
MaryEileen
Certified Tutor
I am a certified early childhood educator. My classroom experience includes teaching at three schools in the St. Louis Archdiocese. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Lindenwood College (now University) and my education certification from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Currently, I am the legislative representative for the Missouri State Reading Teacher's Association; I am also a member of the St. Louis Suburban Council of Reading Teachers, the Mathematics Educators of Greater St. Louis and the Science Teachers of Missouri. I am a volunteer for PALS (a no-kill animal shelter) in Troy, Missouri. Recently, I began volunteering for the St. Louis area Muscular Dystrophy Association. I also like to read (naturally), collect old cookbooks and travel around to visit the hidden treasures of Missouri and Illinois. In the summer, you will find me working in my backyard garden and observing the butterflies. I have four rescued pets; two cats, Domino and Kathleen and two rescued dogs, Lily and Peanut Lee.
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Undergraduate Degree: Lindenwood University - Bachelors, Mass Communications
Reading, photography, gardening, volunteer work, cooking.
- 1st Grade
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Science
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Science
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 5th Grade Science
- 5th Grade Writing
- Art
- Art Hour
- College English
- Cooking
- Creative Writing
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Handwriting
- High School English
- Homework Support
- Kindergarten Readiness
- Late Elementary Reading Comprehension
- Math
- Middle School English
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Nutrition
- Other
- Phonics
- Reading
- Reading Comprehension Class
- Reading Fundamentals: Phonics and Decoding
- Robust Reading Class
- Science
- Short Story Fairytales
- Spelling Bee
- Spelling, Grammar, and Writing Skills Class
- Summer
- Vocabulary
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe all children, and adults, can learn. Everyone learns in their own style and at their own pace. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to find what the best method to help someone learn is. I have always tried to connect classroom concepts to "real world" experiences for my students.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I think it's important that the student and I get to know each other. I would like to know what the student feels they do well at in school and what areas they may find difficult. I would then ask the students why they find a particular subject or concept challenging. It would also be important to discover how the student learns best…through listening, hands-on, demonstration, etc., and tap into that ability.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By providing them with strategies that make them confident in their skills. Whether it is test taking, reading for meaning or mastering math concepts, any student can learn a variety of strategies that help them become more independent and self-assured.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would make sure the student is always aware of the progress they have made during our time together. We would set goals to be met and, once those goals are met, set new ones for further learning and growth.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Ask them what makes this concept difficult for them. Observe what they are doing when they tackle a task/assignment. Look over their work to see areas of difficulty for them. When I put that all together, I will be on the road to helping them succeed.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By breaking down the text into smaller, more manageable passages; helping them learn new vocabulary within the story; asking them the more in-depth questions about the passage; providing them with strategies on how to read for meaning and what to do when a passage becomes difficult.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
To listen to the student; ask them questions which will help me get to know them better both academically and personally. To find out what their strengths are as well as what is challenging them at this time.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To find fresh new ways of presenting the material; to show the student how this concept connects to the "real world;" to tap into their prior knowledge and interests of the subject matter.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Ask questions and listen for the student's response. Have the student tell, in their own words, what they have learned. Provide some type of assessment (written, verbal or hands-on).
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By demonstrating to the student what they have already mastered within that subject and how they can use that mastery to move on to more challenging concepts.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
By asking them what areas are of concern to them in class; by speaking with their parent(s); communicating with the classroom teacher, if possible; by my own observation; reviewing their current school work/assignments; by conducting my own evaluation (written, verbal, etc.).
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am comfortable teaching children through a variety of methods: verbal, written, hands-on. I will tap into whatever works best for each individual child.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Having 20+ years’ experience in education, I have a wealth of material in all subject areas, suitable for many age and ability levels. I also have access to a large number of online resources for teachers.