I am a firm believer that education truly is the key to making the world a better place. I am passionate about helping students because learning is inspiring and empowering. It is so rewarding to see students grow as they gain self-confidence.
In teaching children, my philosophy is to educate the whole child. To make the most of learning experiences, children first need to have their basic needs of safety, nutrition and rest met. Then, children must feel accepted, respected, engaged, supported and challenged. As teachers, we must earn their trust. Often, students come to school to learn life skills, in addition to the content on the syllabus. The same can be said of people of all ages, but especially with children.
I double majored in Religion and French at Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where I graduated with my Bachelors Degree. While in college, I spent a semester studying French Language and Culture at The University of Grenoble in France.
After college graduation, I continued my studies by completing the graduate level Teacher Education program at Salem College to become a certified Elementary Education teacher in North Carolina.
While teaching kindergarten at an international school overseas, I began an online program for a Masters of Educational Theory and Practice through Arkansas State University and graduated with my M.Ed. degree.
I have recently completed a graduate level course of study in ESL through The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, to become certified as a teacher of students for whom English is an additional language. I have also earned a TESOL certificate from VIPKid, the company with whom I have been teaching English to children in China for the past three years.
My career in Education has included public, private, international and virtual settings, as a teacher as well as school director. Most of my teaching experience has included elementary, special needs and English learners. I have taught children of all ages, as well as adults. I have worked with small children from all over the world, troubled teenagers and students with learning disabilities.
I have traveled extensively to places including China, England, Serbia, Greece, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Austria, India and Canada. I have lived in France and North Macedonia.
I tutor all Elementary School subjects. I can also tutor beginning French, basic computer skills, Religious Studies and History.
My tutoring style is interactive. I use real life examples and ask a lot of questions to develop students' critical thinking skills. I often answer questions with another question to encourage students to think more deeply. I like to make learning fun as often as possible, for example using props and songs with younger students. I also love to make up silly stories.
My favorite subject to tutor is ESL. I am especially drawn to students who are newcomers to the United States or simply learning to communicate in English as an additional language. The process of language acquisition fascinates me, and I love to encourage others along the way. I have tutored students whose native languages include Spanish, French, Serbian, Hindi, Macedonian, Chinese, German, Dutch and Arabic.