Month: March 2016

A Lesson from Passion Week

During the years I taught at a Christian school, we began the day with a Bible story. I told the stories mainly from memory, but I kept the text in front of me for details I might forget to include. I taught a combined fifth and sixth grade class, and we were covering the Passion stories. As I told the story of Jesus sharing the Passover meal with His disciples, an important detail caught my attention which I had not noticed before; the disciples argued about who would be first in God’s kingdom.

Wait… hadn’t Jesus already covered this ground? Had he not made it clear that His kingdom was about serving and not being served. As I later looked through the gospels, I confirmed that this conversation had taken place on two other occasions before the Last Supper. So here was Jesus about to sacrifice Himself so that they could spend eternity with Him in heaven, and they were concerned about who got the best position. This was a timely message for me because I had been repeating a lesson on behavior and was frustrated with the results. I don’t remember what it was I wanted my students to learn. What I vividly recall is what Jesus’s response taught me. He didn’t say, “I have more important matters on my mind,”  “I don’t have time for this,” “How many times do I have to tell you…” He didn’t sigh before patiently repeating that His kingdom was about serving, not being served. He didn’t even remind them that He had explained this before. He knew this was part of the maturing process: He knew, with the exception of Judas, they would die serving Him, some a martyr’s death.

And the word for me: sometimes we have to hear or be instructed several times before we embrace a teaching whether it involves math or a moral principle. So if you’re a mother, teacher, or some other leader: be patient, trusting that in time, your pupils will learn.

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About Me

I finally know what I want to be when I grow up! I have found a career which I believe fulfills my God given purpose: helping others learn and become better thinkers through one-on-one tutoring. Understanding how each person learns helps me better teach them.  While I’m not overly concerned about grades, I know that when someone comprehends the material taught, then they can improve their grades. Sharing in the joy of good grades is an added benefit of my job. 

I am blessed to have held a variety of jobs. As a private tutor, I can draw from all my experiences to aid in my teaching. My career started when I became a park ranger. Nature is a great teacher and getting outdoors is a regular theme on The Learning Tutor. In addition to several seasonal appointments, I spent eight years working at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield, a Civil War site which is part of the Georgia state park system. During my years there, I researched primary documents to improve interpretive programs, led battlefield tours, coordinated activities for school groups, and demonstrated pioneer skills such as candle dipping. As you can see I’ve always been involved in education.

I have also spent ten years in the classroom, teaching elementary through college level pupils. After completing my master’s degree, I taught history at the University of West Georgia and Floyd College(now called Highlands College). My focus was not on learning dates but understanding the factors leading to important events. Later, I taught all subjects for fifth and sixth grades at Plantation Christian Academy. After leaving that position, I began working as a private tutor.

My husband and I have been married for over thirty years. Jim is the kindest man I know and my biggest fan. We both enjoy watching wildlife whether it’s the butterflies who visit our flowers or the hawks who hunt around our house. We also like to complete home projects together. Although we don’t have any biological children, we have many “surrogate” children. In addition, we have two fur babies, a sweet calico cat named Angel, she often likes to nap nearby.  Two years ago, we rescued an abandoned day old kitten. Roo, a rambunctious black and white cat, completes our family.

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My Services

One-on-one tutoring targets the individual’s need, is rigorous, and gets results. For the past fourteen years, I have helped students improve their math, reading, and writing skills. I also offer test preparation for the ACT, SAT, ASVAB, and numerous other vocational exams. I accept middle school through adult learners. A number of my students have been diagnosed with learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, nonverbal learning disorder, and Aspergers. My pupils have been successful in improving grades, and many have won academic awards and have gone on to take advanced courses. One of my first actions when accepting a new client is to contact his/her teacher so we are coordinating our efforts.

My goal is to provide students with the tools to think critically, so they will gain confidence in their ability to solve problems. For many learners, this can be accomplished in a few sessions. For others, who have processing disorders which make learning more difficult, it can take longer. Then there are a few who come to me because they want to be challenged and taken beyond the instruction they are getting in the classroom. No matter the reason for tutoring, I want each person to reach the point where he/she no longer needs my assistance.

Patience is one of my strengths; I understand that a concept may need to be retaught several times before it is mastered. I’m flexible and will adapt to my students’ needs, such as allowing for movement. Tutoring sessions can be held in person in Hazel Green or anywhere online. If interested in my services, please call me to schedule a free, no obligation consultation: 256-541-8148.

Rates: $35/one hour session.

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