About - Homework Coach and K-6 Tutor

After 35 years teaching middle school science, it was time for me to leave the classroom and work with students 1:1 as a Homework Coach and/or K-6 Tutor. I serve a diverse group of students ranging from the youngest learners to teenagers needing some homework coaching. For students in K-6, I offer subject tutoring in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. A solid understanding of these is critical for future success in middle and high school classes.

When I met “Susie” at age 7, she could not read and had no sight-word vocabulary. Regular early sessions focused intently on reading skills, such as sight words, digraphs and how to sound out words. She was then able to read simple stories which became more complex as her reading skills improved and evolved. Eventually, she caught up to her peers and now she’s an avid reader!

I worked with “Drew” during his fourth grade year. He did not know his multiplication facts and was therefore having incredible difficulties with his math. Over a few weeks of sessions (practice and drill), he had total command of his math facts which then made learning division much easier.

For students of all grades, I offer homework coaching. I will work with your student to organize and plan their daily and weekly assignment schedules, introduce study skills (such as reading for information, notetaking, learning vocabulary), and focus on completing high-quality work. “Jen” was a high school junior who had trouble keeping up with assignments, continually turning in work late or not at all, and often forgetting items at home or school. Together, we created weekly calendars; planned homework assignments and study time for quizzes and tests. With this guidance, her work was turned in on a more regular basis. She was ready for assessments and made the Principal’s Honor Roll for the first time in her high school career!

Before teaching, I graduated from the University of CT with a Bachelor’s in Education as well as a provisional teaching certificate in 1986. I started working at Middlesex Middle School in Darien, CT as a math/science instructional aide. During those two years, I worked with staff to secure the materials that they needed for their classes. Oftentimes, I would go into their classrooms and work with small groups of students. Additionally, I tutored students regularly. I received my first teaching job in 1988 at Dunbar School in Bridgeport, CT, teaching 7th-grade reading and science. The following year, I was offered an 8th-grade science teaching position at Middlesex Middle School in Darien, CT. Over the next few years, I completed a Master’s in Environmental Education at Southern CT State University in 1996. With my Master’s degree and tenure teaching at Middlesex Middle School, I was able to obtain my permanent professional K-6 teaching certificate. I continued teaching 8th-grade science for a total of 12 years. At that point, I moved to teaching 6th-grade science, as well as becoming a Team Leader. Throughout my career, I worked with close to 3,000 students in whole-class lessons, small group reviews, and 1:1 support and monitoring. When I retired in June 20203, the Science Department created an 8th-grade Science Award in my honor.

Personal interests — Who am I outside of tutoring?