Pamela
Experienced teacher supports student success in skill building
I have 40 years' experience working with students with special needs or needing extra academic support. Within the public school and privately, I have tutored in all subjects at the secondary and elementary level. I worked with private students for years or for the time needed for test preparation or support in a specific subject. I have worked privately doing independent tutoring, in the public school and in private school with students on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, with specific le...
MTLE
elementary math
elementary science
elementary (k-6th)
phonics
study skills
special needs
career development
college counseling
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADD/ADHD
I have taught students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD for many years in the classroom, in small groups and individually. I also grew up with brothers with the diagnosis. I have given workshops on working with such students. Working with students with ADD/ADHD involves capturing and sustaining their attention by a multi-sensory approach, changing approaches and work frequently, and emphasizing discovery information, not just being told, as well as helping them understand what gets in the way and how to manage that.
Aspergers
I have worked with students with Aspergers syndrome for many years, including before we knew what we know today of the diagnosis. I have had such students in a larger class, sometimes the students first entry to a mainstream class, in small group and one to one. I have tutored them for MCAS, SAT, SSAT and to generally increase skills while also addressing their social and attentional needs. I worked at a school with students on the autism spectrum and my caseload included students diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Part of my work was to help them understand their diagnosis.
autism
I have worked with students diagnosed with autism for many years in the classroom, in small groups and individually. Although they present with difficult behaviors at times, they can also be endearing, motivated and capable of learning well. Teaching always involves skill building, guided discovery of what is new and interesting, and social development. Pace of lesson, changes in approaches while maintaining familiarity, and giving both personal space and firmness are important to sustain engagement and foster learning.
dyslexia
ISEE
ACT Science
ACT English
ACT Reading
spelling
PSAT
SSAT
literature
world history
proofreading
SAT reading
SAT writing
psychology
writing
English
ESL/ESOL
grammar
reading
American history
biology
vocabulary
Laure B. from Arlington, MA
10/23/2014: Pam is helping my son find his ideas and express them. I can see he stopped dreading English and the shift is a new start: learning that he can have a voice beyond the assignment. Update in January 2015: My son has been improving his writing skills tremendously since he has started to work with Pam, almost 5 months ago. For the first time, he had a A- grade in English -first time ever and he is in 8th grade. Moreover, and for me more importantly, he has developed his voice and ideas, is not dreading anymore English assignments, and is enjoying his exchange with Pam. I am very happy with Pam, her work, her vibrant personality, and thankful for the difference she makes now and in the future of my son.
Pam B. from Burbank, CA
She was very thorough and conscientious. She gave 110%, arrived on time, and was kind. My only issue was that I thought she did more of the work than my daughter. I saw her hurrying to fix my daughter's homework to get it done, as opposed to teaching my daughter to fix her own mistakes.
Kristin T. from Lexington, MA
Pam is tutoring my son who has dyslexia. She is great about keeping him focused and interested while giving him "scaffolds" upon which to build his ability to read and write. She shows her years and years of experience in the work she does with my son. And she knows about kid culture which makes her not only effective but fun. We feel very lucky to have her working with him.
Laura P. from Stoneham, MA
Each of my three children has worked with Pam to help with three different English issues. Pam is my go-to tutor for all English matters. She is patient, upbeat and creative with her teaching approach. Pam isn't just a tutor - she is a highly skilled educator who engages the children and teaches material at a very high level. She helped my senior in high school with SAT writing and reading comprehension (resulting in very high scores), my freshman in high school with literature and is now helping my sixth grader with ISEE prep on the verbal section. She is always willing to fit in an extra session or to change a lesson time to fit with school hours and extracurricular activities. You cannot go wrong working with Pam. I am so grateful that I found her.
Suzanne D. from Westford, MA
Both my girls enjoy working with Pam on a weekly basis. She takes the time to interact with them and makes learning to read very fun. Highly recommend her, as we have seen such an improvement in schoolwork and attitude toward learning over the first couple of months. We are very happy with Pam as a teacher and will continue to utilize her services throughout the school year.
Isabelle F. from Lexington, MA
I am so happy to have found Pamela for my 15 year son. He was totally opposed to the idea of having a tutor. After Pamela left, I asked him how it went. With a big smile on his face, he replied, "Very well." I am so thankful for Pamela's expertise. I cannot thank her enough. I am looking forward to the next year coming with her.
Lisa R. from Bedford, MA
My son really enjoyed working with Pamela. Since it was his first session, I only gave her a 4 star rating. I'm anticipating 5 stars going forward. She connected with him well and helped him structure his outline for his assignment. Looking forward to continued work with Pamela!
Carol S. from Concord, MA
Pamela is terrific. She is very understanding of how traumatizing it is for me to learn grammar. She is patient. She reviews and reviews the same thing over and over without frustration until I understand. I love how supportive she is with me, and I suspect with all her students. It is great for me to get exercises from her to review because I need the practice. I also need to learn this fast and she is very accommodating, making room in her schedule. I trust her tremendously and I feel she truly is invested in me to pass the MTEL. When she is in my home, she remains focused. I'm amazed at her ability to remain so upbeat. She helps me to focus and gives me hope. I wish I had hired her a month ago.
Tara M. from Watertown, MA
I found a gem in Pamela! She has been tutoring my 13 year old son in writing for the last two months, and I couldn't be more pleased. She is kind, patient, and very engaging with my son. I feel that she has a well of knowledge, especially for learning disabilities, and my son responds very enthusiastically to her. I would highly recommend Pamela for tutoring services.
Urvashi C. from Andover, MA
Pamela has been very great with her feedback and she has a great understanding of the needs of my daughter.
Dmitry K. from Charlestown, MA
Calm and smart. Pamela taught me tricks on how to easily remember and apply some of English grammar rules.