Molly
Certified Tutor
I obtained my education from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I am currently working toward my Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Behavior Disorders. I am a third year teacher with the Lee's Summit R-7 School District. I have taught First Grade and Second Grade in the district. I have been an after school tutor for the past 3 years, working with students in the grades mentioned previously. I have also worked with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City as a Summer School teacher and after school group tutor. I tutor all concepts and skills in both math and reading. I also enjoy tutoring organizational, social, and behavior skills. My favorite subject to tutor is reading. I enjoy tutoring reading because my students that struggle in reading believe they will never be successful readers, therefore many do not enjoy school. I like to show these students that with some motivation and extra support they are able to reach their highest reading potential. I love to see the light in their eyes when they realize they are able to open up a new book they never thought they could read. My tutoring style is to create an environment where students feel they are having fun and playing games. I like to create activities that include the students common interests and hobbies. My tutoring style is more laid back and student driven. I feel this way the student is more comfortable and able to focus and be successful during a tutoring session. When I am not tutoring I like to relax and read a good book, take my dogs on a walk, and spend time outside (especially in the Fall). I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching sporting events, and coaching/playing softball.
Connect with a tutor like Molly
Undergraduate Degree: Westminster College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Graduate Degree: University of Central Missouri - Masters, Special Edication-Autism
Sports, Reading, Being outside, my dogs, crafting, and teaching.
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- English
- Homework Support
- ISEE- Primary
- Math
- Other
- Phonics
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session with a student, I would start by getting to know the student. I would introduce myself and tell the student my interests and hobbies. I would then ask the student what they enjoy doing. I will find something we have in common so that I can connect with that student during our future tutoring sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help a student become an independent learner by first finding out what the student likes to do. I would then find a way to combine their interests with their academics. I will work with the student to set goals to help motivate them to work independently and be responsible for their learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help a student stay motivated by setting long term and short term goals with them. We will discuss the goals frequently and make a chart to track the progress that has been made so far. I will also help the student create a reward system, either with parents or independently, when goals are reached and the student is staying motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I will find something similar or close to that skill that they are able to do well. I will create an activity in a category of their interest and make the concept seem more like a game rather than learning.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I help students that are struggling with reading comprehension by starting from the beginning. I will have the students tell me a story that they remember really well or tell me a story of something that has happened to them. I will then tell the student that they are able to remember many details from that story and ask them why they think that is. We will slowly start reading a few pages of a book and retell what just happened. We will work our way up to reading an entire book and comprehending all the important details.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found that successful strategies when beginning to work with a student is to build a strong relationship with them. When students feel safe and valued, they will do a lot more academically.