I initially received my Bachelor of Arts in English Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Recently, I completed my Masters in Special Education. My experience with education is varied: I student-taught grades 7-10 in English (mainly focusing on 8th grade ELA and reading support) while working on my bachelor's degree; after graduation, I worked as a kindergarten aide for 2 years, a para for 1 year, and then began teaching elementary school special education. My first year of teaching was the infamous COVID year so I finished that year teaching online. The following school year, I remained the remote special education teacher for students from my school. I took a break from teaching to stay home when I had my baby in April 2022. But I couldn't stay away from teaching - so I started tutoring here! I have now returned to the classroom as an elementary special education teacher but I have continued tutoring in my spare time because I just love working with students. My favorite part of teaching is that lightbulb moment: when you see the student grasp the skill you've been working on together. I am most passionate about reading, writing, and literature. I am a true English nerd - I love Shakespeare and poetry and writing stories. I see it as a personal challenge to share my love of all things English Language Arts with my students because I know so many students find that topic boring or difficult. I am a firm believer in meeting students where they are and helping them grow and learn in the best way possible for them. Everyone learns differently and that's okay! In my spare time, I like to garden, make art (particularly miniatures and paintings), bake goodies, and watch TV. I also spend lots of time snuggling with my baby girl and love to watch her explore the world around her as she grows!