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30+ Years in Education: K-8 Reading, Math, Writing & Beyond
Sallie B.

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About Sallie

Bio

I have spent more than 30 years in education and still love helping students succeed. I hold a doctorate (Ed.D.) and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a master's in PK-12 Administration and Supervision, and a bachelor's in Psychology and K-8 Education. I am licensed in Virginia to teach grades K-8 and in school administration. I taught first, second, fourth, and fifth grades, served as a math and literacy coach and a learning support specialist, and have been a...

I have spent more than 30 years in education and still love helping students succeed. I hold a doctorate (Ed.D.) and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a master's in PK-12 Administration and Supervision, and a bachelor's in Psychology and K-8 Education. I am licensed in Virginia to teach grades K-8 and in school administration. I taught first, second, fourth, and fifth grades, served as a math and literacy coach and a learning support specialist, and have been a school principal for 17 years. I have also taught undergraduate and graduate education courses at the University of Mary Washington.

As a classroom teacher, I taught every core elementary subject: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, so I support K-8 students across the curriculum. I start by finding out exactly where a student is with quick assessments, then build lessons around that child's needs and interests. I break skills into clear steps, model them, and give plenty of encouraging practice so students see their own progress. I have worked with struggling learners, students with learning differences, and advanced students who need more challenge, and I help with study skills, organization, and test preparation. I keep parents informed and share ways to help at home.

I also work with college and adult learners. I have taught college courses in literacy instruction, assessment, language acquisition, and research methods, and I can help education majors and teachers with coursework, lesson planning, and licensure test preparation. For graduate and doctoral students, I coach papers, research proposals, and dissertations. Having completed my own dissertation while working full-time, I help students organize their ideas, align research questions with methods, strengthen academic writing, and set realistic timelines.

My sessions are patient, positive, and structured. Every learner can grow with the right support, and I would love to help you or your child take the next step.

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Education

Randolph- Macon College
Education
The George Washington University
Masters
Liberty University Ed D.
EdD
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $55
  • Rate details: K-8 tutoring $55/hr. Thesis/dissertation coaching & interview prep $70/hr. Packages and sibling rates available on request. Cancel 24 hours ahead to avoid a charge.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Sallie hasn’t set a schedule.

Approved Subjects

ADHD

ADHD

As a former learning support specialist, assistant principal, and elementary principal with more than 30 years in education, I have worked closely with many students with ADHD and their families. I have served on Child Study Teams, helped oversee IEPs and support plans, and developed tools for tracking the progress of students who need extra support. In tutoring sessions, I use short, focused activities, clear routines, frequent movement breaks, visual checklists, and lots of positive feedback to help students stay engaged and build confidence. I also teach practical organization and time-management strategies and work with parents so the same supports carry over to home and school.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

As the parent of a daughter with autism, I understand both the challenges and the remarkable strengths of learners on the spectrum, and I bring that understanding to every session. Professionally, I have spent more than 30 years in education as a teacher, learning support specialist, assistant principal, and principal, serving on Child Study Teams and helping oversee IEPs and support plans for students with a wide range of needs. In tutoring, I use predictable routines, clear visual supports, step-by-step instruction, and each student's interests to build skills and confidence at a comfortable pace. I partner closely with families, because I know firsthand how much it matters to have someone who truly understands your child.
Common Core

Common Core

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher, and I have spent my career teaching and leading instruction aligned to rigorous state standards. I understand the thinking behind standards-based math and reading, including number sense, multiple solution strategies, close reading, and using evidence from texts. I help students master these skills and explain their reasoning, and I help parents understand the newer math methods their children bring home so they can support homework with confidence. I also support students preparing for end-of-year state assessments in reading and math.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

As an elementary teacher, literacy coach, and principal for more than 30 years, I have helped young writers turn their ideas into stories, poems, and personal narratives they are proud to share. I teach the craft of writing in a fun, encouraging way, including brainstorming, building characters and settings, using vivid details and dialogue, and revising a draft into a finished piece. I am also an author myself, writing and publishing regularly and completing a book, so I know firsthand how rewarding and challenging the writing process can be. My goal is to help each student build confidence, develop their own voice, and discover the joy of writing.
Debate

Debate

I have presented more than ten times at state and national education conferences, and as a principal I speak regularly to families, staff, and community groups, so I know how to build a clear argument and deliver it with confidence. I also write publicly on education policy, which means researching issues, weighing evidence, and answering opposing viewpoints. I help students research a topic, build a strong claim with supporting evidence, anticipate and respond to counterarguments, and organize their ideas into a persuasive speech. I also coach speaking skills such as eye contact, pacing, and managing nerves, which helps students in class presentations, debates, and beyond.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and more than 30 years in elementary education. I taught first, second, fourth, and fifth grades, covering reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, and later served as a math and literacy coach and a learning support specialist. For the past 17 years I have been an elementary school principal, working closely with teachers to strengthen instruction and help students who are struggling, on grade level, or ready for more challenge. I use quick assessments to find each child's starting point and build patient, encouraging lessons that create real progress and confidence.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I taught math in first, second, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms before serving as a math and literacy coach. I help students build a strong foundation in number sense, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, place value, and word problems. I use hands-on materials, drawings, and real-life examples so students understand why math works, not just how to get the answer, and I break each skill into clear, manageable steps. Whether a child is catching up, needs extra practice, or is ready for more challenge, I create a patient, encouraging space where math anxiety turns into confidence.
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I taught science as part of the core curriculum in first, second, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms. I help students understand key topics such as plants and animals, weather, matter, forces and motion, the solar system, and the scientific method. I make science hands-on and engaging with simple experiments, observations, and real-world examples, while also building the reading, vocabulary, and writing skills students need to explain what they learn. As a principal, I have also supported teachers in preparing students for state science assessments, so I can help with test review and study strategies.
English

English

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and former literacy coach, and have taught graduate courses in literacy and language acquisition at the University of Mary Washington. I help students strengthen every part of English, including reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing paragraphs, essays, and research papers. I tailor each lesson to the student's goals, whether that is keeping up with English class, preparing for a test, or building skills for college and beyond. As a published writer myself, I model clear, confident writing and give specific feedback students can use right away.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have taught English learners in my own classrooms and online as a VIPKid teacher, where I taught one-on-one English lessons to children over video. As a principal, I lead a school with an ESOL program and work closely with ESOL teachers to support English learners as they build their language skills and succeed academically. I have also taught graduate courses in language acquisition and literacy instruction at the University of Mary Washington, so I understand how students learn a new language. My lessons are patient, encouraging, and interactive, using visuals, conversation, games, and real-life topics to build vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing skills with confidence.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, have taught and graded writing at the graduate level at the University of Mary Washington, and publish my own essays regularly. I help students at every stage of the process, from understanding the prompt and building a strong thesis to organizing evidence, writing clear paragraphs, and revising for flow and polish. I work with middle and high school students on school essays, college applicants on personal statements, and college and graduate students on academic papers. My feedback is specific and encouraging, and I teach skills students can use on their own, not just fixes for one assignment.
Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

As a former learning support specialist, assistant principal, and principal with more than 30 years in education, I have helped many students who struggle with organization, planning, time management, and staying focused, including students with ADHD and other learning differences. I teach practical systems students can actually use, such as planners and checklists, breaking big assignments into small steps, setting priorities, estimating time, and building routines for homework and studying. I coach students to monitor their own progress and adjust when something isn't working, so they become more independent over time. I also work with parents to set up simple supports at home that reinforce the same skills.
GED

GED

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, have more than 30 years in education, and have taught adult learners in graduate courses at the University of Mary Washington. I help GED students build the reading, writing, and reasoning skills they need, especially for the Reasoning Through Language Arts test, including understanding passages, analyzing arguments, and writing a clear, well-supported extended response. I also help with study skills, test-taking strategies, and building a realistic study plan around work and family. I know returning to school can feel intimidating, so I create a patient, respectful, encouraging space where adult learners can build confidence and reach their goal.
Grammar

Grammar

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and former literacy coach with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have taught grammar and writing conventions in elementary classrooms for many years. I help students master parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, subject-verb agreement, and common usage errors, explaining each rule in plain language with clear examples. Rather than relying on worksheets alone, I teach grammar through students' own writing so the skills stick and show up in their schoolwork. I also help English learners and older students polish their writing for school, work, and college.
Handwriting

Handwriting

As a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher who taught first and second grade, I have helped many young students learn to form letters correctly and write neatly and comfortably. I teach proper pencil grip, letter formation, sizing, spacing, and line placement for both print and cursive, breaking each skill into simple, manageable steps. My sessions use fun, multisensory practice, short activities, and lots of encouragement so children stay motivated and see their progress. I also share easy practice routines parents can use at home between sessions.
Homeschool

Homeschool

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I taught every core elementary subject in my own classrooms before becoming a principal. I help homeschool families choose and organize curriculum, plan lessons and pacing for the year, and check that their children are on track with grade-level skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. I can teach subjects directly, give assessments to find strengths and gaps, and offer practical teaching strategies and encouragement to parents. My goal is to make homeschooling feel organized, confident, and rewarding for both parent and child.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

As an elementary principal for 17 years, I have interviewed and hired teachers and staff many times, so I know exactly what hiring committees look for and what makes a candidate stand out. I prepare preservice and new teachers, as well as experienced educators seeking new roles or leadership positions, for interviews through realistic mock interviews, common and scenario-based questions, and specific feedback on their answers. I also help candidates write strong résumés and cover letters that highlight their strengths and match the job they want. My goal is for every client to walk into an interview prepared, confident, and ready to show their best.
Literature

Literature

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher, and have served as a literacy coach and taught graduate courses in literacy instruction at the University of Mary Washington. I help students read novels, short stories, poetry, and plays with deeper understanding, focusing on character, plot, theme, setting, point of view, and the author's craft. I teach students to support their ideas with evidence from the text and to express their thinking clearly in discussion and writing, including literary essays and book reports. My goal is to help each student become a thoughtful, confident reader who truly enjoys great books.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, publish my own writing regularly, and have reviewed many applications and written statements as a principal who hires staff. I help students applying to college, graduate school, and doctoral programs, as well as educators applying for new positions, write personal statements that are authentic, focused, and memorable. Together we brainstorm meaningful experiences, shape them into a clear story, and revise for strong openings, vivid details, and polished writing. I coach and give feedback rather than writing for students, so the final statement truly reflects their own voice.
Phonics

Phonics

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and former literacy coach with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have taught graduate courses in literacy instruction and assessment. As a first and second grade teacher, I taught young children to decode, blend sounds, and read with growing fluency and confidence. I begin with a quick, friendly assessment of letter sounds, blending, and sight words to find exactly where a child is, then teach skills step by step with plenty of hands-on practice and reading of real books. I have worked with beginning readers, struggling readers, and students with learning differences, and I share simple ways parents can practice at home.
Praxis

Praxis

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and principal with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have taught education courses to future and current teachers at the University of Mary Washington. I help aspiring teachers prepare for Praxis exams, especially the Core academic skills tests and the elementary education and reading tests, by reviewing key content, teaching test-taking strategies, and practicing with realistic questions. Because I have spent years hiring, coaching, and evaluating teachers, I can connect test content to what really happens in classrooms, which makes it easier to understand and remember. I build a study plan around each student's strengths and gaps so they walk into test day prepared and confident.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, have reviewed and given feedback on graduate-level papers as a university instructor, and publish my own writing regularly. I help students catch and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, and formatting, including APA style for college and graduate papers. Rather than simply fixing mistakes, I walk students through each error so they understand the rule and can catch similar mistakes on their own next time. I work with students of all ages, from younger writers polishing school assignments to college students, graduate students, and professionals preparing important documents.
Reading

Reading

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher, and have taught graduate courses in literacy instruction, assessment, and language acquisition at the University of Mary Washington. Over more than 30 years, I have taught reading in first through fifth grade classrooms, coached teachers as a literacy coach, and led school-wide reading improvement as a principal. I assess each student's fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, then build lessons that strengthen those skills through engaging books, strategy instruction, and discussion that helps students think deeply about what they read. I work with struggling readers, students with learning differences, and strong readers who want more challenge, with the goal of building both skill and a real love of reading.
SOL

SOL

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and a Virginia elementary principal with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have spent years preparing students for the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. As principal of a Title I school, I led instruction that raised student proficiency by 5 to 21 percent within two years on the SOL assessments. I know exactly what each grade-level test covers and how questions are written, and I help students master the content in reading, math, and science while building test-taking strategies and confidence. I use practice questions and quick checks to find each student's gaps, then target lessons where they will make the biggest difference.
Spelling

Spelling

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and former literacy coach with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have taught spelling in elementary classrooms for many years. Instead of relying on memorization alone, I teach the sound patterns, spelling rules, word families, prefixes, and suffixes that help students spell new words with confidence. I use fun, multisensory activities and plenty of practice in real writing so spelling skills carry over into schoolwork. I also help students prepare for weekly spelling tests and spelling bees, and I share simple practice routines families can use at home.
Study Skills

Study Skills

As a teacher, learning support specialist, and elementary principal for more than 30 years, I have helped hundreds of students build the habits that lead to school success. I teach practical, age-appropriate strategies for organizing materials, managing time, breaking big assignments into steps, taking notes, and preparing for tests. I also coach college and graduate students, drawing on my experience teaching university courses and completing my own doctorate while working full-time. My approach is patient and encouraging, and I help each student build a simple routine that fits how they learn and that families can support at home.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

I hold an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and completed my dissertation on teacher motivation and self-efficacy while working full-time, so I understand both the academic demands and the real-life pressures of finishing a thesis. I have taught graduate-level research methodology at the University of Mary Washington, guiding students through research design and scholarly writing. I help students narrow their topic, write strong research questions, align their methods with their questions, organize the literature review, and present findings clearly in APA style. I also help with planning and accountability, breaking a large project into realistic steps so students keep making steady progress toward completion.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher and former literacy coach with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I have taught graduate courses in literacy and language acquisition at the University of Mary Washington. I help students learn new words deeply through reading, discussion, and writing, not just memorizing definitions. I teach strategies such as using context clues, breaking words into prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and connecting new words to what students already know, so they can figure out unfamiliar words on their own. I work with young readers, English learners, and older students preparing for tests, and I make vocabulary practice engaging and easy to remember.
Writing

Writing

I hold a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, am a Virginia-licensed K-8 teacher, and have taught writing in elementary classrooms, as a literacy coach, and in graduate courses at the University of Mary Washington. With younger students, I teach how to plan ideas, build strong sentences and paragraphs, and revise and edit their own work with confidence. For high school, college, and graduate students, I help with essays, research papers, and dissertations, focusing on clear organization, strong arguments, and polished academic writing. I am also an active writer myself, publishing regularly on education and completing a book, so I understand the writing process from the inside.
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