Melanie
Certified Tutor
I have over 15 years experience in the field of education. I have over 10 years experience teaching Spanish, French, and ESL. I am also certified K-8 all subjects and have experience tutoring math, reading, writing/language arts to elementary school students. I have taught reading using the Wilson Reading Program which is an Orton Gillingham Approach. I am currently a learning disability teacher consultant on the child study team conducting educational evaluations, case managing and assisting teachers and students with strategies to assist struggling learners, specifically with the special needs population. I have worked with all age groups preschool through college.
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Undergraduate Degree: Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, Spanish
Graduate Degree: Monmouth University - Masters, Education
State Certified Teacher
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Certified Reading Intervention
- Conversational French
- Conversational Spanish
- Elementary School English
- English
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Executive Functioning
- French
- French 1
- French 2
- Languages
- Learning Differences
- Math
- Middle School English
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Phonics
- PRAXIS
- PRAXIS Early Childhood
- PRAXIS Elementary School
- PRAXIS Reading
- Professional Certifications
- Reading Intervention
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Spanish 4
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that all students can learn with patience and engagement in lesson activities. When actively engaged throughout the lesson, students learn effectively.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would start out with basic introductions and obtain information on what the student is working on and what areas of difficulty the student has. From there I could determine the student's needs.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I provide praise throughout the lesson and vary the activities. I also use activities consistent with the student's learning style, provide movement breaks as necessary, or incorporate movement into the lesson. I also develop an appealing reward system for use throughout the lesson as necessary.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would use repetition, gestures, and use of different examples. I would also break the skill or concept down further, highlighting key points and reteaching components and steps. I would also provide more opportunities for the student to practice independently after some guided practice.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I teach them strategies appropriate to their age and ability level, such as underlining key points, paraphrasing what was read, outlining key points, rereading the text if unsure of the answer, having them indicate where in the text the answer is found, or ask for supporting details from the text.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Often by developing a rapport from the beginning with the introductions, and by being patient and using lots of praise. I also vary the activities and maintain a high energy level by using enthusiasm.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would provide more interactive activities and start out with guided practice where they already have prerequisite skills.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would question the student and keep them engaged throughout the session.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I offer constant praise throughout the lesson for all participation efforts. I also break down the material as necessary so the student can develop an understanding of it.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I assess the student's responses and engagement in the lesson. I also utilize observation of behaviors, as well as responses and preliminary answers to questions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I get to know the student's needs, including those specific to a particular concept, and modify the material and strategies as necessary. I make sure to attempt others if one is not appearing to be effective.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I often use student materials from schools and classes. I also sometimes bring my own materials, which could be lesson books related to the subject matter. I develop my own sample problems while using student materials, and I sometimes bring flash cards, interesting books, etc.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I often provide prompts and guided practice as necessary to help the student pursue success. Asking questions involved in the thought process rather than providing the information can assist in assessing the student's ability to perform independently.