Nancy

dyslexia

Aspergers

I am a certified special education teacher and director, who has extensive experience working with Aspergers diagnosed students. I was involved in performing both academic and cognitive assessments for these students. I worked cooperatively with the student's educational team, which included the school adjustment counselor, the child's outside psychologist/psychiatrist, speech and language therapists, physical and occupational therapists, the child's parents and classroom educators. Additionally, I was responsible for providing individual and group instruction, both in the inclusion classrooms and in the Resource Room setting. My experience working with these students has broadened my knowledge of the challenges they face on a daily basis. Understanding that these students require and depend upon daily routines is vital to their learning. Assisting them with social integration skills and coping skills is paramount to their success as a student. Academics are only a part of their educational needs. I often found that if I could assist a student with feeling comfortable and confident in their designated classroom, their academic learning was greatly enhanced. Asperger children and adults do not do well with over stimulation and/or unexpected changes to their routines. Loud sounds, such as fire engines and fire alarms, large groups participating in a lively activity often upset them. Providing the child/student with clear and precise expectations for their behavior and learning provides for a calm learning environment for everyone. Therefore, if an adult can alert the student, before something is about to occur, they are better able to cope with the situation. My approach to teaching all students requires that I first get to know who my students are, what their learning style is, what obstacles are they experiencing that interrupt their learning (both academically, socially and emotionally) and what things they are interested in. I believe that every student requires a holistic approach which includes social integration skills, coping skills, study skills and a desire to learn. I work hard to promote and motivate my students, especially when they are struggling. I enjoy my work. I find it very rewarding when a student makes progress, even if it is only a small gain. The best part of my job is when one of my students has that "Ah ha!" moment and they truly understand the concept that I am presenting. Aspergers Syndrome not only affects the child/student, it affects their family members, their classmates and their friendships. Every Aspergers student can be successful and happy when provided the right learning environment, the needed supports and a routine they can rely on. I know I can provide your student a successful learning experience.

ADD/ADHD

I've taught numerous students who have ADD or ADHD. The main difference between the two is that students with ADD typically are easily distracted and tend to have racing thoughts which prevents them from keeping focused for longer periods of time. Students with ADHD have the above problems, but they also have hyperactivity problems, such as not being able to sit still or keeping their hands still. Their bodies are overstimulated and require additional tools/feedback,so that they can improve their attention span. Many students with ADD or ADHD tend to need some form of physical therapy,occupational therapy and specialized instruction from qualified therapists/teachers. One way that helps these students is to provide them with the feedback their bodies are craving. Giving the student a stress ball to squeeze or having the student sit on an exercise ball are two ways to help a student with ADD/ADHD. There is an abundance of information regarding these difficulties. I would love to talk with anyone who would like additional information.

special needs

ADHD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

study skills

phonics

elementary (k-6th)

ASVAB

elementary math

writing

English

algebra 1

Microsoft Word

prealgebra

reading