Allison

Praxis

I have a broad understanding of reading, writing, and math. I have taken and passed the PPST and the Special Education assessments of the Praxis in order to meet the Hawaii teaching requirements. The bulk of my teaching career has been with preschool through elementary students, but I have also taught intermediate and high school students. As a district resource teacher, I have also worked with and provided training for classroom teachers.

hard of hearing

phonics

I have been trained using the Phonics Plus and Orton-Gillingham methods. I found success with using direct instruction in phonics with struggling readers and writers.

study skills

Study skills encompass a wide range of topics. My experience as a teacher (preschool through high school) and district resource teacher (working with adults) has given me a broad perspective. I enjoy working with students to pinpoint areas of concern and come up with workable solutions.

special needs

sign language

ADD/ADHD

My first M.Ed. is in Special Education with an emphasis in mild/moderate disabilities. I have taught students with ADD/ADHD at the elementary through high school level. Modifications/Accommodations I have used with different students include breaking up the material into chunks, frequent breaks, and using a schedule board. Each child is different and I make it a priority to make each student successful.

elementary (k-6th)

elementary science

I have a B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. I have taught high school science in both a private and public school as well as an intermediate school special education resource teacher.

elementary math

I am a special education teacher. My math teaching experience is in the inclusion setting for Algebra as well as teaching math in a resource setting at the elementary level (preschool - 6th grade).

reading

As a special education teacher, reading has always been a focus of my teaching. Reading is taught across subjects areas. I have experience teaching reading from preschool - high school.

writing

English

When working with my students, I emphasize correct spoken English to facilitate correct English writing. We study grammar rules and put them into practice.

ESL/ESOL

Bilingual-Bicultural education was the main focus of my M.Ed. in Deaf Education. I believe in building capacity in the child's native language in order for academic learning to take place in the target language. I have worked with many students in the classroom who were learning English for the first time.

TOEFL

My background in Deaf Education and Special Education has prepared me to tutor English (listening, reading, speaking, and writing). I have worked with preschoolers through adults. I believe that building a foundation in listening and speaking helps prepare the student for reading and writing.

ASVAB

I have a broad understanding of math and science with experience teaching elementary through high school students. My goal is to give students practice in specific areas of need, so they are comfortable and confident test takers. We focus on building proficiency to improve skills.

SSAT

As a special educator, I share test taking strategies with my students. I believe the best way to prepare for the SSAT is to familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions being asked. I like to use tutoring sessions to go over strategies as well as focus on difficult concepts and common questions.

spelling

I have been trained in using the Phonics Plus and Orton-Gillingham method. Students master letter sounds and apply spelling rules through direct instruction.

ACT Reading

ACT English

vocabulary

I feel it is important to build vocabulary in all subject areas. This is most often learned through direct instruction and dictionary skills. Giving students opportunities to practice newly acquired words also helps with retention.

grammar

When working with my students, I emphasize correct speech to facilitate correct written grammar production. We study grammar rules and put them into practice.

prealgebra

I am familiar with pre algebra topics that are taught in elementary and intermediate school. As a special education teacher, I do my best to break down the concepts and provide tangible ways to "see" math. My goal is to provide a solid foundation in mathematical understanding rather than drill and practice worksheets.

algebra 1

I am a special education and deaf education teacher. I worked at an intermediate school on the Windward side for several years where I helped my students in prealgebra and algebra concepts. I enjoy math and am willing to take the time to explain concepts in different ways.