As an educator with a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Houston and alternative teacher certification from the University of Texas El Paso, I am passionate about fostering student growth and confidence. With over 18 years of teaching experience, I have specialized in elementary education, particularly in special education, where I support students with diverse learning needs. My teaching philosophy centers around the gradual release model, which encourages active engagement and collaboration, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. I thrive on helping students transition from non-readers to confident readers and enjoy teaching subjects like math and science, where I can ignite curiosity through hands-on experiments. My tutoring experience, both in-person and online, has equipped me to assist students in improving their grades and preparing for assessments. Ultimately, my goal is to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.