Sonjanita
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of IL - Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English
Graduate Degree: National Louis University - Masters, Administration and Supervision
State Certified Teacher
I love traveling, creative writing, and historical research.
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
1st Grade Reading
1st Grade Writing
2nd Grade Reading
2nd Grade Writing
3rd Grade Reading
3rd Grade Writing
4th Grade Reading
4th Grade Writing
5th Grade Reading
5th Grade Writing
6th Grade Reading
6th Grade Writing
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
ACT Aspire
Adult Literacy
African-American History
American Literature
Business
Business Writing
CLEP Prep
CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
College Application Essays
College English
College Level American History
College Level American Literature
Comparative Literature
COMPASS Reading
COMPASS Writing Skills
Elementary School English
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
Expository Writing
Fiction
Fiction Writing
High School Business
High School English
High School Level American History
High School Level American Literature
High School World History
High School Writing
Homeschool
Homework Support
Introduction to Fiction
Introduction to Poetry
ISEE Prep
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Persuasive Writing
Poetry
Poetry Writing
Shakespeare
Short Novel
Social Networking
Social Sciences
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
Technology and Coding
US Constitutional History
World Civilization
World History
World Literature
What is your teaching philosophy?
While I emphasize student-centered instruction (with ample opportunities for differentiation, modeling, and scaffolding), I am also a firm believer in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Teachers/tutors/learning facilitators have just as much to learn from their students as the students do from them, especially as it relates to the use of new media technologies. Everyone can learn! Everyone is intelligent! My job is to help them feel secure in who they are as students and as individuals, while working to build their love of learning. I am a lifelong learner who enjoys working with Pre-K through adult learners.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I start all sessions and classes (when I'm teaching in a classroom or at a PD) with activities designed to get to know my clients. This builds rapport and helps me to know how to help them reach their learning goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Part of being an independent learner is having pride and confidence in yourself and in your abilities. Each session includes time to check in with the client to establish goals, create an action plan, and evaluate success.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Setting SMART goals with realistic deadlines for completion has been the best way to support students, in addition to moral support and praise.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I believe the gradual release model is a good strategy to use in this case (I DO, WE DO, YOU DO). After gaining an understanding of the assignment, we talk and strategize how to best complete the task. If instruction is needed before beginning, I come ready to demonstrate the skill, practice it with the client, and then facilitate the client practicing the skill. This is why pre-session emails are important, because then I can ascertain what's needed in the subsequent sessions.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Establish rapport by learning about their likes, dislikes, and favorite/least favorite subjects. I ask questions about the class or tests they're taking - how they feel about it and how I can best help them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Check for fluency and comprehension concerns, and then adjust the teaching accordingly.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I always start sessions by getting to know the student - their interests, likes, dislikes, and concerns as far as school is concerned. I try to also infuse some sort of incentive either alone or in collaboration with parents/guardians, when possible.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Review: prior knowledge, lower level materials or concepts previously studied. Focus: Drills with current concepts + assessment of learning. Stretch: When ready, encouraging students to try the next level of a concept.