Melissa
Certified Tutor
I enjoy teaching almost as much as I enjoy learning. My credentials include a Masters Degree in Elementary and Special Education, a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science (Psychology), Dual Pennsylvania Teaching Certification (Elementary and Special Education), and Brain Injury Specialist Certification from the Brain Injury Association of America. I have 4 years of formal teaching experience and 10 years of experience in positions that require excellent interpersonal skills (healthcare, psychology and education).
I have enjoyed the opportunity to teach diverse groups of students, including those with a variety of learning, emotional, behavioral, and neurological disabilities, those who perform at or below grade level, and English Language Learners. I have collaborated with various treatment teams composed of teachers, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and family-based services in order to better address students' needs. These experiences have helped me to become the balanced and caring educator I am today.
My strengths include strong problem-solving skills, proactively assessing my classroom and students, creativity in motivating various types of learners and being flexible in various situations. I enjoy creating lessons that bring a multi-sensory approach to learning and accommodate students' varied learning needs. When preparing lessons, I take into account what motivates my students, what their interests are, learning styles and what challenges they face (if applicable). I believe that every person deserves to learn and to be challenged to reach his or her potential. I am passionate about supporting my students and teaching them to support themselves.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, learn more about tutoring and schedule a lesson!
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Undergraduate Degree: Saint Joseph's University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Graduate Degree: Saint Joseph's University - Master of Science, Dual Elementary and Special Education
State Certified Teacher
Music, dancing, traveling, art, films, sports, fitness, nutrition,
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Arithmetic
- Art
- College Algebra
- College English
- College Essays
- Comparative Literature
- Competition Math
- Creative Writing
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Geometry
- Gifted
- Handwriting
- High School Chemistry
- High School English
- Human Development
- Languages
- Literature
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Nutrition
- Other
- Phonics
- PRAXIS
- PRAXIS Elementary School
- Professional Certifications
- Psychology
- Reading
- REGENTS Prep
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Spanish 1
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
- Writing
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help students stay motivated by incorporating their interests into lessons.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I use a variety of different presentations. Every person learns differently. What might work for one person, may not work for someone else.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would find out the student's interests and relate the subject to something the student enjoys.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I use visuals and hands-on activities to enhance learning as often as possible.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I believe frequent positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to boost student confidence.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs both formally and informally through the use of verbal and written means.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Before, during, and after each session, I consider whether or not my tutoring met the student needs. I constantly revise accordingly.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I will typically use a mixture between the materials the student is being exposed to at school and some new materials that I have prepared to enhance the student's learning in that area.