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Retired Teacher Helps with Reading, Writing, and Other Skills
Don M.

4.9 (778 ratings)

1,525 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $30
Contact Don

Response time: 7 hours

Don M.'s Photo
Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo Don M.'s Photo

Retired Teacher Helps with Reading, Writing, and Other Skills
Retired Teacher Helps with Reading, Writing, and Other Skills
Don M.

4.9 (778 ratings)

1,525 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (778 ratings)

1,525 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Don

Bio

I currently reside in Lexington, Virginia. I retired (November 2012) as a full-time professionally certified teacher in South Carolina. My endorsement areas on my teaching certificate are Art HQ (K-12) and special education-emotionally disabled HQ (K-12). I have a master's degree plus thirty hours. My professional license was renewed July 1, 2012 and will expire June 30, 2017. I have most recently starting tutoring students from all over the country online.

I have taught all grade levels in...

I currently reside in Lexington, Virginia. I retired (November 2012) as a full-time professionally certified teacher in South Carolina. My endorsement areas on my teaching certificate are Art HQ (K-12) and special education-emotionally disabled HQ (K-12). I have a master's degree plus thirty hours. My professional license was renewed July 1, 2012 and will expire June 30, 2017. I have most recently starting tutoring students from all over the country online.

I have taught all grade levels in the public schools (preK-12th grades). I have taught in South Carolina's largest and smallest school districts. As an art teacher, I have experience in elementary, middle school, and high school.

As a special educator, I have experience teaching all core subject areas at all levels. As a special educator, I have taught ED students in self-contained classes, alternative settings, and as a start-up teacher on a Child & Adolescent Unit in a state psychiatric hospital.

I have vast experience tutoring and teaching on a one-to-one basis. I make every effort to focus on the student's individual needs, skill development, and specific learning problems. In our public schools, I have spent numerous hours helping core subject teachers assist students with particular learning problems in those subject areas.

As a tutor, I initially establish rapport with the individuals by surveying their interests and grasping an understanding of their learning problems. I set up a schedule and some time management practices to assist them with completing tasks. I emphasize teaching students how to eliminate distractions that interfere with their ability to stay on task. I try to make the tutoring session as pleasant as possible so that the student will appreciate learning and, as a result, become more motivated.

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Education

University of South Carolina (BFA)
Fine Arts Studio
Clemson University
MEd

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $30
  • Rate details: Charge of 1 hour of lessons for any cancellations without 4-hour notice. $30 is my default rate for in-person lessons and $30 is my default for online lessons.
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/30/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Corporate Training

Grammar,

Grammar

I drill basics of English grammar. I show students how to detect grammatical flaws in their writing and how to correct them. We review proper punctuation. I point out mistakes involved with subject/verb agreement. I stress teaching students to discover and employ all the tools within the word processing program they use. I emphasize having the students go over their writing for themselves to catch any stray words or thoughts, and bring them in to order. We will look for spelling errors, and run-on sentences. I make suggestions for structural changes, and different word selections. I train students to learn how to correct their own work. My goal is having students become confident speakers and writers that prefer and always use grammar standards. I provide reasons and explain grammar rules that guide all revisions I suggest. I use grammar references and online sources to aid students to learn acceptable, conventional, standard grammar. The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and the New Oxford American Dictionary are two texts I rely on heavily.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have taught the fundamentals of Language arts for all grade levels. I proofread and teach basic proofreading skills. My most recent work proofreading involved assisting an elementary school child learn how to structure and write a short story, a high school senior submitting response essays for university admission, and a graduate student completing the final draft of his thesis. I find and correct writing mistakes. This process is a collaborative effort. The student learns how to proofread his own writing during our session by participating during the editing and revising stages. I suggest word choice changes and have the student refer to thesauri. We improve structural elements, correct punctuation and grammatical errors, and maintain the student’s distinctive voice while strengthening his specific stance or position on the topic. My goal is help students achieve competent writing skills and understand the gradual process of becoming a better writer.

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a seasoned teacher willing to work with students from various backgrounds and levels. I am adept helping students to learn. As a life-long learner, I try to instill that tenet educating others. No matter what, acquiring more knowledge and improving skills is timeless. I have been an elementary school art teacher for ten of my twenty eight years teaching in South Carolina. As a related arts teacher, I taught every student in all grades in the school at least once a week in the art class. In addition to teaching art, I was assigned thirteen periods a week to assist core subject teachers in their classrooms. I provided small group and individual tutoring for struggling students. Some of my assignments were in 3rd grade math, 3rd grade social studies, 3rd grade ELA, 3rd grade science, 4th grade ELA, and 4th grade math. These are my most recent experiences during the last four years teaching art at Denmark-Olar elementary school. I am familiar with South Carolina's state standards for all of these subjects on all grade levels. I know firsthand the importance of passing the state tests. I am familiar with MAP scores and their effect on instruction. I have spent hundreds of hours working with small groups of students who needed the extra assistance to master the classroom material. Most of these classrooms where I assisted included special education students with learning disabilities that were being mainstreamed in this specific core subject on grade level. I worked on an individual basis with many of them. My emphasis is improving basic skills. I use the methods and techniques that I learned from a career of teaching. I apply the best practices and instructional methods acquired from taking workshops, attending in-service sessions, and from taking additional graduate hours to improve teaching performance and to learn more in specific content areas. I have extensive general knowledge and I am familiar with most subject areas (excluding foreign languages, advanced math and science). I create tutoring sessions
Grammar,

Grammar

I drill basics of English grammar. I show students how to detect grammatical flaws in their writing and how to correct them. We review proper punctuation. I point out mistakes involved with subject/verb agreement. I stress teaching students to discover and employ all the tools within the word processing program they use. I emphasize having the students go over their writing for themselves to catch any stray words or thoughts, and bring them in to order. We will look for spelling errors, and run-on sentences. I make suggestions for structural changes, and different word selections. I train students to learn how to correct their own work. My goal is having students become confident speakers and writers that prefer and always use grammar standards. I provide reasons and explain grammar rules that guide all revisions I suggest. I use grammar references and online sources to aid students to learn acceptable, conventional, standard grammar. The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and the New Oxford American Dictionary are two texts I rely on heavily.
Reading,

Reading

I will help your student acquire language acquisition, improve communication, and assist them with sharing information and ideas. This will happen by your student becoming a better reader. I will help them learn how to read on grade level and better comprehend the content of core courses. Reading on grade level is essential for comprehension. I hope to make reading a pleasant experience. I will teach them that the reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. I will encourage the student to learn how to appreciate reading as an individual activity. I will encourage the student to read out loud during tutoring sessions so I can benefit by learning more about the student's needs and his developmental level. My hope is that the student will have better comprehension. I will read along with them to instill language and expression, and to promote comprehension of text. I will help them learn how to track their own understanding. I will help them make sense of the text.
Spelling,

Spelling

I never won a spelling bee, but I can help a student dissect words, gain confidence with spelling, and implement a strategy for knowing how to spell correctly. My approach is to correct bad spelling habits. I help the student develop a ritual that yields more fruit. This requires ambitious effort and steady practice. My goal is to instill the learner with a broader yet crystallized understanding of the various rules of English spelling. This includes learning the many exceptions to these rules. We practice knowing how long and short vowel sounds influence the spelling of a word. We inspect letter combinations, methods of pluralizing nouns, and the rules for changing the tense of a verb. Understanding derivations of words shines light on their meaning. Learning to pronounce a word correctly is a key to being able to spell it correctly. Syllabication, articulation, and enunciation are foundational stones. Online resources provide many avenues for improving and expanding spelling skill. I encourage students to keep hard copy dictionaries, thesauri, and word books on standby at arms’ length and to refer to them frequently without hesitation. Using ‘spell check’ (along with the grammar and thesaurus checks) while creating a document on a word processor is a helpful tool. Intentionally looking over to verify correct spelling of words is essential for demonstrating a command of the English language. Being able to spell correctly is a sign of an intelligent individual.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Like a strength coach I boost word power. As a wordsmith I tailor lessons for that distinctive, customized fit. I want to provide my students with tools that enhance their word base. Hopefully they will enjoy an advantage for more success in their academic work. Knowing the meaning of words is important. It can mean the difference in passing or failing a test or a class. Having a good knowledge of word meanings can also make students do well in many different subjects. Every academic and professional specialty has its own vocabulary that requires learning and understanding unique terms. Using advanced vocabulary is a particular skill. Adding to your vocabulary makes your speech colorful, and your writing come alive. Incorrect usage of vocabulary will reward you a dunce’s cap. When you learn how to rectify your own mistakes you enjoy a satisfying badge for proficiency. Students need to understand how to pronounce the word, learn the part of speech, and know how it's used in the sentence in order to completely grasp the word. The best way to learn vocabulary is contextually, and reading is the best context. One needs to use the word in their speech actively and appropriately to retain it. A typical tutoring session would involve teaching vocabulary expansion and dictionary/thesaurus skills. I help students identify and utilize context clues in passages and sentences. I assist students to learn how to make right word choices. I familiarize students with the many Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes that construct words (so that unknown vocabulary will become quicker and easier to decipher).

English

English,

English

I am an avid reader and writer. I read fiction by novelists who have won the Noble Prize in Literature. I have worked with students at all grade levels to improve their reading and writing skills.
Grammar,

Grammar

I drill basics of English grammar. I show students how to detect grammatical flaws in their writing and how to correct them. We review proper punctuation. I point out mistakes involved with subject/verb agreement. I stress teaching students to discover and employ all the tools within the word processing program they use. I emphasize having the students go over their writing for themselves to catch any stray words or thoughts, and bring them in to order. We will look for spelling errors, and run-on sentences. I make suggestions for structural changes, and different word selections. I train students to learn how to correct their own work. My goal is having students become confident speakers and writers that prefer and always use grammar standards. I provide reasons and explain grammar rules that guide all revisions I suggest. I use grammar references and online sources to aid students to learn acceptable, conventional, standard grammar. The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and the New Oxford American Dictionary are two texts I rely on heavily.
Literature,

Literature

I engage higher-order thinking skills for exploring the meaning of a work of literature. I help students write their reflection papers by making sure they understand the rubric and requirements of the assignment. I encourage progress in literacy. I teach how to read for comprehension and analysis. I have read and discussed books and grade level literature text stories with young people. I have assisted undergraduate students with response critiques to poems and other literary works. My goal is to instill in adults and children the habits of mind that characterize self-reliant thinkers, readers, and learners. Benefits derived from my tutoring are students will write more effective expository essays.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

I have taught the fundamentals of Language arts for all grade levels. I proofread and teach basic proofreading skills. My most recent work proofreading involved assisting an elementary school child learn how to structure and write a short story, a high school senior submitting response essays for university admission, and a graduate student completing the final draft of his thesis. I find and correct writing mistakes. This process is a collaborative effort. The student learns how to proofread his own writing during our session by participating during the editing and revising stages. I suggest word choice changes and have the student refer to thesauri. We improve structural elements, correct punctuation and grammatical errors, and maintain the student’s distinctive voice while strengthening his specific stance or position on the topic. My goal is help students achieve competent writing skills and understand the gradual process of becoming a better writer.
Reading,

Reading

I will help your student acquire language acquisition, improve communication, and assist them with sharing information and ideas. This will happen by your student becoming a better reader. I will help them learn how to read on grade level and better comprehend the content of core courses. Reading on grade level is essential for comprehension. I hope to make reading a pleasant experience. I will teach them that the reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. I will encourage the student to learn how to appreciate reading as an individual activity. I will encourage the student to read out loud during tutoring sessions so I can benefit by learning more about the student's needs and his developmental level. My hope is that the student will have better comprehension. I will read along with them to instill language and expression, and to promote comprehension of text. I will help them learn how to track their own understanding. I will help them make sense of the text.
Spelling,

Spelling

I never won a spelling bee, but I can help a student dissect words, gain confidence with spelling, and implement a strategy for knowing how to spell correctly. My approach is to correct bad spelling habits. I help the student develop a ritual that yields more fruit. This requires ambitious effort and steady practice. My goal is to instill the learner with a broader yet crystallized understanding of the various rules of English spelling. This includes learning the many exceptions to these rules. We practice knowing how long and short vowel sounds influence the spelling of a word. We inspect letter combinations, methods of pluralizing nouns, and the rules for changing the tense of a verb. Understanding derivations of words shines light on their meaning. Learning to pronounce a word correctly is a key to being able to spell it correctly. Syllabication, articulation, and enunciation are foundational stones. Online resources provide many avenues for improving and expanding spelling skill. I encourage students to keep hard copy dictionaries, thesauri, and word books on standby at arms’ length and to refer to them frequently without hesitation. Using ‘spell check’ (along with the grammar and thesaurus checks) while creating a document on a word processor is a helpful tool. Intentionally looking over to verify correct spelling of words is essential for demonstrating a command of the English language. Being able to spell correctly is a sign of an intelligent individual.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

Like a strength coach I boost word power. As a wordsmith I tailor lessons for that distinctive, customized fit. I want to provide my students with tools that enhance their word base. Hopefully they will enjoy an advantage for more success in their academic work. Knowing the meaning of words is important. It can mean the difference in passing or failing a test or a class. Having a good knowledge of word meanings can also make students do well in many different subjects. Every academic and professional specialty has its own vocabulary that requires learning and understanding unique terms. Using advanced vocabulary is a particular skill. Adding to your vocabulary makes your speech colorful, and your writing come alive. Incorrect usage of vocabulary will reward you a dunce’s cap. When you learn how to rectify your own mistakes you enjoy a satisfying badge for proficiency. Students need to understand how to pronounce the word, learn the part of speech, and know how it's used in the sentence in order to completely grasp the word. The best way to learn vocabulary is contextually, and reading is the best context. One needs to use the word in their speech actively and appropriately to retain it. A typical tutoring session would involve teaching vocabulary expansion and dictionary/thesaurus skills. I help students identify and utilize context clues in passages and sentences. I assist students to learn how to make right word choices. I familiarize students with the many Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes that construct words (so that unknown vocabulary will become quicker and easier to decipher).
Writing

Writing

My goal is to provide the student with a means of becoming self-sufficient in his/her academic writing. My approach to tutoring writing is tailored to each student's needs and abilities. As a teacher I have helped with writing skills for the past thirty years. I provide learning activities that are suited to each person's development. I promote self expression. Helping students find their voices and flourish in their words are learning outcomes I focus on to accomplish.

History

American History,

American History

With the student's history text and the student's current grade and tests results in this class, I will teach him how to study more efficiently to increase comprehension of each chapter. We will preview, survey, and review what needs to be covered. We will work on study and test taking best practices.
Geography,

Geography

I use Dorling Kindersley Publisher’s Atlas A-Z as a pocket reference tool and global guide. This atlas provides detailed maps of every region in the world, profiles of every nation, and essential facts and figures detailing geography, climate, society and economics. I instruct the student how to use an atlas. I introduce students to other references and online sources to assist them completing projects and essays. I help them make the distinctions between political and cultural geography. I assist students with developing techniques for research. Students will learn study and test taking methods. I help them structure and write reports and essays.
Social Studies,

Social Studies

As an undergraduate student I took courses in history, philosophy, sociology, and the humanities. As a special educator in the public schools I have experience teaching Social Studies and History at all grade levels. As an art teacher in the public schools I have experience assisting grade level teachers in Social Studies at the elementary level. I base my tutoring technique on grade level SC state standards, the school's curriculum, and the individual teacher's requirements, comments, and suggestions. It is important for me to know what the timeline and due dates are for assignments, essays, research papers, and tests. This is essential so one can plan on writing the research paper before it is due and not waiting to complete the task as a last minute exercise. Topic: Each grade level has specific topics outlined in the standards. This is what I cover during a tutoring session. My intention is to teach the student how to stay on time with completing tasks. Students need to build a mental timeline of key names, places, dates, and concepts covered in a given chapter from their text. Thinking Skills: I will help students learn how to memorize important dates, people, and events. The most important part will be enabling the tutored student to put it all together. I will help the student learn how to think about the entire process so that they will be more confident in his/her understanding and comprehension of the material covered. Study Skills: I will instruct the student on how to add to his/her already learned study skills from previous grades. We will work together to build on this knowledge. I will introduce some new concepts on how to be a more effective learner. We will rehearse using study skills to become a part of the student's routine. I will inspect and check homework calenders and assignment pages. I will read aloud along with the student specific textbook readings and assist the student with being able to summarize the most important ideas in the chapter. When research and a project is due I will
World History

World History

I assist a student to obtain a global perspective of human events. I view history as endless accounts of the diversities and similarities of all nations and cultures. I teach students why past historical stories are valuable today. While growing up I had a personal passion for leafing through the pages of National Geographic magazine fascinated by the photographs and their captions. I enjoy exploring online sources for images that compliment tutoring sessions. I use abundant photographs, illustrations, maps, charts, and other visual representations to help make the historical period easier to understand. I taught one World History class at a High School (Greenville County School District) where I was the art teacher. When I was a special education teacher, I taught World History within the context of our Social Studies classes. As the elementary school art teacher, I assisted a third grade teacher during Social Studies. As a tutor, I explain historical concepts. I emphasize understanding difficult words. My goal is to help students know and comprehend their textbook. By explaining the teacher’s requirements I enable students to learn how to be better prepared for classroom discussions, taking tests, and writing essays. I review and check their ability to understand the important concepts in the current school lesson.

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a seasoned teacher willing to work with students from various backgrounds and levels. I am adept helping students to learn. As a life-long learner, I try to instill that tenet educating others. No matter what, acquiring more knowledge and improving skills is timeless. I have been an elementary school art teacher for ten of my twenty eight years teaching in South Carolina. As a related arts teacher, I taught every student in all grades in the school at least once a week in the art class. In addition to teaching art, I was assigned thirteen periods a week to assist core subject teachers in their classrooms. I provided small group and individual tutoring for struggling students. Some of my assignments were in 3rd grade math, 3rd grade social studies, 3rd grade ELA, 3rd grade science, 4th grade ELA, and 4th grade math. These are my most recent experiences during the last four years teaching art at Denmark-Olar elementary school. I am familiar with South Carolina's state standards for all of these subjects on all grade levels. I know firsthand the importance of passing the state tests. I am familiar with MAP scores and their effect on instruction. I have spent hundreds of hours working with small groups of students who needed the extra assistance to master the classroom material. Most of these classrooms where I assisted included special education students with learning disabilities that were being mainstreamed in this specific core subject on grade level. I worked on an individual basis with many of them. My emphasis is improving basic skills. I use the methods and techniques that I learned from a career of teaching. I apply the best practices and instructional methods acquired from taking workshops, attending in-service sessions, and from taking additional graduate hours to improve teaching performance and to learn more in specific content areas. I have extensive general knowledge and I am familiar with most subject areas (excluding foreign languages, advanced math and science). I create tutoring sessions
English,

English

I am an avid reader and writer. I read fiction by novelists who have won the Noble Prize in Literature. I have worked with students at all grade levels to improve their reading and writing skills.
Reading,

Reading

I will help your student acquire language acquisition, improve communication, and assist them with sharing information and ideas. This will happen by your student becoming a better reader. I will help them learn how to read on grade level and better comprehend the content of core courses. Reading on grade level is essential for comprehension. I hope to make reading a pleasant experience. I will teach them that the reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. I will encourage the student to learn how to appreciate reading as an individual activity. I will encourage the student to read out loud during tutoring sessions so I can benefit by learning more about the student's needs and his developmental level. My hope is that the student will have better comprehension. I will read along with them to instill language and expression, and to promote comprehension of text. I will help them learn how to track their own understanding. I will help them make sense of the text.
Spelling,

Spelling

I never won a spelling bee, but I can help a student dissect words, gain confidence with spelling, and implement a strategy for knowing how to spell correctly. My approach is to correct bad spelling habits. I help the student develop a ritual that yields more fruit. This requires ambitious effort and steady practice. My goal is to instill the learner with a broader yet crystallized understanding of the various rules of English spelling. This includes learning the many exceptions to these rules. We practice knowing how long and short vowel sounds influence the spelling of a word. We inspect letter combinations, methods of pluralizing nouns, and the rules for changing the tense of a verb. Understanding derivations of words shines light on their meaning. Learning to pronounce a word correctly is a key to being able to spell it correctly. Syllabication, articulation, and enunciation are foundational stones. Online resources provide many avenues for improving and expanding spelling skill. I encourage students to keep hard copy dictionaries, thesauri, and word books on standby at arms’ length and to refer to them frequently without hesitation. Using ‘spell check’ (along with the grammar and thesaurus checks) while creating a document on a word processor is a helpful tool. Intentionally looking over to verify correct spelling of words is essential for demonstrating a command of the English language. Being able to spell correctly is a sign of an intelligent individual.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic
Writing

Writing

My goal is to provide the student with a means of becoming self-sufficient in his/her academic writing. My approach to tutoring writing is tailored to each student's needs and abilities. As a teacher I have helped with writing skills for the past thirty years. I provide learning activities that are suited to each person's development. I promote self expression. Helping students find their voices and flourish in their words are learning outcomes I focus on to accomplish.

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a seasoned teacher willing to work with students from various backgrounds and levels. I am adept helping students to learn. As a life-long learner, I try to instill that tenet educating others. No matter what, acquiring more knowledge and improving skills is timeless. I have been an elementary school art teacher for ten of my twenty eight years teaching in South Carolina. As a related arts teacher, I taught every student in all grades in the school at least once a week in the art class. In addition to teaching art, I was assigned thirteen periods a week to assist core subject teachers in their classrooms. I provided small group and individual tutoring for struggling students. Some of my assignments were in 3rd grade math, 3rd grade social studies, 3rd grade ELA, 3rd grade science, 4th grade ELA, and 4th grade math. These are my most recent experiences during the last four years teaching art at Denmark-Olar elementary school. I am familiar with South Carolina's state standards for all of these subjects on all grade levels. I know firsthand the importance of passing the state tests. I am familiar with MAP scores and their effect on instruction. I have spent hundreds of hours working with small groups of students who needed the extra assistance to master the classroom material. Most of these classrooms where I assisted included special education students with learning disabilities that were being mainstreamed in this specific core subject on grade level. I worked on an individual basis with many of them. My emphasis is improving basic skills. I use the methods and techniques that I learned from a career of teaching. I apply the best practices and instructional methods acquired from taking workshops, attending in-service sessions, and from taking additional graduate hours to improve teaching performance and to learn more in specific content areas. I have extensive general knowledge and I am familiar with most subject areas (excluding foreign languages, advanced math and science). I create tutoring sessions
English,

English

I am an avid reader and writer. I read fiction by novelists who have won the Noble Prize in Literature. I have worked with students at all grade levels to improve their reading and writing skills.
Reading,

Reading

I will help your student acquire language acquisition, improve communication, and assist them with sharing information and ideas. This will happen by your student becoming a better reader. I will help them learn how to read on grade level and better comprehend the content of core courses. Reading on grade level is essential for comprehension. I hope to make reading a pleasant experience. I will teach them that the reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. I will encourage the student to learn how to appreciate reading as an individual activity. I will encourage the student to read out loud during tutoring sessions so I can benefit by learning more about the student's needs and his developmental level. My hope is that the student will have better comprehension. I will read along with them to instill language and expression, and to promote comprehension of text. I will help them learn how to track their own understanding. I will help them make sense of the text.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic
Writing

Writing

My goal is to provide the student with a means of becoming self-sufficient in his/her academic writing. My approach to tutoring writing is tailored to each student's needs and abilities. As a teacher I have helped with writing skills for the past thirty years. I provide learning activities that are suited to each person's development. I promote self expression. Helping students find their voices and flourish in their words are learning outcomes I focus on to accomplish.

Other

Geography,

Geography

I use Dorling Kindersley Publisher’s Atlas A-Z as a pocket reference tool and global guide. This atlas provides detailed maps of every region in the world, profiles of every nation, and essential facts and figures detailing geography, climate, society and economics. I instruct the student how to use an atlas. I introduce students to other references and online sources to assist them completing projects and essays. I help them make the distinctions between political and cultural geography. I assist students with developing techniques for research. Students will learn study and test taking methods. I help them structure and write reports and essays.
Study Skills

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic

Special Needs

ADHD,

ADHD

My experience in education and mental health provided opportunities to deal with all types of student behavior. I have tutored students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. I have taught students who are ADD/ADHD in special education classes. The key to helping these students is to keep them on the task. They are easily distracted. They tend to get off task talking about their interests or tangents unrelated to the subject. They require continuous redirection to focus again on the lesson. Providing them with extra time to complete the task is required. Managing their attention requires significant patience. Providing lessons and activities that require them to manipulate items, and to move about is helpful. As a tutor I provide differentiated instruction that meets the needs of the individual. Because of their short attention span, I am constantly challenged to be inventive and flexible in order to help them become more efficient learners.
Special Needs,

Special Needs

In 1986 I earned a Master of Education degree in Special Education with a major in Emotionally Disabled from Clemson University. Through my work experiences as a certified special education teacher I learned how students’ emotions and mental health affect their learning. I have taught self contained classes with ED students in our public schools. I have firsthand knowledge instructing students with learning disabilities and problem behaviors in a variety of educational settings from an alternative campus in a wilderness environment to being a start up special education teacher on a Child & Adolescent Unit in a state psychiatric hospital. I provided appropriate lessons to teach core subjects based on students’ individual functional level. I used a student’s IEP (Individual Educational Plan) as the basis for evaluating progress in achieving objectives and obtaining goals. I planned and directed all aspects of IEP and other meetings dealing with ED students assigned to me as case manager. I monitored and managed student behaviors. I became adept at adjusting instruction to students’ needs based on their learning styles and preferences. I promoted parental involvement. As a tutor for students with special needs, I suggest materials and approaches to help students use their learning strengths to compensate for their learning challenges. I emphasize improving reading skills and comprehension. I stress improving writing skills using correct grammar and structural conventions. I have been successful helping students from kindergarten children through adults. I take the initiative to confer with parents, obtain their input and expectations, and listen to their feedback so I can modify and make other appropriate adjustments tutoring their student. My strategy requires maximum parental involvement and support to enhance the student’s learning progress. I teach students how to pinpoint important information, focus on the task, and improve study skills. My goal is to improve students’ confidence so they can become more succe
Study Skills

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a seasoned teacher willing to work with students from various backgrounds and levels. I am adept helping students to learn. As a life-long learner, I try to instill that tenet educating others. No matter what, acquiring more knowledge and improving skills is timeless. I have been an elementary school art teacher for ten of my twenty eight years teaching in South Carolina. As a related arts teacher, I taught every student in all grades in the school at least once a week in the art class. In addition to teaching art, I was assigned thirteen periods a week to assist core subject teachers in their classrooms. I provided small group and individual tutoring for struggling students. Some of my assignments were in 3rd grade math, 3rd grade social studies, 3rd grade ELA, 3rd grade science, 4th grade ELA, and 4th grade math. These are my most recent experiences during the last four years teaching art at Denmark-Olar elementary school. I am familiar with South Carolina's state standards for all of these subjects on all grade levels. I know firsthand the importance of passing the state tests. I am familiar with MAP scores and their effect on instruction. I have spent hundreds of hours working with small groups of students who needed the extra assistance to master the classroom material. Most of these classrooms where I assisted included special education students with learning disabilities that were being mainstreamed in this specific core subject on grade level. I worked on an individual basis with many of them. My emphasis is improving basic skills. I use the methods and techniques that I learned from a career of teaching. I apply the best practices and instructional methods acquired from taking workshops, attending in-service sessions, and from taking additional graduate hours to improve teaching performance and to learn more in specific content areas. I have extensive general knowledge and I am familiar with most subject areas (excluding foreign languages, advanced math and science). I create tutoring sessions
Reading,

Reading

I will help your student acquire language acquisition, improve communication, and assist them with sharing information and ideas. This will happen by your student becoming a better reader. I will help them learn how to read on grade level and better comprehend the content of core courses. Reading on grade level is essential for comprehension. I hope to make reading a pleasant experience. I will teach them that the reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement. I will encourage the student to learn how to appreciate reading as an individual activity. I will encourage the student to read out loud during tutoring sessions so I can benefit by learning more about the student's needs and his developmental level. My hope is that the student will have better comprehension. I will read along with them to instill language and expression, and to promote comprehension of text. I will help them learn how to track their own understanding. I will help them make sense of the text.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

The most successful students are the ones that have been taught good study skills. As a tutor, I show the student how to acquire skills to become a more efficient and effective learner. This requires learning specific strategies, following systematic steps, and continuous practice. The goal is to increase learning performance results. The student will become more confident in his abilities. The student will become more self-motivated. The student will learn more knowledge faster with less frustration. The student will retain more knowledge. Comprehension and recall will improve. The outcome is a better performing student. I have a master's degree in Special Education (Emotionally Disabled-Secondary School Emphasis). My state teaching license certifies me to teach all core subjects Pre-K through 12th grade to special education students who are emotionally disabled. As a graduate teaching assistant at Clemson University while I was earning my masters degree, my responsibilities were to instruct three classes per week to undergraduates struggling with academic success. The class was Time Management and Study Skills. This class also involved teaching reading skills and test taking strategies. I assist students who are disorganized and have poor study habits. I develop methods to ensure that their time spent doing homework and studying is productive. I show them how to compare book notes and class notes to find similarities. I instruct them on how to make a list of questions as they are reading so as to make their reading most productive. I do not assume that students have learned critical thinking skills. I train kids to read with a purpose, organize their thoughts and notes, infer what comes next, and connect what they read to their own lives. I provide tips and skills that are based on each person's interests, attention span, and strengths. I show how to sift through text to grasp main ideas. The student must learn to navigate between the covers and identify text features, particularly elements of a nonfic
Writing

Writing

My goal is to provide the student with a means of becoming self-sufficient in his/her academic writing. My approach to tutoring writing is tailored to each student's needs and abilities. As a teacher I have helped with writing skills for the past thirty years. I provide learning activities that are suited to each person's development. I promote self expression. Helping students find their voices and flourish in their words are learning outcomes I focus on to accomplish.

Examples of Expertise

Don has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

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4.9 (778 ratings)
5 star
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Reviews

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Wonderful, patient tutor

Teacher Don did several writing sessions with my 9 yo son. Super patient, attentive, draws from my son’s interests. Calm, reassuring style. Wonderful, patient tutor.

Milana, 8 lessons with Don

Patient and tries to get student more involved

My daughter has had 4 classes with Don so far and we are very happy with the progress. He found movies she likes and picked out books that match the theme - so she could read them and learn to take notes as well as draw out comparisons. Looking forward to seeing her improve over the summer.

Jagan, 22 lessons with Don

Great tutoring session

Don M. Really helped me find successful strategies that will help me with the Reading Portion of the FTCE General knowledge exam. He was very kind and Patient!

Marina, 2 lessons with Don

Knowledge and Patient Tutor

Don is punctual, detail oriented, and patient. He is an excellent teacher who listens to the students' need and plan his lessons to help the students. He is simply the best. My son really enjoys reading with Don.

Katie, 39 lessons with Don

Knowledgeable and engaging tutor

Mr. Don is great with my 4th grader! He asks engaging questions, is creative, and even has her excited about working together on book reports and Social Studies!

Tanya, 68 lessons with Don

Nailed it the first time!

My child is transitioning into the seventh grade, and I have been looking for a tutor to help him advance in reading/writing/vocabulary. Don and I had talked before the initial lesson so that I could let Don know exactly what my goal was for my child. It’s been two lessons so far, but I feel that Don has nailed it from the first time. You don’t have to tell him much-he’s got plenty of experience to be able to pinpoint and figure out exactly what your child is lacking in and how to go about helping him/her. I can’t wait to see the academic progress that my child will make after this summer (which I know will definitely reflect in his school grades)!!!

Misato, 6 lessons with Don

Experienced knowledgeable inpatient

We're so glad to have found Don. Extremely patient experienced and knowledgeable . Today was the first session and we're definitely looking forward to his help! THANK YOU!

Ralph, 2 lessons with Don

Works great with my ADD!

Don is very patient and kind. He knows how to work well with my ADD. He is very good at guiding me to find the answers myself. He knows what to say and how to go about things to keep me focused and redirect me when needed. I can tell he actually cares how well I do, and that is very comforting.

Kara, 10 lessons with Don

Academic Coach and Beyond

Our son is a completely average student. But as a student-athlete, he has some unique challenges and concerns. Don and our son found some common ground on the very first meeting. Don and his son are both former student athletes! Don addressed the critical disciplines required of our son to fully succeed and not just get by. Don discussed goal setting, study tips and time management. He reviewed an essay to make further suggestions. He shared other tips and strategies. An hour well-spent. We look forward to Don coaching Aaron through finals this month and beyond. The goal is to get his GPA up from 2.3 range to more of a 3.0 range in core classes. I have confidence Don is equipped to show our son the way to accomplish his goals.

Trisha, 3 lessons with Don
Hourly Rate: $30
Response time: 7 hours
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