Elementary Academic Tutor

Depending on what I will be working on with the student, I will assess them at their level and above to see where we can begin in comfort level as well as challenge level. 

I have been an elementary classroom teacher for the past eight years. I have worked with students of all levels from Kindergarten to 5th grade. My experience consists of teaching reading, math (grades Kindergarten to second grade), writing, social studies, science, and critical thinking. 

For a 30 minute lesson I charge $65.

For a 45 minute lesson I charge $85.

For a 60 minute lesson I charge $100.

I had a very difficult time in school. Reading and math were very difficult for me. I had many tutors and was part of many learning centers to get the help and support I needed outside of school. I had great teachers who were my best advocates and I wanted to be that for my own students. I felt a responsibility to pay it forward and give children hope and a place to feel safe to make mistakes and grow just like I had. 

I have worked with a variety of learners over the years. Students who were kinesthetic, who needed to take many brain breaks, stand while they work and run laps outside on the field before getting started on a project or assignment. Students who need manipulatives while doing math to be able to physically see and touch the problems they are working on. I have worked with students who need a lot of support, and students who jsut want to sit next to me while they work just for some emotional support. Students who learn best by listening and closing their eyes so they can hear better. Like I said I have worked with a variety of learners, and as their teacher I have always made a point to meet their needs. When a students needs are met we see the most optimal learning take place and the ability to take on any challenge that comes their way. 

During my intern year I was working with a student in his math workbook duirng math time. He was getting very flustered and was not able to solve the problems assigned to him. I decided to take the book away and asked him to stop thinking about math for the moment. We were just going to take a few deep breaths and think of somthing else. After a few minutes of this brain break/relazation, we went back to the math and he was able to solve the problems with great ease. He ended up getting all of them correct and was very proud of himself. I was proud of him too! Somtimes, even as adults, we need to reset ourselves and take a "brain break." As a teacher I am always reminding my stduents that if soemthing seems to be too difficult or impossible to solve, that it is ok to walk away reset and come back to it with a refreshed brain.

I believe the only way learning ever takes place is when their is respect and trust built on both ends of the relationship between teacher and student. I would tell anybody looking to hire a teacher to look at their years of experience, as them questions to help you begin to build that trust and use your gut to help you decide if it will be a good fit. 

The questions to ask don't have to be all about their skill as a teacher, as them personal questions, break the ice a bit. If they are open and honest about what you ask, most likely they are someone you can trust.