Karen

elementary (k-6th)

I worked for a private tutoring company for three years, helping elementary students complete their homework assignments and develop good study habits. In addition, I worked for two years as a high school Spanish teacher. Given my background in liberal arts, I have broad knowledge of many subjects and am equipped to help students with their assignments in math, science, social studies, English, or electives.

special needs

I worked with several special needs children in a tutoring company in California. In addition, I am the parent of a special needs child who is now in middle school. I have helped him with his learning challenges and would welcome the opportunity to assist other students with special needs.

Aspergers

In my previous tutoring work, I have taught a number of students with various disabilities, including Aspergers. I am extremely patient and good at devising alternative approaches to help students grasp material they may be struggling to understand. Many people with Aspergers are very literal thinkers, so it can be helpful to "translate" academic material into pictures or tactile objects that they can touch and feel. On a personal note, I am the parent of a child with high functioning autism, so I have ample experience with behavior management techniques. It is often necessary to give frequent breaks, offer copious positive feedback, patiently redirect the student's attention to the task at hand, and provide sensory activities to help the student stay focused. I look forward to helping your child with Aspergers syndrome improve his/her academic performance. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your child's needs. Thank you!

proofreading

I spent three years working as a legal editor, a job that required an enormous amount of proofreading. I have also helped many students at various levels edit their compositions. I have a great eye for typos and grammatical errors.

ESL/ESOL

English

reading

Spanish

writing

Throughout high school and college, I was in honors level English classes. I scored in the high 700's on my verbal SAT exam and consistently received very positive feedback from all my professors about my writing skills. In my professional work, I have authored many grant proposals, research studies, and other written documentation. In addition to English, I am fluent in Spanish and speak/read a smattering of German and French. I love language and am a passionate advocate of learning proper grammar, syntax, and spelling so that an individual is free to express himself or herself with fluency and ease.

vocabulary

grammar

I taught a grammar tutorial at a private high school for two years. I enjoy teaching my students how to construct a proper sentence, avoid common grammatical mistakes, and master the complexities of English.