Donna
Experienced Teacher, Highly Qualified in Math and English
I have been teaching for over twenty years. I have worked with many diverse types of learners. I have a master's degree in Special Education and am Highly Qualified, through PRAXIS exams, in High School Math and English, as well as all Elementary Content Knowledge. I have taught SAT, GRE, GED, and PRAXIS prep courses, both through tutoring companies and individually....
Praxis
dyslexia
autism
I have been teaching special education for over 20 years. I have worked with students with Autism on all parts of the spectrum. I am very familiar with their needs. Students with autism need routine and familiarity. They are visual and concrete learners, so they need pictures and hands on activities. They have difficulty generalizing concepts, so they need practice in many different settings. They need to feel comfortable with people in order to work with them. They struggle with social and interpersonal skills, so they often need help in these areas as well. I hold a master's degree in special education. I am an adjunct professor of special education at Rutger's University. I have done extensive research into autism and how to work with students with this condition. I understand their needs and behaviors. I have the experience, skills, and knowledge to work with these students. I can teach them the academics that they need in a visual, hands on way. I can deal with their behaviors calmly and easily, so as to not accelerate any behavior problems. I understand their social skill deficits, so I have techniques to help them understand subtle cues. I can rephrase questions that are difficult in a way that helps them relate to the topics.
special needs
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADD/ADHD
I am a Special Education teacher, with over 20 years of experience with special needs students. I hold a Master's degree in Special Education and also teach a Special Education course in a teacher prep program at a university. I have worked with many students with ADD/ADHD.
Aspergers
I am a special education teacher, who has worked with many students with Asperger's. I have also done extensive independent research into autism spectrum disorders. I work in a high school, and do mostly inclusion. We have many students with Asperger's, and, while each is definitely an individual, they have many common characteristics. I am very familiar with their needs, characteristics, and learning styles.
SAT math
literature
GRE
proofreading
GED
SAT reading
SAT writing
TOEFL
PSAT
SSAT
spelling
ACT Reading
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Science
elementary math
elementary science
study skills
vocabulary
grammar
geometry
prealgebra
precalculus
reading
writing
English
ESL/ESOL
psychology
algebra 1
American history
algebra 2
phonics
Christine M. from Warminster, PA
Love Donna! She gets to the point with my son and is very effective with her time and making good use of every moment.
Christine S. from Fairless Hills, PA
Donna has really honed in on what the issues are with John and understanding Algebra II. His grades have been excellent AND he struggled to get through Algebra I !!
Plutarco R. from Princeton, NJ
Donna is a fantastic tutor. She is extremely patient and very generous with her time. Since she started tutoring my 12-year-old daughter, my daughter's math skills, comprehension and confidence have increased significantly. I highly recommend Donna!
Theresa L. from Richboro, PA
Donna C. has worked well with both of my daughters (age 11 and 13) for the past seven months. Our 13 year old has autism and Donna is teaching her useful studying skills by breaking down large assignments into smaller chunks of information. Donna has helped her with math, science and language arts. The knowledge and information she shares has been a huge help. My daughter's grades have improved, as have her studying habits. Our 11 year old daughter has benefited from Donna's tutoring too. She has slowed down and is able to figure out assignments with more independence. Donna has worked with her on math, English and science. My daughter's study habits have improved, as have her grades. I would definitely recommend Donna C. as an excellent tutor!
Dee D. from Huntingdon Valley, PA
My student has now had 7 lessons with Donna. He looks forward to his tutoring sessions and each time is more positive when he is done. He feels much more confident about SAT Math, and even feels more confident about the SAT test taking process in general. I will of course report back on SAT Math improvement results. We are very happy and feel this investment is worthwhile. As promised, I am updating my review with the results: SAT Math score improved 80 points! Due to overall help with test strategy, even Reading score improved 20 points. Keep in mind that this is a student with learning differences, especially in the area of Math. Not any tutor will do in this case. Donna connected well with my student and helped him to see that he knew more than he gave himself credit for. He felt no anxiety when he took the test after working with Donna, which is no small feat.
Elena T. from Southampton, PA
Donna is a great teacher. My daughter is in 7th grade. She needed some help with math and language arts and working with Donna gave her exactly what she needed. Donna is very patient, relaxed and knows how to make kids feel comfortable. The bottom line is, if you need an experienced tutor who is very knowledgeable, patient, and caring, then I would highly recommend Donna.
Julie M. from Morrisville, PA
Donna is a wonderful tutor. She tailors the lessons around my child's learning habits, which we all know is an invaluable part of tutoring. She is always on-time and very flexible with her schedule. Will be continuing the tutoring with her for the next SAT test.
Kathleen B. from Langhorne, PA
My student came into the session feeling frustrated b/c he had trouble on the practice problems. After the session, he felt a LOT better and said he was going to keep plugging away at it. Great job, Donna!
Gaynor H. from Philadelphia, PA
My daughter's test results went from a 52% to an 87% after only three lessons with Donna! My daughter was immediately at ease with Donna and feels completely comfortable asking why and saying she doesn't understand when she needs to. Donna has helped my daughter with algebra, which has given her the tools she needs to improve her geometry skills. Highly recommend.
Isabelle M. from Newtown, PA
Donna not only is an excellent tutor, she also provides invaluable advice and perspective on how special needs students can best approach the college consideration process. Her instruction has helped my son be more confident and successful, and her advice has helped us gain a better understanding of his options and opportunities.
Robert L. from Philadelphia, PA
Donna is an outstanding tutor, and she is a very professional individual who does her very best and then some to make sure a individual has a clear understanding to what's being taught.
Angela V. from Newtown, PA
She is a very nice and patient teacher. My son is very happy with her and each lesson my son learns lots of tips, vocabulary and everything he needs for a great SAT test. Thank you very much!
Michele H. from Feasterville Trevose, PA
Donna is wonderful! my daughter is really comfortable with her. She received an 84% on her first test since seeing Donna. We are thrilled.
WILLIAM M. from Willingboro, NJ
Ms. Donna has been a tremendous asset for my daughter with her math class. She is very patient and easy to work with. My daughter feels that she can ask questions at any time even if they are repetitive. Very happy with Ms. Donna. (Outstanding)
Angela G. from Pennington, NJ
We were so lucky to find Donna, geometry is not an easy subject to teach, but Donna is a master educator, a teacher by profession she explains everything so clearly to my daughter. We had a few tutors and my daughter complained about not understanding them, but with Donna NOT A SINGLE COMPLAINT, perfect tutor, highly recommend her!
Lida G. from Bensalem, PA
Donna has been working with my Son and he has improved his algebra knowledge, he feels more comfortable with what he is learning and he is gaining confidence in the class room according to him. Thanks to her working with him, he is feeling better about taking the SAT's.
Irina K. from Philadelphia, PA
Donna has been concentrating on preparing my daughter for SAT. The preparation covers all sections and aspects of SAT including, but not limited to math, writing, and critical reading. Donna is always on time for the lessons and is well prepared. She is always on top of any questions my daughter might have and never hesitates with the answers. All the answers and explanations are detailed with specific reasoning of why the choice is correct and other choices are not. Understanding of why certain answer is not correct is as important as understanding of why another answer is correct. Donna’s explanations are always on the point and geared towards my daughter’s specific needs. Donna is also knowledgeable in SAT "Tricks" and overall test taking methodologies. My daughter and I found it very useful since it helps to save time on the test and "guess" some answers. Donna has been tutoring my daughter for few month now and I already see a good progress in all sections of SAT. Donna is a knowledgeable, well prepared and detailed tutor.
Anthony C. from Newtown, PA
Donna has tutored my 17 year-old daughter in pre-calculus twice so far. There is already a huge increase in my daughter's confidence level as well as an equally large decrease in her stress level where pre-calculus is concerned. Donna is able to take a difficult subject that was causing my daughter so much stress and worry, and make it more understandable. I would highly recommend Donna to anyone in need of a math tutor.
Shawn M. from Burlington, NJ
Donna has been tutoring my son for a few weeks and he looks forward to her visits. She is personable, punctual and professional. She communicates well and has the ability to put my son at ease which helps him stay focused and excited about math. We are very happy with her math skills and the positive reinforcement my son receives at each session. I would recommend Donna to anyone who has a student who is struggling in math or just wants to stay one step ahead.
Catherine R. from Washington Crossing, PA
Donna is a great teacher; she takes the time to go over everything my daughter needs. My daughter appreciates that Donna is so encouraging and helpful.
Kathleen B. from Trenton, NJ
Donna got my 10th grader organized for finals, as well as helped him with his English final. She is patient and explains thing clearly.
Jackie T. from Morrisville, PA
First session with Donna and my daughter. So far so good, my daughter likes her a lot. She is excited for her next session.
Anupurba L. from Princeton Junction, NJ
Donna has been tutoring our 2 children (grade 8 and 6) for 2 weeks. She is very knowledgeable and explains concepts clearly and in a way that is easy for the child to understand and remember. She is very approachable and both children do not hesitate to ask her questions. They look forward to her lessons eagerly.
Chris M. from Morrisville, PA
I like that Donna comes prepared and available to work on whatever subject areas needs assistance. My son enjoys working with her and they have accomplished several summer goals.
Michelle F. from Feasterville Trevose, PA
My daughter really likes Donna and enjoys her lessons. Although they've only had few lessons so far, I think my daughter going to do well with Donna as her tutor.
Mary S. from Bristol, PA
Donna is a very patient tutor who offers helpful hints and suggestions. She also reinforces lessons learned previously. Both my grandson and I are pleased with her.
Nancy C. from Horsham, PA
Donna is tutoring SAT for my daughter. This is the 3rd lesson and my daughter is quite responsive to her. She is motivated and Donna is helping her focus on improving her weaknesses. Update: My daughter has now retaken the SAT as of Oct 3 after having approximately 10 lessons over the course of the summer with Donna. Her scores improved 150 in reading; 20 in math and 110 in writing (170 for reading and math; 280 for total score). I am quite pleased that Donna was able to help her achieve her goal. We are now applying to colleges where her scores will be favorable looked at. I would definitely recommend Donna for those that need test taking strategies.
Jackie L. from Langhorne, PA
First session with Donna and my daughter. So far so good, my daughter likes her a lot. She is excited for her next session.
Jennifer M S. from Trenton, NJ
Donna quickly assessed my daughters skills and we saw improvement the first visit. Can't wait for out next visit.
Fal D. from Newtown, PA
Donna is teaching our 1st grader to read and helping him to be more confident with words that he doesn't know how to pronounce.
Sari S. from Newtown, PA
Not only did Donna make an appointment with my daughter right way, she was fabulous. She was extremely knowledgeable and offered helpful tips to help alleviate the stress level of my daughter. She was patient, friendly, and thorough. I would highly recommend Donna to anyone who is looking for a tutor.