As a former middle school educator with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Counseling, and a minor in Psychology, from Old Dominion University, in addition to many education classes taken at George Mason University and countless professional development courses, I have over 8 years of experience teaching and tutoring students in middle school English, including grammar, phonics, and reading remediation. My passion lies in fostering a genuine love for reading and language arts, as I believe effective communication is essential for academic success and personal growth. I strive to create engaging lessons that connect with students' interests, encouraging them to explore literature and express themselves confidently. I focus on mastering foundational skills, as I've seen firsthand how this empowers students to tackle more complex concepts. I understand fully that our society has changed dramatically since I attended school, and I believe children need multiple ways of being taught to truly unlock their potential. As a mother of children with high functioning autism, I know that all children learn differently. Being a tutor lets me know my students better and to discern how best to encourage their strengths and to help them with their weaknesses.