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Fun Facts
The children love this! My aunt ( actually my dad's second cousin... ) Eleanor Audley worked for Walt Disney and did the voice of Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty and was the voice of the wicked step mother in Cinderella. I start all my classes in STEAM ( Science, Technology, Art and Math ) by showing the kids a photo of Aunt Eleanor. They love it !
About Me
I am a father of three daughters and grandpa to six elementary school age kids. I love children and teaching.
My degree is in communications. I love writing, reading, playing music and being in nature.
I have been teaching in the public elementary and secondary schools and never get tired of inspiring and helping children learn and grow.
I enjoy working with kids with special needs and helping them discover the beauty, intelligence and special qualities they have.
The children are always inspired and excited to learn I am also a film-maker and do lot's of creative projects.
Experience
Harvard University – Lab assistant, Department of Communications
andover">North Andover High School – Teacher in the English Department
Concord Academy – Faculty in Communications
Pennsylvania Governors School for the Arts – Taught film to deaf students.
Tufts University – Did communications at the Department of Child Study
Ashby Elementary School – Ashby, Ma. Substitute teacher
Spaulding Elementary School – Teacher in the the after school program.
STEM teacher – Field Trips for Roll on America
Approach
My approach to tutoring is to meet the child where they are. First I get to know them.
Once I understand their personality, quirks, learning style and any challenges, I guide them to expand their understanding.
I am VERY patient. I know children really well and intuitively know how they approach the world.
I encourage them to learn and grow. It is absolutely wonderful. I considering it an honor to work with your child.
San Francisco State University
Communications
Arts Tutoring
I have a degree in communications and work in all the arts: painting and drawing, film-making, music and sculpture. I have been working in the after-school program teaching art in the elementary school. I love helping children experience success through art.
Homework Coach Tutoring
As a teacher at Concord Academy, Spaulding Elementary, Ashby Elementary I understand the need to help kids with their homework. My experience is based on working one on one with elementary and secondary school students.
My approach is pretty simple. First I review what they are studying, I review the text with them and try to understand where they are having difficulty. I then encourage and inspire them to continue to learn and grow. We develop study habits, look at different tools and techniques they can use to help themselves when I am not with them. It is very rewarding to see them grow and change.
I use
Reading Comprehension Tutoring
I have worked with children of all ages to help them understand and enjoy what they are reading.
When I was a child, I was a slow reader. I found out much later that I was smart, capable and loved to read. I want to help children discover their joy of reading NOW.
I have worked with kids helping them learn to read at Ashby Elementary School and The Spaulding School.
Science Tutoring
I have always loved science. My father, Dr. Norman S. Simmons PhD in Biochemistry, isolated the first
samples of DNA and was nominated for a Nobel prize! As a child we had world renowned scientists stop in our home to visit. With that childhood it is no wonder that I love science.
In college I maintained a 4.0 average in science and took classes in Biology, Astronomy and Engineering. I currently teach Science for Elementary school filed trips. I work one on one as a tutor and teach groups of up to two hundred at a time. What fun!
Writing Tutoring
I have always loved writing. In grade school I was unaware of writing and did not really excel at it. When I arrived at college I was told I was an excellent creative writer. This came as a BIG surprise to me. I went on to take creative writing classes. ( 4.0 average ) and did a lot of professional writing including: A movie screenplay, articles for newspapers and magazines.
My goal as a tutor is to help children discover the magic of their own talent in writing.
I have taught writing at Concord Academy and worked with children at the Ashby Elementary School and the Spaulding Elementary School.