Sara: Concord tutor

Certified Tutor

I have several years of experience as a tutor, and find tutoring a very rewarding experience. I believe in focusing on the needs of each student based on his or her age and unique interests and abilities. Not only do I take into account the parent's wishes, but I also believe it's important to get a sense of the needs of the student. Therefore, I make sure I consider where the student is both academically and emotionally. If a student is below grade level, I will use the techniques I have acquired through my educational and professional experience to bring that child up to, or above, grade level.
When working with an adult, I will confer directly with that person to set goal for his or her sessions, and will then design specific lesson plans to achieve those goals.
I have listed below a bit about my educational and professional background.
As an undergraduate in college at Occidental College in Los Angeles I participated in field work at local elementary schools in order to fulfill my minor in education. I was required to tutor small groups of students in multiple subjects. Also as an undergraduate, I completed a course focused directly on teaching students in the language arts. Accompanying my field work, I took classes on educational theory and pedagogy.
As a psychology major I explored learning and child development, which help me further understand the needs of the students I teach. Additionally, I completed a semester-long internship where I taught coping skills to fifth graders. Not only did this give me valuable teaching experience, but it also furthered my understanding of the developmental levels and needs of students.
While I continued at Occidental as a graduate student working towards my masters degree in teaching, I completed a semester- long student teaching internship in a fourth grade class. I worked with individuals, small groups, and additionally taught the entire class. I was responsible for modifying lessons to make them appropriate for English language learners, as well as students with special needs. Furthermore, I was required to evaluate my own teaching style by having a colleague record my lesson, and then go through and examine what I did well and what needed to be changed.
Additionally, I have approximately three years of professional experience as a tutor, working with ages three through ninth grade. I taught language arts as well as mathematics, but focused predominately on reading and writing. I have had considerable success in bringing students up to, or exceeding, grade level in both language arts and mathematics.
In addition to my passion for education, I enjoy nature, the arts, and animals. While working as a tutor, I work part-time as a daycare attendant and kennel technician at a pet care facility. This job gives me the opportunity to practice patience, excellent written and verbal communication, and attention to detail.