Shaina
Certified Tutor
You can do it...We can help!
Working together to meet student needs continues to be a motivating force and guiding principle of my teaching philosophy. I genuinely enjoy finding new, creative and engaging ways to facilitate learning. We are ALL life-long learners, and I'm here to help!
I am a current public school-teacher, specializing in middle grades education; I also have several years experience in private tutoring one-on-one.
I consider myself a reliable, detail-oriented thinker, dedicated to the profession of education.
I am a proactive contributor to the school community, currently serving in several positions such as Social Studies department chair, school leadership team chairperson, yearbook co-chair, and acting Curriculum Facilitator. These opportunities were accepted with enthusiasm due to experience having served as department chair of an 8th grade Language Arts Department for several years. I have worked with other lead content teachers to train colleagues on Common Core State Standards and create corresponding units and lesson plans. I have also participated as grade level representative on the schools leadership team and head cheerleading coach for several years. Various administrations have selected me to serve on several school committees and subcommittees to develop data driven plans based on best practices and research-based strategies for achievement of our diverse students and their needs. I also have experience coordinating several events such as school-wide talent shows and various programs.
After graduating as a NC Teaching Fellow from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelors degree in Middle Grades Education in 2006, I entered the professional field, to later pursue higher education in 2011. I have most recently obtained a masters degree in Middle Grades Education at Gardner-Webb University (2013).
I have attained experience at various middle schools throughout the district, serving various demographics.
I believe my experience in providing remediation and enrichment in the content areas of English Language-Arts and Social Studies and experience with a variety of students and student needs, will make me a great fit for your tutoring needs.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Bachelors, Middle Grades Education
Graduate Degree: Gardner-Webb University - Masters, Middle Grades Education
reading, dancing, laughing and spending quality time with my family
- Elementary School Reading
- English
- Essay Editing
- High School Writing
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Writing
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session with a student, I would take the time for us to get to know one another. Establish trust and rapport. Evaluate strengths and areas of concern. An open and honest discussion in which we establish goals and steps to achieve these goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I believe scaffolding learning can help a student become an independent learner. Observing the instructor model applying the new concept, working with the instructor in a guided practice, and collaborating with peers are all steps leading to a student becoming a successful independent learner.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated by taking brain breaks! Sometimes your brain needs a break and a boost, just like any other muscle in your body. Sometimes a break and a breath of fresh air allows new ideas to flow freely. Celebrating the victories, no matter how minute they may seem, taking a break from the more challenging, and practicing new skills/applying new concepts in which the student had recent success, are all ways I believe would help a student stay motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has difficulty learning a new skill or concept, I would attempt to re-teach the concept or skill in a myriad of ways. Incorporating different activities such as video clips, movement, simulations, and music to address multiple intelligences and various learning styles.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I like to use annotating the text, visualization, re-telling, making connections, and interactive review games to help students who are struggling with reading comprehension.
What is your teaching philosophy?
You can do it!! I can help!!