
Christina
Certified Tutor
I am a certified K-12 art educator and a certified 6-12 English teacher. I currently work with students aged 16-21 in a blended online learning environment designed for those who have not been successful in regular education. I also teach in the adult educational realm, working two days a week for a tutoring center at my local technical college. At this school, I teach students one-on-one, helping them learn the basics that they missed when they were younger. We cover topics in math, reading, and language, helping them re-learn what they have forgotten, and getting them ready to re-take the TABE test.
As an English educator, I have also proctored students for the FCAT, and am in the process of getting them ready to take the FCAT Reading and FSA Writing. It is a testing world, and the key to success is to learn how to take tests. I also have 15 years of experience with special needs, as my youngest child was born with Down Syndrome. All brains work differently, and not all children learn the same way.
I am an artist, musician, and--above all--a mother to three fantastic kids. I am here because I love kids, and I love teaching.
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Undergraduate Degree: Bob Jones University - Bachelors, Art Education
Spending time with family
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- American Sign Language
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
- Art
- Art History
- Ceramics
- College English
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- Drawing
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- FCAT 2.0 Prep
- GED Prep
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Homework Support
- IB Visual Arts
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Languages
- Literature
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Music
- Other
- Painting
- Piano
- Printmaking
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Social Studies
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I am a follower of brain research. I believe that the brain of the modern child has different pathways than when I was a little girl. Today's student has different needs, and it is a challenge for the regular educational system to meet some of our unique children. One on one learning is the best way to make sure that a child is being served. Large class sizes, and limited time, prevent some students from being successful; this is where tutoring works wonders.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Getting to know my student and talking with him/her and getting to know some of his/her likes and dislikes and even what he/she struggles with will be very important in understanding what direction the lessons should go. It's a learning process, and it’s also a team project.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Independence is developed with age and reinforcement. The more adults do for children, the more dependent the child becomes. The more I can get my student to work on his own, the more independent he becomes. If I give into whining or excuses, the child will learn not learn to be independent. On the other hand, it is very possible that the child has not been taught to work independently and have learned to rely upon other people reminding him or constantly guiding her. Virtual learning needs a certain degree of independence. Patience and gentle reminders will gradually cause the child to enjoy doing things by himself.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Studies have shown that the mind is constantly looking for sense and reason. If it does not make sense or if it is not able to reasoned, that student will find it hard to be engaged. Today's student is constantly looking for mental stimulation. The trick is to make the information as understandable as possible, so that the student is able to make sense of the information. Figuring out what motivates the student, is also the key to a positive learning environment.