About
Not only do I have a firm foundation of technical skills, but I've also become an extremely flexible tutor/teacher over the years. Each student has different needs, most of which are not being met in a standard classroom; I seek to accommodate those needs by creating a individualized environments for successful learning. I've never been so passionate about anything than I am about working with children. I won the academic lottery and also have the skills to teach, and I'm grateful to know education is my calling.
I have a unique variety of experience as an educator. My journey began at age 16, when I became the Captain of Orange County Animal Care Explorer Post #538, a position I cherished until I was 20 years old and moving away for college. At the University of California, San Diego, I double-majored in Sociology and Psychology, emphasizing Education, and was awarded membership to the Phi Sigma Theta chapter of the National Honor Society. As a student, I worked as an on-site tutor for a 9th grade homework class, 10th grade CAHSEE prep class, and AP English class, led large groups of high schoolers on formal campus tours, joined the UCSD Early Childhood Education staff as an Associate Teacher, and interned at Head Start St. Leo's in Solana Beach as a curriculum designer.
After graduating in 2013, I moved back to Orange County and enjoyed working as the Lead Teacher for the toddler class at a preschool in Laguna Niguel. Next, I narrowed my experience to working with special needs children individually for 1 year. As of the last two years, I have been tutoring Verbal Skills for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT as well as all K-12 Languages Arts concepts, both as an employee and independent contractor. I specialize in mild/moderate learning differences. Most recently, I have also promoted to Program Coordinator at Huntington Learning Center.
My schedule is busy, but unorthodox, so I am able to find a time that suits all clients. When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, body surfing, hiking, documentaries, supervising my 20-lb cat on his leash outside, listening to music, and artisan crafts.
Find me on LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaylajadehall/
I LOVE teaching. I love finding a way to help a student make connections to their daily lives and academia, whether it be by matching their vernacular, adapting to their learning needs, or relating to their extracurricular interests. I get the most fulfillment from genuine student progress whether it comes in the form of grades, observable performance, or a newfound appreciation for English, Reading, and/or Writing. I am determined to make English mastery feasible and intriguing for every student.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Sandy M.
Pelin E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first meeting is usually the least intense. My intention is to get an understanding of the student, the family dynamics, the student's academic history and current obstacles, and any other unique qualities that may effect my individual curriculum development. I usually provide some light curriculum to provide myself with a base assessment; with younger students, I introduce a behavior-management reward system in which they earn marbles throughout the session to ultimately earn a choice from the prize bag -- perhaps jolly ranchers, stickers, glow sticks, and other goodies.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from UC, San Diego, with a BA in Sociology & Psychology with an academic emphasis on Education. I also obtained an Early Childhood Education certificate from Saddleback College. I have taught preschool for three years, tutored exclusively special-needs students for 1 year, and have been independently consulting & advising individuals' educations, designing unique curriculum, and executing successful learning dynamics for the last 2 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For regular tutoring, I charge $30-60, depending on needs and age. Private, online tutoring for the ISEE, SAT, and the PSAT is $80 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
From ages 16-20, I led 30+ youth in a structured volunteering program at the county animal shelter. When I moved to campus for college, I tutored inner-city high schoolers, led original campus tours to large groups of prospective students, worked as a Curriculum Development Research Assistant for UC Links Preschool Study (Mi Clase Mágica), and worked an assistant teacher at the preschool on campus. I was hooked!
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 3 months to 18 years; diagnoses of autism, ADHD, receptive-expressive disorders, visual processing disorders, auditory processing disorders, and motor processing disorders; National Merit Scholars
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Learning about and visiting the Salton Sea!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't be cheap! Consider a tutor's expertise, skill, strategy, experience, and personal investment!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If I've asked this before, could I ask in a different way to further specify what I don't understand?