Teaching philosophy

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More than three decades working with students who learn differently has taught  me never to underestimate someone's potential and that it is vital to focus on strengths as the basis for effective strategic learning.

Most students who have struggled in school have lost confidence and see academic progress as an impossible goal. Changing this mindset is where true progress begins. I work closely with students to help them develop self-understanding, de-mystify the nature of academic demands, and achieve a sense of control over their own learning. Learning new strategies and habits is the easy part, once a foundation of self-confidence has been established.

Each student is unique, and every student is served best by a highly individualized approach that identifies challenges, matches strategies to strengths, and allows students to be true partners in the learning process. 

It's hard work, requiring motivation that comes from within. Building that sense of internal motivation comes from seeing that success is possible, and from the close, caring support of someone who believes in the student even when they may not believe in themselves.

I have devoted my professional career to students who struggle in school, and I know that success for them is possible, because I believe in them. 

Services began with a free educational consultation, including a one-on-one meeting with the individual client as well as a discussion with the family as appropriate. Based on these collaborative discussions, a proposal for an educational plan and list of services is provided, along with a timeline. When the plan is decided, a detailed contract for services is executed and the work begins.