Melissa: Clark County tutor

Certified Tutor

I spent 34 years working in public education, and I recently retired from the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-Special Education Unit in August of 2023. During my time in public education, I worked with parents, students, administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals. I double majored in elementary and special education in my undergraduate work at Louisiana Christian University. I continued my education and received my Masters in Education-Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Wesleyan University. I continued my learning and received 27+ hours in Educational Administration and obtained my Principal Certification. I worked as an Instructional Specialist and a Special Education Coordinator in Texas districts after receiving my graduate degree. I am certified to teach both general and special education in 3 states: Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. I taught students in both general education and special education depending on the need in my districts. I have the most fun teaching students instructional strategies typically recognized as specially designed instruction (SDI). I also love to teach students how to learn using techniques such as retrieval practice, overlearning, and interleaving. I have specialized training in Strategic Instruction Models (SIM) and Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). I am also trained in executive functioning and study skills. I have developed instructional sequences for students who experience difficulty with comprehension while "word calling," commonly known as hyperlexia. I have helped students who dislike writing become proficient and confident using SRSD techniques and technology such Read&Write from Texthelp. I love incorporating humor, movement, and novelty in instruction as much as possible, especially when learning is difficult. With mathematics, I have worked with students who struggle with basic computation using tools such as Touch Math, place value disks, and evidence-based practices for memorization of basic facts. I have also worked with students who do not seem to understand word problems; I use a scaffolding process to help them understand grade level problems. I have been tutoring with Varsity Tutors since November of 2024 and use Nearpod, Storyworks, Kahoot, Epic and other technological tools with tutoring sessions to increase engagement and make learning interactive. Every session I lead is planned, purposeful, and targeted based on student needs. I send copies of the session notes directly to the parents of the students I serve as well as PDF copies of the Nearpod and/or Google slides, if requested, so that lines of communication are always open with regard to content and methodology. I spend a lot of time planning because the students deserve impactful tutoring sessions. Tutoring is often the difference maker, so I want to be intentional with my planning.