcription aspects of the writing process.

Elementary Education

Grammar,

Grammar

Individuals who struggle with writing tend to struggle with composition aspects, or with transcription aspects. Some struggle with both. In other words, for some writers, getting their ideas organized is the hardest things, and for others, getting the words onto the paper or the screen is the biggest challenge. Grammar is both a composition challenge and a transcription challenge. Word choice, word order (syntax), and sentence construction are all things that happen when the writer is trying to compose. Mechanics like punctuation and spelling become challenging when the writer tries to put the composition down on paper or on the screen. In my work with literacy learners of all ages, I try to support both the composition and transcription aspects of the writing process.
Handwriting,

Handwriting

I have the Wilson Cursive Writing Kit and have used those materials and approaches with several clients. (It is similar to the D'Nealian approach, which I learned about during the Orton-Gillingham teacher training course I took years ago at The Gow School). I am an advocate of cursive - I believe that it helps people spell, because the entire arm is involved in writing the word.
Phonics,

Phonics

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution. I have considerable training and experience using Orton-based structured, systematic, sequential, multisensory phonics approaches with individuals who experience dyslexia and other language -based learning disabilities, including Level 1 Wilson Reading System certification (2013), which I have been using WRS with seven clients across the past five years.
Reading,

Reading

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is not a matter of memorization - it requires knowledge of English language structure. One of the great features of any Orton-based approach to literacy instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System (which I am certified in and can use if the situation warrants) is that instruction focuses both on the decoding (word recognition) and encoding (spelling) sides of the coin. Clients learn about the structure of the English language through the study of syllable types in the Wilson System. Another approach that I use with struggling spellers is the Words Their Way approach (Bear et al, 2016), which organizes word study and spelling instruction according to studies of how and when, developmentally, spellers in general master common English patterns. Both the Wilson approach and the Words Their Way approach garner similar results. Over time, both approaches build deep understanding of how and why English words are spelled the way they are spelled.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Word meaning (vocabulary) knowledge is critical to reading comprehension. It is also something people gain through reading. So people who struggle with reading may not have as many opportunities to learn new words from print contexts as others who do not struggle. Similarly, English language learners may not have had as many opportunities to gain new vocabulary knowledge through wide reading in English. For that reason, it is important for a tutor to develop a learner's meaning vocabulary knowledge through lots of discussion, as well as through providing lots of guided practice using context to draw inferences about unknown word meanings. As a tutor, I also support clients in their acquisition of robust vocabulary by encouraging them to keep track of new words and their meanings and usages. Vocabulary learning is not just a personal passion of mine and a major focus of the work I do with learners as a literacy specialist, but it is my major scholarly research topic, as well. I wrote my doctoral dissertation about contextual vocabulary learning approaches, and I have done several studies of the contextual vocabulary acquisition and analysis strategies used by high-school and college-age readers. So I am an expert at helping learners of any age grow their mental lexicons (their mental storehouses of words and word meanings).

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages, and an avid reader and writer. I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. I am familiar with the close reading, editing, and rhetorical writing strategies required on the current format of the ACT. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. My approach to tutoring the ACT English subtest involves engaging clients in guided practice using previous official ACT exams. Based on areas of confusion, I develop mini-lessons to bolster specific grammar/writing/editing skills and strategies. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. Prior to teaching at university, I taught high school or 16 years. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. In my role as a literacy specialist, I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. I am familiar with the close reading and argumentative writing strategies required on the current format of the exam. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Grammar,

Grammar

Individuals who struggle with writing tend to struggle with composition aspects, or with transcription aspects. Some struggle with both. In other words, for some writers, getting their ideas organized is the hardest things, and for others, getting the words onto the paper or the screen is the biggest challenge. Grammar is both a composition challenge and a transcription challenge. Word choice, word order (syntax), and sentence construction are all things that happen when the writer is trying to compose. Mechanics like punctuation and spelling become challenging when the writer tries to put the composition down on paper or on the screen. In my work with literacy learners of all ages, I try to support both the composition and transcription aspects of the writing process.
Reading,

Reading

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Teaching literacy learners has been my passion for 20+ years, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. Through my independent literacy specialist practice, I work with many teens and adults who strive to become more effective readers and writers. I also work with individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests and standardized teacher certification exams. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. In my role as a literacy specialist, I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the SAT. I am familiar with the close reading and argumentative writing strategies required on the current format of the exam, and I've been familiarizing myself with the new SAT that is being released in a few months, as well. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is not a matter of memorization - it requires knowledge of English language structure. One of the great features of any Orton-based approach to literacy instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System (which I am certified in and can use if the situation warrants) is that instruction focuses both on the decoding (word recognition) and encoding (spelling) sides of the coin. Clients learn about the structure of the English language through the study of syllable types in the Wilson System. Another approach that I use with struggling spellers is the Words Their Way approach (Bear et al, 2016), which organizes word study and spelling instruction according to studies of how and when, developmentally, spellers in general master common English patterns. Both the Wilson approach and the Words Their Way approach garner similar results. Over time, both approaches build deep understanding of how and why English words are spelled the way they are spelled.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

Word meaning (vocabulary) knowledge is critical to reading comprehension. It is also something people gain through reading. So people who struggle with reading may not have as many opportunities to learn new words from print contexts as others who do not struggle. Similarly, English language learners may not have had as many opportunities to gain new vocabulary knowledge through wide reading in English. For that reason, it is important for a tutor to develop a learner's meaning vocabulary knowledge through lots of discussion, as well as through providing lots of guided practice using context to draw inferences about unknown word meanings. As a tutor, I also support clients in their acquisition of robust vocabulary by encouraging them to keep track of new words and their meanings and usages. Vocabulary learning is not just a personal passion of mine and a major focus of the work I do with learners as a literacy specialist, but it is my major scholarly research topic, as well. I wrote my doctoral dissertation about contextual vocabulary learning approaches, and I have done several studies of the contextual vocabulary acquisition and analysis strategies used by high-school and college-age readers. So I am an expert at helping learners of any age grow their mental lexicons (their mental storehouses of words and word meanings).
Writing

Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 of those years, I helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and ran a university reading center that served hundreds of K-12 children from the surrounding area. I love to write and to work with writers on developing their craft. I provide support with all parts of the writing process (brainstorming/prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, or publishing).

Homeschool

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Handwriting,

Handwriting

I have the Wilson Cursive Writing Kit and have used those materials and approaches with several clients. (It is similar to the D'Nealian approach, which I learned about during the Orton-Gillingham teacher training course I took years ago at The Gow School). I am an advocate of cursive - I believe that it helps people spell, because the entire arm is involved in writing the word.
Reading,

Reading

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Teaching literacy learners has been my passion for 20+ years, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. Through my independent literacy specialist practice, I work with many teens and adults who strive to become more effective readers and writers. I also work with individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests and standardized teacher certification exams. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is not a matter of memorization - it requires knowledge of English language structure. One of the great features of any Orton-based approach to literacy instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System (which I am certified in and can use if the situation warrants) is that instruction focuses both on the decoding (word recognition) and encoding (spelling) sides of the coin. Clients learn about the structure of the English language through the study of syllable types in the Wilson System. Another approach that I use with struggling spellers is the Words Their Way approach (Bear et al, 2016), which organizes word study and spelling instruction according to studies of how and when, developmentally, spellers in general master common English patterns. Both the Wilson approach and the Words Their Way approach garner similar results. Over time, both approaches build deep understanding of how and why English words are spelled the way they are spelled.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.
Writing

Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 of those years, I helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and ran a university reading center that served hundreds of K-12 children from the surrounding area. I love to write and to work with writers on developing their craft. I provide support with all parts of the writing process (brainstorming/prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, or publishing).

Language

ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.

Most Popular

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Reading,

Reading

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.
Writing

Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 of those years, I helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and ran a university reading center that served hundreds of K-12 children from the surrounding area. I love to write and to work with writers on developing their craft. I provide support with all parts of the writing process (brainstorming/prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, or publishing).

Music

Ear Training,

Ear Training

I earned my B. Music in vocal performance from Catholic University in Washington DC. As part of my major, I took 4 semesters of ear training and sight singing, as well as music theory, music history, music notation, and other discipline-specific coursework. After college, I taught choral music at the high school level for many years and also taught hundreds of singers in my private studio. In all my work with ensembles and individuals, I incorporated ear training. This is because students competing in state competitions are asked to show proficiency in ear training and sight reading. Those auditioning for music schools at the college level are also required to pass ear training and sight singing tests. So ear training had to be a part of my classroom curriculum and one of the things I taught as a private practitioner. I use Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory and the instructional resources that correspond to that approach with learners. This approach involves using moveable DO in major (ionian) and minor (aeolian) tonalities and in the other modes (dorian, phrygian, mixolydian, lydian, locrian) less commonly heard in Western music. I have a strong collection of instructional materials related to ear training that I incorporate into my tutoring.
Sight Singing,

Sight Singing

I earned my B.Music in vocal performance from Catholic University in Washington DC in 1986. After college, I developed a thriving vocal studio practice in Buffalo. I taught vocal music half-time at The Gow School in South Wales, NY for 8 years (then Reconstructive Language full-time for 4 years at the same school - so I taught at Gow between 1991-2002). I also taught choral music at Nichols [Upper] School in Buffalo, NY between 2002-2006. From 1990 to 2006, I vocal-coached the Swing Choir and spring musicals at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, NY (assisting James V. Deiotte, the choral director, on an independent contractor basis). I directed SJCI's alumni ensemble, The LaSallian Singers, for 11 of its 13 years, beginning in 1990, as well. In all my work with ensembles and individuals, I incorporated sight singing (sight reading) instruction. I use Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory and the instructional resources that correspond to that approach with learners. This involves is a moveable-do system, so it involves work with solfeggio. The Gordon approach treats ear training and sight reading as two sides of the same coin, so as an instructor, I integrate both into every lesson.
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

I earned my B.Music in vocal performance from Catholic University in Washington DC in 1986. After college, I developed a thriving vocal studio practice in Buffalo, NY. Over the years, I have worked with many hundreds of aspiring singers, mostly teenagers and young adults. I am well-versed in both classical and musical theatre repertoire, and I have excellent lyric diction in Italian, German, French, and Spanish. I have been privileged to study with voice teachers Katherine Hansel and Jane White in Washington, DC; Beverly Behringer-Panten and Genia Las in Buffalo, NY; and Cristen Gregory in Toronto, Ontario. I also worked extensively with vocal coaches Thomas Reilly in Washington, DC and James V. Deiotte and Debi Overton in Buffalo, NY. I have performed with many area arts organizations, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Cheektowaga Symphony, Greater Buffalo Opera, Opera Sacra, Buffalo Opera Unlimited, Summerfare Theater, and Kavinoky. Several dozen of my students have gone on to major in music or musical theater at Baldwin-Wallace Carnegie Mellon, Catholic University, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University-Bloomington, Marymount Manhattan, New York University, Niagara University, Oberlin Conservatory, Roosevelt University, Shenandoah University, SUNY Buffalo,SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Potsdam, University of the Arts, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and West Virginia University. More than a dozen now make their livings as concert, stage, or screen performers, and a larger number work full-time in the performing arts in management and technical capacities. In addition to teaching voice privately, I taught choral music at The Gow School in South Wales, NY and Nichols [Upper] School in Buffalo, NY for a combined total of 12 years. For 22 years, I also vocal-coached the Swing Choir and spring musicals at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, NY (assisting James V. Deiotte, the choral director, on an independent contractor basis). I directed SJCI's alumni ensemb

Other

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.

Science

ACT Science

ACT Science

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. The surprising thing about the ACT Science exam is that it is NOT a test of scientific content knowledge. It is a test of multimodal reading comprehension. Another challenging aspect of the ACT Science exam is that its time parameters do not allow for close reading of the provided passages. For this reason, I teach my clients to scan for key ideas within the passages but rely more so on the information in the various data displays. I use a guided-practice approach to teach clients to analyze these data displays and scan supporting text, using examples from recent past exams.

Special Needs

Dyslexia,

Dyslexia

I am an enthusiastic and caring literacy/dyslexia specialist with 20+ years experience working with students of all ages who experience dyslexia and other reading difficulties. I earned a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my MEd reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Phonics,

Phonics

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution. I have considerable training and experience using Orton-based structured, systematic, sequential, multisensory phonics approaches with individuals who experience dyslexia and other language -based learning disabilities, including Level 1 Wilson Reading System certification (2013), which I have been using WRS with seven clients across the past five years.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.

Summer

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a tutor, literacy specialist, and college teacher, I have worked with dozens of English language learners from various backgrounds. In this work, I foster communicative competence by using both explicit instruction and lots of authentic discussion, reading, and writing activities. It is very important for learners to have ample opportunities to practice using new words, expressions, and constructions, and to receive ongoing formative feedback, as well. If you want to practice and extend your English fluency, I would be very happy to work with you!! Please let me know if I can help.
Reading,

Reading

Teaching reading is my passion, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have been a full-time teacher educator for 8 years. Prior to that, I was a high-school teacher for 16 years. I have also done work as private practitioner with literacy learners of all ages, including adults (through Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County). I have extensive experience helping learners of all ages read and write more carefully and critically and study more effectively. I earned my M.Ed degree as a reading specialist at the University at Buffalo in 2003 and my PhD in reading education at that same university in 2008. I hold permanent NYS certification as a reading teacher grades K-12. I am trained and highly experienced in Wilson Reading System and other structured, systematic, multisensory approaches to instruction. I plan clear, goal-directed lessons that build on individual's strengths as well as meeting their specific needs.
Writing

Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 of those years, I helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and ran a university reading center that served hundreds of K-12 children from the surrounding area. I love to write and to work with writers on developing their craft. I provide support with all parts of the writing process (brainstorming/prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, or publishing).

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages, and an avid reader and writer. I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. I am familiar with the close reading, editing, and rhetorical writing strategies required on the current format of the ACT. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. My approach to tutoring the ACT English subtest involves engaging clients in guided practice using previous official ACT exams. Based on areas of confusion, I develop mini-lessons to bolster specific grammar/writing/editing skills and strategies. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. Prior to teaching at university, I taught high school or 16 years. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. In my role as a literacy specialist, I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. I am familiar with the close reading and argumentative writing strategies required on the current format of the exam. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
ACT Science,

ACT Science

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the ACT. The surprising thing about the ACT Science exam is that it is NOT a test of scientific content knowledge. It is a test of multimodal reading comprehension. Another challenging aspect of the ACT Science exam is that its time parameters do not allow for close reading of the provided passages. For this reason, I teach my clients to scan for key ideas within the passages but rely more so on the information in the various data displays. I use a guided-practice approach to teach clients to analyze these data displays and scan supporting text, using examples from recent past exams.
Praxis,

Praxis

Do you need to take the Praxis exams to qualify for admission to a teacher preparation program or to gain teaching certification in your state? If so, I can help you prepare for the exam. I am an experienced teacher educator, a literacy specialist, and a patient and diligent tutor who has helped students of all ages to prepare for standardized tests. I am very familiar with the Praxis and can incorporate a range of excellent resources into our tutoring sessions. Please touch bases so we can discuss your plans and needs.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

Teaching literacy learners has been my passion for 20+ years, and I hope I can share that with you or with you child. Through my independent literacy specialist practice, I work with many teens and adults who strive to become more effective readers and writers. I also work with individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests and standardized teacher certification exams. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I am a literacy specialist with 20+ years working with learners of all ages. As a full-time teacher educator for 10 years, I ran a university reading center and helped to train several hundred other literacy specialists and reading teachers in NY and PA. I have also worked with adult learners and volunteer tutors through our local Literacy Volunteers affiliate. In my role as a literacy specialist, I've tutored many individuals who are preparing for standardized college or graduate program admissions tests, including the SAT. I am familiar with the close reading and argumentative writing strategies required on the current format of the exam, and I've been familiarizing myself with the new SAT that is being released in a few months, as well. I have access to ample prep materials and copies of many exams from the past couple of years to use during my tutoring. I have a PhD in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo (2008), as well as my M.Ed reading specialist degree (2003) from that same institution.

Examples of Expertise

Karen has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 10 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Karen ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (213 ratings)
5 star
(209)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews personable encouraging prepared wonderful capable

Superb Tutor

Knowledgeable, detailed, patient, and encouraging is what best describes Karen. For my son to request another lesson on a subject he does not like, is a testimony to her tutoring skills.

Lorraine, 4 lessons with Karen

Passionate, Knowledgeable, Enthusiastic Tutor

Karen is passionate about teaching! It is obvious to her students that she loves what she does, bringing much knowledge and enthusiasm to every session. Karen tutored my son for his SAT's and with her guidance and support he raised his test score 140 points. The time restrictions with standardized testing is extremely challenging for students with dyslexia. My son is currently a honor student without support in high school. He was frustrated and struggling when it came to SAT/ACT. Karen spent time explaining how to prepare and take the test, as well as working with him to explore strategies that had him confidently walking into the test center, fully prepared. I can say, with much assurance, that I would recommend Karen to any student. Thanks Karen!

Leah, 14 lessons with Karen

Knowledgable and passionate tutor.

Karen is passionate about what teaches and that passion passes onto her student. It is excited to work with Karen and feel her passion and to have that passion passed onto my daughter.

Melinda , 9 lessons with Karen

Excellent experience and knowledge

Very good communications skills that so than an inexperienced vocalist can understand and relate to. Karen has been punctual and has followed through where commitments have been made.

Michael, 7 lessons with Karen

Knowledgeable and patient and very accommodating.

What I like most about Dr. Karen's tutoring sessions, is that she is patient and relates our content session with real life examples and puts things in simple terms for me to understand. I like that we brain-storm together

CHRISTINA , 9 lessons with Karen

Awesome Job With Adult Dyslexia

Karen did a awesome job of using our time to identify my strengths and weaknesses to ensure she is deploying the most viable resources in the dyslexia fil she is deploying the most viable resources in the dyslexia field to maximize our efforts.

Mark , 27 lessons with Karen

Great Lesson

Dr. Karen was wonderful and I can tell she has a genuine interest in my daughter and her success.

Maureen, 69 lessons with Karen

Excellent Teacher!

Karen taught our son SAT writing skills, and grammar. She was thoroughly prepared for each lesson, and went above and beyond to help our son reach his fullest potential. Highly recommend!

Lance, 7 lessons with Karen

Wonderful Writing Tutor

Karen does an excellent job with being flexible, availability, and is really encouraging to clients during her sessions. She is really personable and down to earth. She really takes the time to know and understand her clients. I originally sought out a writing tutor because I thought I was a bad writer. After a few sessions with Karen, I realized that I am not a bad writer. Rather, I am still adjusting to academic writing and need more effective preparation techniques for writing (e.g. outlines, time management regarding drafts, and etc.) in order to accomplish the higher demands placed on writing papers in my current graduate level program. She is fabulous and I recommend her services.

Amber, 8 lessons with Karen

Diligent, prepared and extremely helpful tutor

Karen customized each session based on some pre-session questions- you don't get a 'canned' lesson with Karen. Very thoughtful, dedicated, and personable. She also provided parent with post- session updates, which were very helpful.

Col, 3 lessons with Karen
Contact Karen

Response time: 12 hours

$75/hour

Karen W.'s Photo

Karen W.

$75/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Karen

Response time: 12 hours