i graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I also hold a Master of Education in the Psychology of Reading from Temple University. I am certified by the state of Pennsylvania as a teacher of grades K through 8 and as a reading instructor . I also have certification as a teacher of preschool, Pre-K, and K from the Pennsylvania Department of Private Academic Schools.
I have enjoyed teaching all levels, preschool through fifth grade, as well as in special education classes. My experience has been with entire classes, large groups, small groups, and with individual instruction.
Elementary school reading skills(phonics, fluency, comprehension) and elementary school math skills are my favorite subjects to teach. Because success with social studies and science concepts depends on effective reading skills, I enjoy teaching those subjects as well.
I have especially enjoyed working one to one with students, because each lesson can be totally structured to meet that child's needs. During this past summer, I tutored a student via Zoom, and the experience was very rewarding for both of us.
I am passionate about helping children achieve, grow, and gain confidence in a positive and supportive learning environment.
I pace each lesson according to the student's needs, using the modality or modalities (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, tactile) that work best for her, so that the end result is a feeling of accomplishment, not frustration. If a student is having difficulty with a concept or skill, I'll say, "This one is difficult, so let's try another way!"
To help maintain a positive momentum, I remind the student, throughout each lesson, of what she has learned and mastered. We also will take a 2 minute break to stretch, jump, or do a yoga pose to energize and get more blood and oxygen moving through our bodies and brains!
At the beginning of the first session, I like to chat with the student, so that she feels more comfortable with me , and I also get to know a little about her. We also talk at the beginning of every lesson to catch up on what we've been doing since last time. This personal connection is so important, as it increases our ability to work together in a comfortable way.
At the end of each session, we always talk about all that the student accomplished in that lesson. We also acknowledge any difficulties that the student encountered, with the assurance that we'll continue working on and developing that skill. Ending in this way helps the student to feel good about her progress and encourages positive feelings about the next session. It's a win-win!
I am very committed to keeping parents /caregivers informed about our work and about any reinforcement that the parent or caregiver can give at home. Because I always feel positive about working with children, my discussions with parents are positive as well!