"My name is Zachary. I am 31 years old and I am in my 8th year as an elementary general education teacher. I love my job and I love helping others in need. I am very active in the community and I am currently coaching middle school cross country and basketball.

I struggled a lot academically in elementary, middle, and high school. I worked very hard but got very average grades. I was always surrounded by a supportive group of people who believed in me, including many teachers and my parents. My teachers and parents gave me the tools to succeed in elementary, middle, high school, and college. I developed great work habits that helped me overcome challenges academically and in everyday life and I still rely on these tools today. I attended Loras College where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Special Education. Also a Master's Degree in Educational Technology.

I have taught 5th grade math and ELA as well as 4th grade math and ELA. I am familiar with common core standards and I am very knowledgeable with techniques and strategies used. I know multiple strategies to help students comprehend what they are reading. As well as comprehension, I will help students develop various types of writing (Narrative, Opinion, Informative, Persuasive, Research). Writing an extended response (seen in state tests) is difficult but I bring various techniques that students can use to help them in developing an extended response. I can help students organize their writing into specific paragraphs and I can help students organize their thoughts and put these thoughts onto paper.

I can help students manage their time and help manage their schedules. I am a high believer in hard work, and I will not only help students manage time and introduce various techniques, I will do my best to motivate students to do their very best in everything they do!

Please don't hesitate to contact me!

Zachary" less...