Kelly
Certified Tutor
Detroit, Michigan is my birthplace and current residence. Before relocating back home in June 2008, I lived in Chicago, Illinois for ten years. My ties to "Chi-town" are abundant, so I return often to teach, freelance, and socialize.
My philosophy to teaching has been cultivated through the student-centered approach to learning. The first goal is to create a positive learning environment that will engage our classroom. Thereafter, insight is enhanced by instituting comprehensive instruction, and in-depth dialogue. Last, I believe that encouraging scholarly growth equates to supporting the maturation of critical thinking. Such approach should assist in developing individual scholarly voices, ultimately refined through class discussions, assignments, and personal experience.
Professionally, I am a Counselor dedicated to hospice care, bereavement counseling, and leading psycho-educational groups. One of my assignments is to conduct group counseling and instruct a financial accountability curriculum to first-time bad check offenders. This program allows me to work with men and women in three Midwest states: Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. In 8 years, and 119 classes, I have reached 2,944 people. I love my work!!
While I accept my call to serve others going through financial, life, or death transition; there is a deeper passion to teach. Through online and classroom environments, my courses include: Philosophy of Ethics, Ethical Issues in Human Service Organizations, Technologies in Human Service Organizations, The Helping Process & Self-Care, and Principles of Health & Wellness. In addition, I am a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Independent First Aid/CPR Instructor and Family Caregiving Leader through the Southeastern Michigan Red Cross.
Living gives me great joy; especially when time is spent with my 2 nephews, 1 niece, and 2 cats (Syren & Kooper). Little people and animals allow me to breathe, and maintain a balanced - purpose driven perspective on life. Away from family, I am working out: Kangoo Jumping, and weather permitting, riding my Trikke.
Remember to KISS (Keep It Simple Scholar)...
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelors, Sports Management & Communications
Graduate Degree: National Louis University - Masters, Human Services Counseling
Kangoo Jumping, Trikke Riding, 5k Running, NFL & NCAA Football, Tennis
- College Application Essays
- College English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Ethics
- High School English
- High School Writing
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Microsoft Office
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Philosophical Ethics
- Phonics
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Technology and Coding
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy to teaching has been cultivated through the student-centered approach to learning. The first goal is to create a positive learning environment that will engage our classroom. Thereafter, insight is enhanced by instituting comprehensive instruction and in-depth dialogue. Last, I believe that encouraging scholarly growth equates to supporting the maturation of critical thinking. Such an approach should assist in developing individual scholarly voices, ultimately refined through class discussions, assignments, and personal experience.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
During the first session, time will be taken to get acquainted and establish tutoring goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Students can become independent learners by allowing me to guide them through their assignments, by showing discipline toward learning, and by following instructions as designed by their teachers and/or professors.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Positive self-talk and validating progress are two methods to keep students motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, it becomes necessary to return to the beginning of the assignment and/or reading materials and break down the content into small chunks.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Sticking with the "small chunks" method, students can improve reading comprehension by reading one paragraph at a time and noting the information read.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Active listening is the strategy that promotes a successful working relationship with students.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
When fear regarding subject matter is identified and acknowledged, students tend to become more engaged and excited about their academic journey.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
During the process of learning, students can benefit from constructive inquiry. This method of asking students to verbally repeat content and concepts helps with retention and overall comprehension.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Positive reinforcement using verbal cues such as "Good Job," visual cues such as a picture with a smiling face and/or a star, as well as showing the student their growth since the first tutoring session.