I have tutored one- on-one and in small guided groups. I realize that everyone learns differently, so I like to ask a few questions to cater my tutoring to the way you learn best. I am an educator by profession, and have taught several grade levels. I have provided professional development training, and served as a Literacy Coach, Consulting Teacher, and Assistant Principal in the school district I worked in. I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had, however, helping others reach their fullest potential is the greatest joy of all! As an educator, I know the importance of learning the components of writing in the early years. This impacts the proficiency throughout the educational process and beyond. When students don't have a solid foundation of understanding the three basic components of writing (1) mechanics and conventions of writing, (handwriting, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure),(2) content aspects of writing (conveying meaning, quality, and clarity), (3) cognitive processes of writing (planning, drafting, editing, revision and final draft), their understanding is negatively impacted. I have taught writing for many years to school age and adult learners. I start by covering the basics of the writing process, then move on to expose students to the wide range of purposes of which people write and the forms and strategies needed to produce effective writing. In my travel abroad to China, I was astounded to find the urgency in their school system to learn the mechanics of the English language. Many of their students were speaking English fluently at an early age. Because of my love of reading, I taught my own children to read by age 4, as well as, the children of many family members and friends. English is a complex language with many rules. I find it fascinating and have studied the works of many scholars such as Fountas and Pinnell, Shanker and Ekwall, Denise Eide and many others. When students can learn to unlock the logic of English, they will become fluent at literacy and the understanding of the English language. I have seen this occur in the classroom, as a classroom teacher, facilitator of a reading clinic, literacy coach, and as an administrator, where I was responsible for the learning of hundreds of students.

I love reading mystery novels and watching dramas on television. I love to compare novels that I have read to their movie production. That makes for interesting conversations. Traveling is one of my all time favorites! My goal is to visit all 50 states. I'm at the halfway point! I have also traveled abroad. I want to do more of that. I like bowling, basketball, football, and tennis. My favorite past time is shopping! Whether at a major mall, yard sale, or thrift store shopping, I love to find unique items. Spending quality time with family tops it all! That includes my pet dog, Daisy. She's a beautiful miniature yorkie with much attitude!