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Certified Teacher: Learning Challenges-K-Adult-Reading/Writing
Vicki D.

5.0 (230 ratings)

282 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $50
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About Vicki

Bio

I used to struggle in school with C and D grades. Then a high school teacher influenced this deficit by showing me areas of learning where I was already strong. She helped me make little corrections mostly by her role model of listening, of caring, and of valuing me as a person. In one year, all my grades rose to As and Bs. It was because of her that I later became passionate about teaching.
I went on to teach middle and high school English and Speech, grades 7-12, for 12 years....

I used to struggle in school with C and D grades. Then a high school teacher influenced this deficit by showing me areas of learning where I was already strong. She helped me make little corrections mostly by her role model of listening, of caring, and of valuing me as a person. In one year, all my grades rose to As and Bs. It was because of her that I later became passionate about teaching.
I went on to teach middle and high school English and Speech, grades 7-12, for 12 years. In between, I raised three children of my own. I later helped adults and children with learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, and ESL for 8 years. Then, as a reading and writing specialist, I worked with small groups, K-6. I later studied to became a family therapist because I love to help kids and adults move past learning blocks in school and in life.
I am passionate about helping students see their own strengths. I like to help them work past even small barriers to their own learning during a tutoring session. These barriers can be mental, emotional, or social. Besides active listening and modeling, my methods are based on 'Slingerland', meaning students learn to use all their brain sensory input at once in letter and word recognition. This can be applied to spelling, writing and reading comprehension.
After completing a B.A. in English/Communications with a teaching certificate from the University of WA, I earned an M.A. in Counseling/Psychology from City University of Seattle. As a counselor, I helped to improve family and work relationships. For other kinds of fun, I like to ride my bike, read, cook, lift weights, and be with my family. As well, I love fishing, snowshoeing, and hiking in our beautiful mountains.

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Education

University of Washington
English
City University of Seattle
Masters
  • Licensed teacher

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Approved Subjects

Dyslexia

Dyslexia

I was trained in the Slingerland method to help children and adults with learning challenges such as dyslexia. This is a multi-sensory approach to learning letters, words, and/or correct number recognition. This begins with using a small unit and understanding it through three modes of input at the same time: Sight, sound, and touch. This helps the stronger channel(s) of learning to reinforce the weaker ones. It can be applied to more advanced skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and math.
English

English

I graduated with a degree in English from the U of WA with teaching certification which I use to teach all aspects of English grades K-12. This includes specific reading skills, writing composition, literary analysis, and English as a 2nd language. I am also trained to work with learning challenges in reading such as dyslexia and ADHD through a multisensory approach called Slingerland. I have an M.A. in Counseling Psychology where I learned a deeper sensitivity and specific methods for effectively interacting with people in teaching and counseling.
Grammar

Grammar

There are particular aspects to English in speaking and writing; it can be complex for those learning it as a second language. They consist of the sounds, words, inflection in sentences, as well correct combinations and even interpretation. I have had extensive experience teaching applicable concepts in speech and writing, to those learning English as a second language.
Literature

Literature

I have been intrigued with dissecting great literature since high school; I majored in English, then as a high school teacher I got to help students be at least curious about the art of classic literature, the characters, and perhaps to better understand the characters' situations. As I became more intrigued by watching students grow with this awareness, I went back to school to become a mental health counselor, where I learned first-hand about plights of individuals and how to help them through it. These experiences have helped me develop the sensitivity and insight to help you delve deeper into the varied, literary meanings of great authors.
Phonics

Phonics

I was trained in the Slingerland method to help children and adults with learning challenges such as dyslexia or other reading and writing challenges. It's a multi-sensory approach to learning phonetic and non-phonetic letters, words, and/or correct number recognition. This helps the stronger channel(s) of learning reinforce the weaker ones. This effective approach can be applied to more advanced skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and math.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Having written dozens of papers for my undergraduate degree in English and scads of research and analytical 'A' papers for my graduate degree in Counseling Psychology, I feel am qualified to be an excellent proofreader. Also, with many years as a teacher, tutor, and counselor, I can help you understand sentence and paragraph structure that will help your paper flow and be clear and intriguing to the reader. I am gentle, understanding, and positive in my approach because I like what I do and the people I get to help.
Psychology

Psychology

I completed an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from City University of Seattle plus a certification in Family and Couples' Counseling. I gratefully and humbly practiced individual and family therapy in a low cost clinic in Seattle and had a private practice for eight years. This followed 20 years of successful, personal, individual therapy. Before that, I completed my undergraduate studies as a teacher of English, Dance, and Communications; I taught part-time English skills in Public School, grades K-12, while raising a family.
Reading

Reading

I was trained in the Slingerland method to help children and adults with learning challenges such as dyslexia. This is a multi-sensory approach to learning letters, words, and/or correct number recognition. This begins with using a small unit and understanding it through three modes of input at the same time: Sight, sound, and touch. This helps the stronger channel(s) of learning to reinforce the weaker ones. It can be applied to more advanced skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and math.
Spelling

Spelling

I took courses leading to the Slingerland method of teaching reading to those with dyslexia. This is a multi-sensory approach in letter and word recognition. It involves cursive letter formation with simultaneous sound and sight recognition. I used this method in small groups and one-to-one.
Writing

Writing

I graduated in English/Communications from the U of Washington with a teaching certificate to teach English Composition grades 7-12. When completing my Master's degree in Counseling-Psychology, massive amounts of research and essays were required in APA format. This culminated with a 64 page archived thesis project which took 6 months to complete.
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Vicki has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 8 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (230 ratings)
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Reviews

she is a great teacher!

I like Vickie very much. She is patient and nice. I expect to improve my listening and communication skills from her teaching. She found a book for me and read it for me. We are discussing the topics in class. And chat a lot about personal life and challenges we’re having.

Xing, 62 lessons with Vicki

Wonderful teacher!

Vicki is a wonderful teacher! She has so much patience with my daughter, and really helped her through the most challenging part of her large project. My daughter was able to complete the project by herself after Vicki helped her with organizing and finding the research!

Jessica, 2 lessons with Vicki

she is a great teacher!

I like Vickie very much. She is patient and nice. I expect to improve my listening and communication skills from her teaching. She found a book for me and read it for me. We are discussing the topics in class.

Xing, 62 lessons with Vicki

she is a great teacher!

I like Vickie very much. She is patient and nice. I expect to improve my listening and communication skills from her teaching. She found a book for me and read it for me. We are discussing the topics in class.

Xing, 62 lessons with Vicki

Great, patient, professional tutor!

My daughter has had ELA tutors before that we’re just not what we were looking for. Vicki is kind, patient and knowledgeable. She knew what my daughter needed to review from the start and with great patience took the time to work through difficult passages with her and make sure she fully understood before moving on. My daughter said she was helpful and engaging and looks forward to their next session together. That makes all the difference to me! I recommend Vicki as a tutor!

Amanda, 4 lessons with Vicki

Experienced and unflappable.

Our family has had the pleasure of working with Vicki D. This is our first experience with any type of tutoring and it felt like I (parent) had jumped into the deep end of the pool with a diagnosis of dyslexia. Vicki D. took the time to meet with me, ask questions, review our assessment and developed a plan. Vicki D. knows how to read my child, bring her attention back when she loses focus, and keep it fun and interesting. She brings warmth, experience, knowledge, and an unflappable manner. She has encouraged me (bonus) and my daughter is flourishing. I highly recommend her.

Katie, 210 lessons with Vicki
Hourly Rate: $50
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