Learning has held a special place in my heart since an early age. I remember watching my grandmother read the daily newspaper from the inside out. Surely, I thought, there must some secret knowledge inside because once she started reading she was oblivious to everything else going one beyond the words on those pages. It's no surprise I learned to read at an early age and my most magical moments about learning came when we would sit together at the table, my grandmother and I, passing different sections of the paper to each other. Never speaking out loud about the information we found, yet calmly waiting for the other to also find it on their own. There's no doubt I would have learned to read, but reading the newspaper at 4 with my grandmother at my side will always be my fondest educational memory. From that one experience I learned many things. First, our joy and dedication to learning can inspire others. My grandmother never said I should learn to read, watching her was encouragement enough. While I was intrinsically motivated to read that newspaper at all costs, some students are not always aware how to make short and long term goals or apply what it takes to reach them. The dedication I put forth to read the newspaper will not be the same effort another student can apply towards something they know they need to do without proper guidance and motivation. I guess the best thing I learned was not just how to read. I learned how great it felt to help someone else do the same.I'm a High School English teacher. I am a great tutor because I am dedicated to helping students succeed. I persevere. My students can't quit because I refuse to give up on them; therefore, they are not allowed to give up on themselves. With 8 years teaching experience, I motivate students on a daily basis to see challenges as opportunities meant to be overcome and not roadblocks that signal defeat.

I am currently employed as a high school Spanish teacher for Shelby County Schools and Spanish Instructor for the Upward Bound Program sponsored by Southwest Tennessee Community College. I accepted this position due to my passion for teaching and sharing my admiration of the Spanish language with bright-minded high school scholars which are applicable to your requirements for the Assistant Resident Advisor. My experience teaching for Shelby County Schools has afforded me the opportunity to become familiar with methods of teaching Spanish and allowing scholars to gain a true appreciation for the Spanish language and culture. I also have extensive experience in leading and sponsoring a school wide Spanish Club which has gained notoriety over the past year with an initial roster of 15 students.In addition to being a high school Spanish teacher, I am also an Instructor for the Upward Bound Program which works with high school scholars who are upcoming first generation college students seeking skills to become professional individuals in todays society. My greatest applicable strength is my ability to design stimulating lesson plans that instill a love for learning and a true appreciation for scholar academic growth. I incorporate hands-on activities to accommodate multiple intelligences, encourage student learning, consolidate important concepts, and enhance scholars academic skills.

I'm prompt, patient, and come with plenty of experience! In addition to my education and administrative experience, I bring my personal passion for education and connecting with students, engaging parents, and working successfully with other educators and families, which help to make me a successful educator.In 2006 I worked a semester as a Teacher's Aid at The Christian Hope Academy on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. The young men in our classroom ranged in age from 12 to 18 and were all from inner city neighborhoods. They called the academy their temporary home because of prior criminal offenses. I found myself working in a classroom that was very diverse: I had to learn how to work with Individual Education Plans, manage conflicts, and maintain focus in a difficult classroom. With each student at a different grade level, the curriculum had to be tailored for every individual. The one-on-one interaction needed to administer their curriculum led to improved grades and increased enthusiasm for some of the boys.I worked as a paraprofessional in a classroom for students with severe autism. The challenges that autistic students face can be unique, frustrating, and dangerous. Our limited understanding of the condition is an obstacle, but our students continue to learn when their minds are stimulated, and with confidence-building instruction. The teaching staff must always be mindful of students' individual needs, and above this, be patient. I believe it is important for an educator to have the utmost patience, especially when working with a student who has special challenges.Because effective communication is my specialty, I consistently use it as a mainstay in my approach to my work ethic. I worked as a tutor for an after-school program called College Bound for Kids for close to two years in Los Angeles, California. During this time, I met with each teacher individually and many parents to discuss their child's progress. I also took specific notes pertaining to the progress of nearly 100 students in order to ensure that the tutoring offered was providing the best help. I then relayed all feedback I received to my fellow tutoring staff, educators and families. We all worked together as a team, and as a result students excelled, parents were more aware, our staff was better prepared, and I felt like a part of that community. No other teaching experience has been as rewarding as that time in my life. During this time, my passion for working in a classroom setting was solidified. My goal is to continue going above and beyond as a Varsity Tutor.

Hello my name is Allan and I believe that through hard work and education all dreams are attainable. I am excited to share the gift of knowledge with all students I work with. I have experiences working with students of all ages ranging from elementary school through college.

I believe in the power of an educated mind and have taken the responsibility to create an environment conducive to academic success for my students.