Abi
Certified Tutor
Teaching and tutoring have been passions of mine since I began assisting peers in high school. Since, then, I've gone on to get my degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. I love it!
As I grew up, I gained experience, as we all do. With 4 brothers, I learned that patience is a virtue. With school, particularly high school, I learned that grades are not a reflection of how much time or work we put into things. With working with students who have special needs, I learned that every person deserves a good life, and that every person is capable of learning that every person knows how to love. In college, I learned that no matter how much you think you already know, there is a much larger world from which we can always take away something new. Overall, I've learned more about who I am as a person, and while that's always growing and changing, it brought me to where I am now: writing a summary to be a teacher.
Columbia, TN was a great place to grow up because I could experience both suburb feel and big city without too much difficulty. I love working with children, and have actively been in organizations that engage our young generations since I've been eligible.
Special education has always been near and dear to my heart as I have an older brother who is deaf and has Down Syndrome. Throughout my life, I've worked with students who have special needs. Volunteering with Special Olympics was a huge part of my high school career that I continued even in college. I have such a love for these students, and want to continue to work with them for the rest of my life.
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Undergraduate Degree: Union University - Bachelors, Special Education
I enjoy running, creating and listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- 6th Grade
- Arithmetic
- Art
- Business
- College Business
- College English
- College Essays
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- Economics
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- Expository Writing
- Finance
- Handwriting
- High School Business
- High School English
- Homeschool
- Homework Support
- Literature
- Math
- Middle School Math
- NPTE - National Physical Therapy Examination
- Other
- Persuasive Writing
- Phonics
- Poetry
- Poetry Writing
- Pre-Algebra
- Professional Certifications
- PSAT Prep
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that all students are capable of learning, no matter what. Teachers should consider each individual student, making the lesson appropriately diverse, while incorporating different ways of learning. Multiple models and intelligence types should be considered in each lesson as well. Visuals, tangible objects, as well as both oral and written explanations will add to the learning environment and assist students to success. All in all, I wish to do this on a more obvious level, individualizing lessons for students so that they are able to accomplish everything within their reach.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will likely give you an assessment to see how you learn best, and where your skills are in a subject so that I can adapt for future lessons.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Teaching self-assessment has been shown to be the highest factor when it comes to student success. By teaching students to create and constantly check what they've been doing, they become more independent.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Words of encouragement for sure, but on top of that I use small rewards and engaging activities to keep students motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Teach it differently! No use sticking with something that isn't working.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
We read. I give them passages while I read the same passage out loud. Learning this skill and identifying words is the best way to improve reading. After we are done with this passage, we answer questions, either written or orally. I will help break down what they don't understand through scaffolding.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Build a relationship first!
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
First, show off my own excitement of the subject! If I don't love it, how do I expect them to? Then make it relatable to what they do in their own lives. If it's not, they will have a harder time enjoying it and remembering it. Anything can be enjoyable if you want it to be!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Small assessment and just watching how they do with their activities. Once I can do this, I know where they are. This lets me know what they do and don't understand.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Start with the basics of what they already know. Build their confidence first before letting them continue to struggle.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Whatever the student needs to learn best. Games are my favorite! Anything to make it memorable.