Melissa: Medford tutor

Certified Tutor

I am a graduate of Old Dominion University. I received my Masters of Education for Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree for Human Development and Human Services from Virginia Tech-- Go Hokies! While at Virginia Tech, I developed a love for working with students through an internship at a middle school. This experience encouraged me to go on to pursue my Masters degree so I could be a teacher. I have been a public and private school teacher for 16 years. I currently teach in Suffolk, VA as a Kindergarten teacher. During the pandemic, I was a virtual teacher for almost a whole school year so I have grown exceptionally proficient at holding virtual class meetings and small group or one to one tutoring sessions. I am passionate about teaching children to read which is why I have devoted time toward pursuing extensive training in phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured reading. I was voted the Reading Teacher of the Year at my school building in the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school year. Other subjects I enjoy teaching are math, social studies, and science. During tutoring sessions, I use hands-on materials as well as technology tools to balance the format of activities and learning preferences using best practices of how children learn. I work to help a child where they are and then push them forward with some beneficial struggle and effort. In my spare time, I enjoy reading mysteries and going for hikes in my free time.