Ira: Ottawa tutor

Certified Tutor

My strengths are ELA/Lit, Comp, Essay and Creative Writing, History (US and World), Biology/Earth Sciences, Social Studies/Civics, basically embracing the Humanities and soft sciences. I also have experience as a member of the LBS Special Education Teams assisting students in need of educational and social emotional support in learning.
Earlier in life it was my intention to pursue an MFA in Literature with a concentration in creative writing and follow whatever path it naturally may have taken. Instead I went to law school and matriculated in the legal field, specializing as a trial lawyer commanding a powerful pen, legal pad and ability at a podium. Changes in my personal and professional life over the past decade have lead me back to a love of education, teaching, reading, writing and sharing a passion for the academic enrichment of young persons through knowledge, education and opportunity.
Opening the minds of elementary, middle and high school students, "tweenagers" is the reward, instilling in them an appreciation and curiosity for life long learning. Being able to reach students and connect through direct interaction using positive reinforcement by delivering cogent and compelling information and issue recognition, basically teaching students how to learn is a blessing.
Knowing what happened in 1066 AD might not save one's life in a late night robbery, but paying attention in school (learning how to find out what happened in 1066 AD (Battle of Hastings and it's historical significance) even if via a Google search) is a good start toward living a disciplined life making good choices which goes a long way to keeping one out of that dark alley at night. It was a lesson I learned in high school courtesy of Mr. Kotter, history teacher on Welcome Back Kotter connecting with Freddy 'Boom Boom' Washington, one of his special education remedial learning "Sweat Hogs" (at the time a term of endearment).
Earning the trust of a young scholar, taking the mystery out of learning, engaging and opening young minds, watching students whether cognitively, economically and/or educationally challenged or gifted learn to eagerly embrace what they do know as opposed to what they don't know, there is no greater reward, personally or professionally. Once a student trusts you as a credible source of information it becomes infectious, instilling in a student a confidence, a voice, a tangible empowerment opening up a potential for the tangible opportunities life has to offer, a mystery to many young people.
Education opens windows and doors. Education is the foundation of future learning and accomplishment.
We all face obstacles and make mistakes in our journey towards adulthood. It's the reason pencils have erasers and keyboards have backspace and delete keys. Young persons all deserve second and third chances in education to learn to embrace available opportunities and overcome obstacles in route to success.
Education, diligence and perseverance (at times with the assistance of a caring mentor and tutor) are at times essential foundational building blocks in our childrens' eventual academic success.