Stephen
Science, History, Math, Literature, Biology, Art History
I am certified in Math/Physics/Science, however, I have taught Art History, European History, Astronomy, Social Science, Literature, Language Arts, Biology, Evolution/Paleoanthropology and Renaissance History. I have also successfully tutored students who have ADHD, Autism, Bi-Polar disorders and acute oppositional disorders. I make use of internet resources and have over 75 resources I have used with my tutoring to supplement class work. If you need assistance in any of the subjects li...
social studies
autism
I have successfully worked with students with autism both in the clinical hospital and general school district environments for the last 7 years. The ages of the students I have helped range from 8-17. The majority of the students I have helped has been in the family's home. There are less distractions and it is more conducive to stay on a schedule of instruction. The home is usually their "comfort zone" and I do not want to introduce any changes which are not beneficial. When I was teaching at the clinical hospital the facility was key access only and the classroom curriculum was individually tailored for each student and there was a 1-on-1 ratio of teacher to student. I was certified in First Aid and certified to physically restrain should the safety of the student or the safety others be in jeopardy. As you know those with autism typically exhibit self injury and aggression towards others. I also work with the student in improving verbal and non-verbal communication. While at the Lake Washington School District I tutored autistic students again in the home-- these students required me to be with them as they had presented unusual symptoms (usually aggressive behavior towards others) that prevented them from being in a regular special education class. I concentrate on improving the student's communication skills, social skills as well as daily living skills. As they tend to be visual learners I use visual clues to direct learning and I ensure a smooth transition from activity to activity as a change in schedules can be very detrimental to progress. A structured curriculum is always used and most always involves incorporating the student's IEP, Medical care team and the family. I practice manual guidance and make use of structured lists of activities, procedures and the times to start and when we will be done with each activity. I deliver rewards regularly. Activities are specific for each student depending on age and the seriousness of the impairment. I also keep a data sheet of each activity and give a + or - as to its successful completion. The bigger the score the bigger the reward. Plus this allows for a quantitative way to show progress and to point out any areas which need to be re-taught. I also post a graph to plot the success based upon the data sheet. All activities address problems in socialization and communication disorders.
Aspergers
I have taught and tutored students with Asperger Syndrome for about 5 years. I have dealt mostly with younger students from late Elementary level to Jr. High. I have also taught students with AS in a psychiatric hospital. These were on an individual basis and they were of Middle School age. AS has usually been defined as a milder form of Autism therefore the teaching methodologies can be somewhat similar. I use two prominent teaching methodologies-- SODA-- Stop, Observe, Deliberate, Act. This helps with social interpreting. I use practice scenarios to help the student to not act impulsively but to "step back" and assess the situation. We rehearse social scenarios. I also use Coaching to help them prepare ahead of social interactions. Appropriate social skills are taught and rehearsed. I also work very closely with the family, physicians, psychologists, and school staff. In order to ensure the student feels safe I keep the teaching environment the same and prepare them in advance for transitions. If need be for a consequence I use "time-outs" where the student can safely sit with minimal stimulation then continue with the lessons.
anthropology
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADD/ADHD
I taught at Fairfax Hospital in Juanita for 5 years which involved multiple cases of students in my class with ADD/ADHD and oppositional personalities. The last 5 years I have been a tutor within the Special Services Dept. for the LWSD tutoring students with the same afflictions. I am usually assigned to students who have had unsuccessful tutoring sessions before and are difficult for school assigned special education teachers to work with. I also work within the clinical and academic goals as outlined in the student's IEP and school team.