"Greetings! My name is Katie, and I am a "highly effective," certified, high school English teacher and a dyslexia tutor. I am also a freelance editor and writing consultant. I received my B.A. in English: Education and Literature. I have taught overseas and in Colorado for the past twelve years. Given the range of schools I have taught in, I possess a variety of strategies and techniques to help students learn and achieve.

I am currently in the process of being certified as an Orton-Gillingham (OG) tutor. Orton-Gillingham is a direct instruction, systematic, and multi-sensory approach to teaching reading based on providing a strong foundation in understanding phonics and the rules of the English language. While using this approach, I have seen students of all ages become confident and fluent readers. Even partway through the program, my Barton Reading & Spelling students stop stressing about difficulties with reading and start to enjoy it!

One of my favorite parts about teaching is the "Aha!" moment -- that moment when a student finally understands what you have been working on together. I love watching as students gain confidence in their abilities as learners, readers, writers, and thinkers. My goal for all students I work with is for them to become confident and competent readers and writers so that they can utilize these skills for the rest of their lives.

I am an absolute English enthusiast! I love the language, writing, and composition. I am passionate and want to empower my students. I am creative and have worked with many students who have IEPs, 504s, or who have struggled with literacy. I am not easily daunted. On the other hand, I've worked with students in advanced classes as well as ones acquiring their masters. I am up for the challenge.

Finally, as one who once struggled with English, I empathize with my students and will support them on their individual journeys to grow in confidence and strength in English." less...