"For the Elementary child who struggles with motivation or interest level in reading or math... For the Junior High student who struggles with the same, or with writing... For High School students who have difficulty writing essays: I would love to help out! I have years of experience leading students to grow in all these areas. My students know me as serious, fun, engaging, creative, challenging, and encouraging. I have a Master's degree in Education through the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul MN, with Elementary and K-12 French Certifications. I taught in Public and Private schools for nearly 10 years, including (Public) French Immersion School (Grade 3), where I became tenured, and I taught Math, grades 6 through 8, beginning algebra, and even religion. I am very comfortable discussing social studies, history, and government. With my background in Philosophy, I challenge the child or adolescent to think critically about the ideas being presented, to avoid emotionalism, and to be intellectually honest. On the other hand, my theatre background helps me animate the subject, and to draw out the child's true interests. My most advanced assistance lies in assisting students as they write essays; I encourage them to write in an organized, thoughtful, smooth, and persuasive manner.

No matter the subject, my method is both resourceful and creative: I learn about the current lessons being studied, I note the students' weaknesses and strengths, I analyze the difficulty, and I assist the student in building knowledge and confidence. I am highly verbally interactive. I approach the topic from several angles, I provide baby-step problems, and then I push the child to confidently launch into the classroom homework at hand.

Perhaps the clearest measure of success is when, despite tiredness and frustration, the student exudes a renewed sense of calm... and a subtle smile of confidence returns to his/her face.

Please contact me to set up a chance to meet with your child. I do not promise instant" less...