Melissa

Certified Tutor

"Teachers change the world one child at a time," is a quote found on a plaque my father first gave me when I entered the teaching profession-a quote that still inspires me today. Originally from Buffalo, New York I have always dreamed of being an educator. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education, with a concentration in mathematics and computer science from SUNY Geneseo and I obtained my Master's in Literacy at George Mason University. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, running crafting, baking and trying to learn something new every day, whether it is by taking a gift wrapping class, or a cooking class.

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time and having a vested interest in your child's education. It is my goal to actively listen to your concerns and desires for your child's education while maintaining communication with your child's educators about his or her current performance and the teachers vision for the coming months. Through this ongoing dialogue, your child will have the opportunity to not only grow intellectually, but socially.

Throughout my three year study of literacy at George Mason, I was introduced to, and applied, a variety of strategies to enhance instruction. Building background knowledge, posing open-ended questions and instilling a sense of excitement and fun are the corner stones to success. It is my intent to tailor lessons that foster a deep sense of excitement and active participation that encourages intellectual and social growth in each student.

While language arts has always interested me, I have a breadth and depth of knowledge in all academic areas and each lesson will be tailored to the student's individual needs. I plan my lesson by using information gathered from a variety of sources, including current classroom performance indicators, learning style inventory, and assessment results. I have had the opportunity to apply these techniques during my eight years of experience in the public education system and three years of experience in private tutoring. During this time, I have been able to educate and excite students in grades Pre K through 5.

I look forward to embarking on this educational journey with both you, and your child-a journey where he or she will begin to understand that learning is meaningful, connected to everyday life, and most of all, fun!