Hello!
I am Valerie Rister, and I have been working with students for 30 years and have no plan to stop anytime soon. I find joy in watching students connect with subject content and study skills, write their biographical statements, develop time management, and just about anything that improves schooling. I have worked with students from 6th grade to university. Adult learners get their GED and work on their bachelor's degrees. Teaching students who also have different learning styles, challenges, and needs are exciting and challenge me to grow. I sometimes learn as much from the student as they do from me. I do have multiple degrees in Education and continue to get more. I am what they call a lifetime student.
I received my Education from the University of Kentucky, DePaul University, and am currently at Eastern Kentucky University. I did go to the University of Kentucky twice, once for a bachelor's degree in Education and the second time for an endorsement in Instructional Technology and Curriculum Design. I am currently working on my doctorate in Education, a D.Ed. Specifically in curriculum and writing. My other degrees are Bachelor in English Education Sociology and History and a Master's in Language Literacy and Specialized Instruction and Behavioral Disorders. As you can guess, I am versatile in the subjects I can tutor, focusing mainly on the liberal arts. Additionally, I can guide and assist with graduate school preparation and undergraduate school preparation.
I have created courses for graduate students and high school preparation. I work with reading, writing, and all things that fall under literacy. I can also work with history and sociology courses. I currently teach Digital Literacy and Applied Digital Skills, so I can offer that to those needing to learn how to use their computer or how to be a solid digital citizen. I enjoy teaching if it is not a science or math course. I love to get students to think and analyze; hence I went into English, Sociology, and History, as well as Literacy and Specialized Instruction. My idea of a good time is discussing a good movie or a good book. So, if you need to learn how to analyze literary elements, I can most definitely help. If you need help writing about them, I can work with you on that. My philosophy of working with students is this; we don't give up. We must find what works for you and put it in place. I believe in creating critical thinkers who question the status quo. So, I ask questions, engage the student, work hard and gain lots of ground. If this sounds like what you are looking for, let's get going.