Melanie
Certified Tutor
My name is Melanie and I joined the CMS Instructional Technology Department in March 2016. Before joining the department, I was a Technology Facilitator for Ridge Road Middle School in Charlotte, NC in addition to being an Extended Employee in this department since 2012, a Middle Grades Mathematics teacher for 7 years (1 year at McCClintock Middle School), a Computer Support Specialist, and I am a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.
As an Extended Employee for the CMS Instructional Technology Department, I assisted in various Professional Learning sessions as an instructor and worked specifically with designing Atomic Learning Pathways for teachers to receive Technology Credits.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Hampton University (Go Pirates!), a Master of Art in Teaching from Kaplan University, a Microsoft Office Certification (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) from Savannah Technical College, in addition to becoming a Google Certified Educator in July 2014 and will be renewing it in the Summer of 2016. In Fall 2015 I completed my Graduate Certificate in Instructional Systems Technology and Educational Leadership from UNC-Charlotte, and received my School Specialist Licensure (077 Licensure) in Spring 2016.
I love working with teachers, staff, and parents inside and outside of school on the best technology to use for their lifestyles. I am very knowledgeable about iOs, Windows, and Android devices.
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Undergraduate Degree: Hampton University - Bachelors, Computer Science
Graduate Degree: Kaplan University- Online - Masters, Teaching
In my free time, I love to enjoy the outdoors, run (when I can), attending sporting events, and spending time with my family.
- Algebra
- Homework Support
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that all students can learn, regardless of their circumstances. Persistence and hard work are the keys to success.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would introduce myself and find out their interests and what particular struggles they are having in school.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By guiding them through their responses. This builds confidence as well as shows me the areas that they are struggling in.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would give positive affirmations.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would walk through the concepts, explain the vocabulary and then do an example problem, if needed.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I have them read aloud and discuss the passage as we read.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Positive reinforcement and patience.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would share my experiences with them and explain how it ties to their future.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would have the student complete another problem on their own.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would have them complete several similar problems and gradually increase the difficulty.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I ask them what they struggle with.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I meet the student where they are, and we set a goal.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Pencil, paper, manipulatives, and website resources.