Susan
Engaging lessons, documented results, strong learners
- $50 / h
- 4 reviews
- 180 rating s
- Harrisonburg , VA ( 22801 )
- 20 miles
I have retired from public school teaching, but I still enjoy helping students succeed. I help students to recognize their strengths, access their potential through better study habits and organization, and eventually become strong advocates for their own learning. I provide alternative explanations for students who have not understood classroom instruction, targeted at each student's unique learning style. I encourage continuous review and real-life application of material so informatio...
Aspergers
Asperger's has become a much more widely-recognized condition during the time that I have been teaching. In response to this increase, Fairfax County developed a 12-hour in-service course for teachers on the subject. The course included lectures from veteran teachers, readings on Asperger's, discussions with parents of children with Asperger's, and presentations from adults with Asperger's. Even 10 years later, I continue to refer to materials and notes from this class. I believe that I have had students with Asperger's Syndrome in my classes every year for at least the past 9 years and have learned to listen carefully to what these students have to say; they can be extremely insightful about their learning needs. I have also found that many of these students have quiet, dry senses of humor and appreciate joking with their teachers from time to time. Finally, I have learned a great deal from my fellow teachers, since I have made a habit of discussing how students present themselves and the means used to "reach" these students with general education and special education teachers who work with the students each day.
vocabulary
grammar
prealgebra
reading
writing
English
accounting
I hold an MBA degree from the University of Chicago with a concentration in finance. I worked for various financial institutions.
proofreading
SAT reading
ASVAB
spelling
elementary math
elementary science
study skills
special needs
ADHD
Praxis
ADD/ADHD
ADHD was a major topic of discussion in many of the courses I took at the University of Virginia to obtain my teaching certification, including "The Exceptional Learner," "Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance and Behavior Difficulties," and "Behavior Management." The disorder was also highlighted in several seminars I attended at a national "Learning and the Brain" conference. My teaching experience has shown me that no two students with ADHD (or ADD) are exactly alike, and this has led me to develop multiple means of helping students to focus: self-talk, quick breaks with physical exercise, use of various organization schemes, code words agreed upon by student and teacher as reminders to focus, judicious use of instrumental music while completing seat-work, elimination of busy work, and development of more engaging lessons geared to students' attention spans, to name a few. I have also collected books written for students about ADHD, and I sometimes assign short readings from these books as part of study skills lessons. Students seem to appreciate books written not only ABOUT, but also FOR them. Many of these books contain short exercises for students to practice in class, then to observe the results in their learning.
algebra 1
geometry
SAT math
SAT writing
Spanish
Michele E. from Winchester, VA
Andrew looks forward to his tutoring sessions with Ms. S. She really seems to understand how to engage him and keeps him interested the entire time. She has been tutoring him for about two months -- once a week. After just a few sessions, I noticed a big difference in his attitude and his approach to learning. His confidence in schoolwork, particularly math, has increased tremendously. He doesn't complain about going to school as much and feels like he is doing well in his subjects. He is more independent in doing his homework. His teachers have noticed a difference, too. He seems to be paying more attention in class and doesn't feel as "lost" in math as he once did. Ms. S. is patient, creative and very good with him. She has been able to help him unlock his abilities and, as a result, he realizes his own potential for learning. I'm really glad we chose Ms. S.!
Jacqueline T. from Chevy Chase, MD
We worked with Susan for a few months now. She is excellent and very experienced. She can make a difference for your student. Susan is very responsive and a great communicator. We are sorry to move out of the area.
MOLLY D. from Harrisonburg, VA
I really enjoyed having Susan as my math tutor helping me prepare for the Praxis II. The math portion of this standardized test has a range of problems from algebra I, geometry, probability, statistics, etc. Susan knew how to help me solve problems in all these different areas, and I looked forward to meeting with her. Not only did she help me better understand how to solve these math problems, but she really helped me with my confidence. I have always struggled with math, but she taught me that if I put my mind to it, I can accomplish anything I want. She was a pleasure to work with, and she was successful in helping me with my math skills because I passed the test! I highly recommend Susan if you are looking for a great tutor who is willing to work around your schedule and make working with you a priority!
Rippy G. from Front Royal, VA
What a truly terrific tutor! Mrs. S. genuinely cares about each of her students, finding ways to reach them and producing the very best results. Both devoted to their success without prompting anxiety or stress and patiently finding the best methods of teaching each student. She has been a life changer for my son. Cannot thank her enough.