Susan
Targeted, Personalized Reading/Writing/Study Skills/SAT Support
My goal as a tutor is for students to learn how to learn so that they will no longer need my help. I establish a calm, harmonious learning environment and employ an all-positive approach to help students with dyslexia, ASD, other learning disabilities, or none at all. My students learn and practice proven, effective strategies for reading, writing, studying and test-taking -- or any combination of goals. I quickly retool and simplify concepts to suit different learning styles and skill leve...
ACT English
ADD/ADHD
I'm currently in grad school working toward certification in special education, but it's been mainly through tutoring that I've gained experience with children with attention difficulties. In fact, I'm reluctant to call them attention difficulties, because they can be so useful -- people who know when an idea has run its course, or who can respond to small environmental changes can be extremely valuable to society. However, they can be challenging to a linear learning process. As a tutor, I seek to find ways to make learning fun for children who are stressed by the "sit still and listen method" they regularly encounter in school. Sometimes a young child can focus better if a puppet gives the directions, or if she can dance while reciting new rules (of grammar or spelling, for example). Usually, older children have been "identified" with ADD or ADHD and may be taking medications to control symptoms, but even so, they deserve to be engaged in learning. Learning happens when material becomes compelling enough to hold attention. I aim to increase students' reading time. I break down writing assignments into small, manageable tasks that add up to a complete project. I am patient and build in constructive breaks as needed.
American history
Aspergers
I have taught students with Asperger's for the past decade, at all academic levels. Students with Asperger’s often demonstrate a few specific, intense interests, so I plan instruction that helps them connect new knowledge to their specific, existing interests. My students learn to make these connections by themselves, and become more flexible thinkers. As mental flexibility increases, so does sensory integration; as sensory integration improves, symptoms of Asperger’s begin to disappear, and a "new," more engaged student emerges.
autism
I help my students with autism to direct and convey their thinking with increasing verbal fluency. This is mainly a matter of “translation,†as students with autism often can “see†what they wish to communicate before they can say it; I work to help students connect what they envision to words. As they become more flexible “translators,†not only do they enjoy cognitive growth, but they also display fewer symptoms of autism, and can better integrate sensory experiences. Gaining rapport with highly visual thinkers is one of the most stimulating and rewarding experiences I have enjoyed as a teacher.
dyslexia
elementary (k-6th)
elementary math
elementary science
English
ESL/ESOL
European history
geography
grammar
literature
prealgebra
proofreading
reading
SAT reading
SAT writing
special needs
study skills
TOEFL
vocabulary
world history
writing
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Edric L. from Hamden, CT
Susan is a great tutor and she is a very nice and warm person. She not only did a full preparation for his classes, but also try to find a suitable way to adapt his student. She is professional tutor. She help us not only for English, but also for all aspects which can.
Gu F. from Hamden, CT
Susan is a teacher who is worthy of respect. She is so patient and warm, humorous, and flexible. Her lessons are interesting. She gives me a lot of help with my TOEFL, in writing, reading, and listening. I love working with her very much.
Simon T. from Farmington, CT
My son is about to start his second year at Durham University, UK reading Theology. He wanted to improve his essay writing technique to a standard that is necessary to secure a first class honors degree. He traveled from Bermuda to Connecticut for lessons with Susan B. Based on providing two first year essays, Susan put together a program for him to work on. My son was very happy with both the lessons and the material he has been left with to use on his future essays. I felt that Susan progress reports were detailed and gave me clear insight as to their objectives and progress that was being made.
Carmen Licia P. from Hartford, CT
Susan is a fantastic teacher. I learned a lot in her classes. She is a very nice person and an excellent teacher. She taught me how to write in English and gave me a lot of help with grammar as well. After my July vacation I hope to resume the classes with her.
Victor K. from Windsor, CT
Mrs. Susan B is a great reading/writing tutor. She is pretty sincere, creative, entertaining and humorous. My kids love her. She is very patient, flexible and always reachable by phone or email.
Judy L. from Windsor, CT
Susan, You have been extremely helpful in getting my son thru reading while on the lazy days of summer. I liked the strategies used it was helpful enabling him to think more in terms of what he needs to be aware of in reading as the books he reads are getting longer and longer. We are happy with the service received.
Frank G. from Hamden, CT
Susan is a teacher who is worthy of respect. She is so patient and warm, humorous, and flexible. Her lessons are interesting. She gives me a lot of help with my TOEFL, in writing, reading, and listening. I love working with her very much.
Joyce M. from Simsbury, CT
Susan is very patient and takes to time to learn about her student and what they like. She then tries to make meaningful connections during her tutoring sessions that will help the student. We are very Grateful for all the support she has given our son.