24 Years as a English, Spanish, Elementary, ESL Teacher, and Coach

Lisa A.

ADHD

I taught at the elementary level for 20 years and have worked with teens as well, both as a teacher and foster parent. I am experienced at differentiation, inclusion, and organization strategies that support learners with ADHD, such as strategic and choice seating, teacher proximity, active learning through TPR and hands-on activities, built-in movement breaks, mindfulness and calming exercises, goal setting and shortened high-intensity work times, visual and auditory cues and celebrations, organization and de-cluttering strategies, and the strategic use of technology to facilitate learning and remembering. I collaborate with students and parents to design solutions and strategies that are effective for each individual learner and build learner capacity for sustained success over time. I have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, 20 years experience as an elementary teacher, and am a National Board Certified teacher in English as a New Language.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have a Master's degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, with a double minor in Latin American Studies and Business Administration. I am a licensed elementary teacher (K-8th grades) with additional certifications in bilingual / bicultural education and social studies. I taught 1st grade for 8 years in a Spanish as a Second Language program, K4 for one year in a Spanish-language program, K5 for one year in a 90/10 program (90% in Spanish and 10% in English), 1st grade for two years in an 80/20 program (80% in Spanish and 20% in English), and K5-5th grades for six years as an ESL / bilingual resource teacher. I am a National Board Certified teacher in English as a New Language and a certified Spanish / English healthcare interpreter. I currently work in education part-time, providing coaching and professional development for teachers.

Elementary Math

My speciality is young or struggling mathematicians. I like simplifying math and showing your learner different strategies they can try. I enjoy turning word problems into puzzles and pictures that make sense. Please plan to join the last 5 to 10 minutes of sessions so your child and I can celebrate successes and share strategies with you.

English

I am a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and have a Master's degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Spanish. I am a certified Spanish / English healthcare interpreter too. I taught at the elementary level for 20 years, both as a classroom teacher and as an ESL / bilingual resource teacher. Now I also coach teachers to help them practice great teaching strategies. I have been told I am very good at making complex language easy to understand. Most of all, I think learning languages is fun! Studying Spanish and Russian, as well as a little French and Turkmen, has helped me understand and teach English better. I'd like to help you with your English!

ESL/ESOL

I enjoy both teaching and learning languages. Whether your child is learning English or you are--or both--I can help you. If you have a school-age learner, we will likely focus more on how English works and using English to do schoolwork. If you are an older learner, we will likely focus more on using English to communicate in day-to-day life. The choice is yours, and we will develop a plan that works for you, whatever your English-learning goals and needs!

Homeschool

I am state licensed to teach kindergarten to eighth grades, bilingual English / Spanish, and social studies. In my 25 year career, I have taught learners of all ages, with a focus on reading, writing, and math, English Learners of all ages, and professional development for educators. I currently tutor, mentor teachers, and coach teachers working on their National Board Teacher Certification and Maintenance of Certificate. My NBTC area is English as a New Language. I love designing and teaching rigorous, fun, hands-on thematic units that incorporate speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.

Reading

I taught beginning readers in both English and Spanish, mainly grades pre-K to third grade, for 20 years. New or struggling readers need much different support than more experienced and fluent readers. Rather than use a set curriculum, I am fully responsive to the learner when I teach reading and writing. I empower readers by inviting them to choose a high-interest text, or to choose from two or three I have pre-selected. I identify teaching points from their areas of challenge and practice strategies that help build their capacity to read independently. Multilingual learners benefit from learning how English works, instead of just decoding text. I love helping learners improve decoding and fluency skills as they work on comprehending grade-level text and content. You are your child's most powerful supporter and advocate. Please plan to join the last 5 to 10 minutes of each session so your child and I can celebrate growth and share strategies you can continue to reinforce and practice.

Spanish

I think languages are fun! I'll never win Trivial Pursuit, and I'm not good at identifying famous people or movie scenes. But I enjoy playing with words and languages. If you're stuck or struggling with Spanish, let's see what we can do to help it make sense to you and be more enjoyable! I have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish. I taught in Spanish / English bilingual programs at the elementary level for 14 years, from K4 to 4th grade and have taught older students and adults as well.

Writing

I love finding out just exactly where new writers are struggling and starting there. Many times learners aren't quite ready for Tier 1 classroom instruction when it's taught (new language learners, body and mind not yet ready to focus, learning challenges, etc.). By the time they are ready to learn, the class has moved on to something else. I love being able to work with students where they are and help them grow as writers and learners. Each huge-to-them success is so important to building self-esteem and a love of writing! Please plan to join the last 5 to 10 minutes of each session as often as possible so your child and I can share successes and new strategies with you.