Constance
Certified Tutor
If we demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning then it will create a world full of enthusiastic learners! I first started off as a Teacher's Assistant but soon realized that teaching was my passion. I have been teaching for 6 years from Elementary to Middle school but I have been working in my school district for 8 years. I began working with students with Autism and many other exceptionalities including general education. I graduated from Saint Petersburg College and completed classes at USF for Speech and Language Pathology. My degrees include Elementary Education K-6, Exceptional Student Education K-12, ESOL Endorsement, Autism Endorsement and Reading Endorsement K-12. I tutor for all subjects in Elementary and I also tutor for Middle School reading. I love football, soccer and basketball and being a parent. Dunkin Donuts coffee is on my list of favorites as well!
Connect with a tutor like Constance
Undergraduate Degree: St Petersburg College - Bachelors, ESE and Elemetary Education
Football, soccer, basketball, volunteering for little league games.
- College English
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- High School English
- Math
- Other
- Phonics
- Reading
- Special Education
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Build confidence, self-directed learning, positive attitudes, critical thinking, and have fun while doing so. Academics gains cannot be met without these fundamentals. Teaching is not just teaching. Teaching is being a mentor, a role model, and guiding with a purpose.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know their likes, dislikes and what motivates them through conversation or academic games. I also would set some goals based on how they performed on my assessment, and collaborate with the parent as well.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
From my past experiences I always made sure the child discusses things that they got wrong or right so that they could become a critical thinker and self-directed learner.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I use what motivates them based on observation. Tangibles, physical gestures, verbal or nonverbal gestures, games, and technology.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I approach what they are learning in a different way by using multiple modes of instruction. Breaking down content into digestible bites is also important.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By observation or assessment, I try to find out what in particular they struggling with. Then I use strategies like identifying what is important to help them with their comprehension.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Letting children feel like you are human and not just a robot tutor is important. I also let them know that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
The way you introduce a concept is so important. You have to be excited about learning so that the child can be enthusiastic. Using something engaging and relating to the child will certainly grab their attention.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Asking questions is a must. Explaining their thinking and why they picked that specific answer. Assessments like matching and thumbs up would also be included.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Giving praise. Being able to recognize the small achievements as well is important. "Hi Fives" can be used as a piece of magic.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I use multiple assessments (games, technology, discussions and collaborating with parents).
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
It depends on what type of learner the student is. For example, if they are a kinesthetic learner, then I would use something hands on.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use manipulatives, technology, and academic games.