Kathy R.
Private tutor in Lees Summit, MO
Education
BSeducation Missouri State University MSED Administration Missouri State University
Experience
After being a classroom teacher for over 30 years I understand how important it is to find the right tutor when the need arises. I started out teaching kindergarten and first grade for the first 16 years of my teaching career. It was in those years that I became a master teacher in phonics, spelling, and reading. I am a strong believer in phonics as a base for reading, and believe phonemic awareness is the beginning foundation. During those years, I had a son who was dyslexic and I became interested in learning how to help him through his struggles. I spent many hours researching best practices for struggling readers and tried them out in my classroom. I knew that my struggling students needed more time and a quieter environment to succeed, so I began after school tutoring and saw results much quicker than in the regular classroom instructional time. Tutoring has always been the preferred method I have used to help struggling readers. I enjoyed my years in kindergarten and first grade but chose to move up the ladder to fourth grade after 16 years of teaching. In fourth grade I had the opportunity to help struggling readers with comprehension and began to diagnose gaps in reading skills with my students. Further training enlightened me to the difficulties with Attention Deficit Disorder which were showing up more solidly by fourth grade. I also saw students who once read well, struggling with reading for the first time. Once again I researched further and added new strategies to my classroom that would not only help the struggling reader but support the best readers. Comprehension and vocabulary became a big focus in my classroom. I moved up to middle school after two years in fourth grade, by plea of our middle school principal, and that is when I observed the true fruition of reading difficulty. I taught Communication Arts for six years in middle school and through my observations of recurring need, started training in Orton Gillingham. It seemed there were more and more reading gaps revealed as I worked with the middle school population. The strategies I learned in the workshops were similar to what I had used in my previous classrooms, and I realized that not only did I have what it took to be a valuable instructor to these students, but came face to face with the growing need for tutors for dyslexic students. Knowing that I could really help struggling readers coupled with the fact that I have vast experience tutoring students in other areas, moved me to expanding after school tutoring and summer enrichment/tutoring sessions. I have tutored in the areas of math, reading, spelling, science, social studies, and study skills. I have seen almost every kind of learning issue and worked with children of all types of backgrounds. My students always enjoy success because I respect them as learners and they respect me as instructor. We learn together and the focus is helping the student get what is needed. I believe all children have gifts and talents and are valuable. Building a strong relationship and trust is the key to unlocking success. Helping students to see their self-worth and value is perhaps the best thing a tutor can do for a child. After spending many years in the classroom, I have spent the last five years in school administration. I have a Missouri State teaching certification, Missouri State Principals certification in grades k-12 and the Missouri State leadership license. I am also certified with American Christian Schools International as Superintendent. I am passionate about teaching and have made sure to pursue a lifestyle of learning. Having taught nearly 1,000 students to read and double those numbers in other areas of study, I believe tutoring will always something that invigorates me and encourages my passion as an educator. I get my joy from making a difference.
Availability
Sunday after 3PM, Tuesday after 7PM, Wednesday after 6PM, Thursday after 7PM, Friday after 6PM, Saturday at any time
Can Meet
Up to 5 minutes away at my regular hourly rate, Up to 10 minutes away at my regular hourly rate
Hobbies
I love to read. My favorite books are historical, both fiction and nonfiction. I enjoy making crafts and cooking. My favorite music is pop and jazz and I love to watch musicals. I enjoy museums and history.
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