Melissa

Certified Tutor

I spent 34 years working in public education, and I recently retired in 2024. 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 so that I could obtain principal certification to work as an Instructional Specialist and a Special Education Coordinator in Texas districts. 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 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 been tutoring with Varsity Tutors since mid-November and use Nearpod with most 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 slides 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 great tutoring sessions. Tutoring might be the difference maker, so I want to be intentional with the learning plan.