As a caring, compassionate educator, it is my desire to continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for students to succeed as learners and achieve their individual learning goals. I hold a Master's degree in Teaching from Seattle University with an emphasis in Literacy for Special Needs. My focus area is teaching targeted reading and writing skills through small groups and individual instruction. My B.A. is in English-Elementary Education and I earned this from Western Washington University. I am most passionate about teaching students to their specific needs. In tutoring, I am able to identify a student's strengths quickly and utilize those strengths and student interests to plan effective and meaningful instructional activities. I have taught as a classroom teacher for over 14 years in grades 1, 2, and 5. I have also tutored students in the elementary and middle school grades. The nature of my teaching experience is centered around designing instructional activities that fit the needs of all my learners. Using the CCSS and the curriculum, I provide a well-rounded lesson that introduces students to concepts in a hands-on and interactive way. This lends itself to repeated practice, creating opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency in understanding. In many subjects, I also plan an intervention activity and an enrichment activity so that students always have an assignment that fits their level of need while allowing for growth. I tutor all subjects for elementary and middle grade students. I am also available to tutor students needing assistance with organization and time management. My interests outside of academia include running, hiking, gardening, and reading historical fiction novels about World War II. My family and I enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.