Christina

Certified Tutor

I am an experienced, passionate certified Elementary Reading Specialist/Teacher and Tutor. I have 11 years of in-person and online tutoring experience. I tutor Phonics, Reading, Writing, and Math. I have experience as a Reading Specialist, Academic Support Instruction Teacher, Title I Teacher, and Elementary Teacher in NJ & PA. I also taught a Varsity Tutors Virtual Bridge the Learning Gap: Reading Class Camp this summer for Kindergarten-1st Grade students.
I have a Post-Master's as a Reading Specialist from The College of New Jersey. I have an MAT in Elementary Education and a Bachelor's in English with a minor in Professional Writing from The College of New Jersey. I have taken courses on best practices for teaching Literacy. As a lifelong learner, I stay up to date on current literacy teaching practices and continue to learn through Professional Development Workshops. I attended Fundations and Wilson Reading Professional Development Workshops, and received certificates. I will be watching additional Wilson Reading webinars this summer. I attend Reading and Writing Workshops at The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and Rider University to improve my teaching craft. I also attended Teachers College Reading Workshop training. I attended the Teachers College June Reading Institute 2020 as well as the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education Virtual Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training course this summer, and received certificates. I read Professional Books on Literacy and Teaching. I participate in Reading/Technology webinars for Reading Specialists and Teachers. I am also participating in a "Fresh Look at Phonics" book club with Reading Specialists/Teachers this summer.
I hold high expectations for myself and my students. I get to know students' interests to increase their motivation. When I am planning lessons, I am mindful of students' needs. I use assessment to drive my instruction. I use differentiated
instruction to focus on the skills students need the most assistance with. I explain the goals of the lessons using an I Can... statement. I provide students with helpful Reading, Writing, and Math strategies that they can use independently.
I use books, technology, activities, as well as games to make learning fun and keep students engaged.
I have open communication with students and parents. I would like students to develop a growth mindset and achieve their goals.