I have been with Varsity Tutors for a year now, and have worked with over 20 different students. I am very comfortable using the platform, and I have hundreds of different files with activities, games, worksheets, and power point presentations to meet the students' need regardless of the subject area. Students will typically not have to bring any materials with them to a session whatsoever, as I can provide everything we will need.

I recently had one student who began his school year with a C/D average and he just finished this year on the A/B honor roll. I was assigned another student part way through the school year, and from his mid-year standardized I Ready assessment to his end of the year test, he raised his reading score by 69 points and he went up 45 points in math.
I like to maintain close and frequent communication with the parent(s) or guardian. I typically include very detailed notes in my invoice explaining what was covered during that session, student successes with the material, areas of concern, and goals for the next upcoming meeting. I also frequently use both email, Varsity Tutor messaging, and text messaging to keep lines of communication open between the parent and myself, and parents have access to my personal cell phone number if needed. I feel that this communication is extremely important for the success of the student.

I taught second grade in a regular classroom for 25 years. When my team decided to become departmentalized, I was responsible for teaching all reading, phonics, language arts, and some writing to the students. Because this included three separate homeroom classes, it was often upwards of 75 students per year. I was also the acting Head Teacher for my school for 5 years, assuming the responsibility of the principal in his/her absence. I was awarded the Martha-Holden Jennings Scholarship award after being nominated by my principal. I received my bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University in 1995, my Master's Degree from Marygrove College, and my Educational Specialist degree from the University of Dayton.

I believe that all students learn differently and that it is the teacher's responsibility to adjust his/her teaching style to meet the needs of the student. If a student does not seem to be grasping the information or skill, the teacher must alter the presentation style in order to try to gain understanding. I tend to try to implement many different forms of lessons, including using a game-format, using manipulatives, and relating topics to fun literature. I like to have students take some responsibility for their own learning by keeping lines of communication open so that they can express their needs or frustrations.

When working one-on-one with a student through Varsity Tutors, I prefer to keep a relaxed atmosphere and learning environment so that students feel comfortable and relaxed. This atmosphere often looks very different from a typical classroom environment, simply due to the fact that we are working one-on-one. In summary, I have many years of experience, including my year+ with Varsity Tutors, and I believe that all students can be successful in their learning.