"I was a substitute teacher in the public school system for over ten years. Following that, I substitute taught at a private, Christian school, and then taught a homeschool co-op group.

For the past three years I have been an online tutor, during which time my focus has primarily been on phonics and reading. Before beginning with any student, I give assessments that focus on phonics knowledge, phonics spelling, reading, vocabulary, sight words, and writing. Which assessments, and how many, depend upon the parents' wishes and the feedback they are receiving from teachers. My main focus is on phonics using the model of the University of Florida Literary Institute. The order of phonics presented there has given my past students the best results in reading ability and fluency. My goal is to help my students become strong, independent readers, rather than focusing on helping them pass tests at school. Once they are strong, independent readers, their success in school tests will come as a result. During my sessions, and depending upon the student's needs, I will bring in sight words, phonics concepts beginning at the point where they are struggling, spelling, writing, reading, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Each of my sessions is tailored to the individual student, and I always end at least one of the weekly sessions with a game that reviews the current concept(s). I focus on K-6th grade struggling readers, but I do have some 7th and 8th grade students as well. I would love to help your struggling student become a confident, fluent reader!" less...