More About Chesley H.

Educational Background: 

Highest Level of Eduction Completed: 4-Year College

Degrees or Qualifications Earned: B.S. Education

Major or Specialization: Secondary Education – English

Name(s) of Educational Institutions Attended: Kansas State University & Georgetown University

Tutoring Experience:

Years of Tutoring Experience: 6

Grade Levels or Age Groups I Have Tutored (List All): 4th-12th Grade

Tutoring Methodologies or Approaches Used:

Student-centered, guided practice– in teaching, we call this the “I do, we do, you do” model. First, I show an example or definition to teach the concept. Then, we both work on another together. Then, the student practices independently and I check for support. Visuals are extremely helpful in online tutoring as well as asking for a thumbs up if you understand, etc.

Relevant Certifications or Training Received:

Certified Texas teacher 4th-12th grade in English Language Arts, Reading, & ESL.  Please Note: I would prefer not to teach math to children past the 6th grade. Math is not my first choice, however, I am able to do it from grades K-6. I would prefer to tutor English-related subjects, history/social studies, and Spanish 1 or 2. I am also skilled at helping with study skills, etc as well as ACT/SAT English and Reading.

Academic Achievements:

Honors, Awards, or Scholarships Received:

• Integrity Award- Liberty High School Teaching
• Deans List in College (4.0)

Teaching Philosophies:

Throughout my teaching career, I have honed my abilities to effectively communicate complex concepts, demonstrate value to diverse audiences, and engage with students of varying backgrounds and abilities. My strengths in individualization and empathy have allowed me to tailor instructional strategies that meet each student’s unique learning needs, fostering an environment of inclusivity and success.

Furthermore, my educational background, including a B.S. in Secondary Education English from Kansas State University, and my experience at Georgetown University, has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on discipline, perseverance, diversity, and leadership.

What excites me most about joining SpeedyTutor is the opportunity to continue making a positive impact on students’ lives while growing professionally. I am confident that my strong organizational and time management skills, coupled with my educational and personal experiences, will allow me to excel in this role and contribute to the tutoring agency’s mission.

Strategies I Use to Engage & Motivate Students:

• Clear Communication: Start by setting clear expectations. Effective communication helps students understand what is expected of them.
• Interactive Content: I use a variety of multimedia content such as interactive quizzes and simulations to make the learning experience more engaging and dynamic.
• Real-Life Relevance: I show the real-world relevance of the course material. I discuss practical applications that demonstrate how the concepts are used in the real world.
• Frequent Feedback: I provide timely and constructive feedback on assignments and assessments. This helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
• Personalization: I recognize that each student is unique. I tailor my approach to their individual learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Regular Assessments: I break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks with regular assessments or quizzes. This can help students stay on track and motivated to keep up with the material.
• Motivation Techniques: I incorporate motivation techniques like goal setting, self-assessment, and reflection exercises. I encourage students to set their own learning goals.
• Storytelling: I use storytelling techniques to illustrate key concepts and make the content more relatable and memorable.
• Celebrate Achievements: I recognize and celebrate students’ achievements, whether big or small. This can boost their motivation and sense of accomplishment.
• Provide Resources: I offer additional resources, such as recommended readings, videos, or websites, for students who want to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Please describe a memorable tutoring experience you’ve had and how you approached it. What strategies did you use to help the student understand the concept or overcome challenges they were facing?

One of the most memorable tutoring experiences I’ve had as an English teacher occurred when I was working with a high school student named Mark. Mark was a bright student, but he struggled with writing essays, particularly when it came to structuring his arguments effectively. Here’s how I approached this tutoring experience and the strategies I employed to help him overcome his challenges:

• Assessment: To begin, I conducted an initial assessment of Mark’s writing by asking him to share some of his recent essays. This allowed me to identify recurring issues in his writing, such as unclear thesis statements, disorganized paragraphs, and a lack of supporting evidence.
• Building Trust: It was essential to establish trust and rapport with Mark. I reassured him that his writing challenges were common and that our tutoring sessions were a safe space for improvement.
• Identifying Specific Challenges: Through our discussions and analysis of his essays, I pinpointed his specific challenges. For Mark, it was a struggle to articulate his ideas clearly and provide convincing evidence to support his arguments.
• Teaching Essay Structure: I started by breaking down the essay-writing process into manageable steps. We discussed the importance of a strong thesis statement, clear topic sentences, and effective transitions between paragraphs.
• Modeling: I provided Mark with model essays and demonstrated how to effectively structure an argument, incorporating examples from literature and real life.
• Practice and Feedback: Mark and I worked on numerous writing exercises together. I encouraged him to practice constructing arguments and essays, providing constructive feedback on each draft.
• Revision Process: I emphasized the importance of the revision process. Mark learned to review his own work critically and make necessary revisions for clarity and coherence.
• Literary Analysis: Since Mark was interested in literature, I integrated literary analysis into our sessions. This helped him develop more nuanced and insightful interpretations of texts, which he could incorporate into his essays.
• Time Management: We also discussed time management strategies for writing assignments. I encouraged Mark to set aside dedicated time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing.
• Setting Goals: Mark and I set clear, achievable goals for his writing improvement. These goals provided motivation and a sense of accomplishment as he reached them.
• Regular Assessment: Periodically, we assessed his progress by reviewing his newer essays and comparing them to his earlier work. This tangible evidence of improvement boosted his confidence.
• Encouragement: Throughout our tutoring sessions, I provided consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement. I acknowledged his progress and celebrated his successes, no matter how small they seemed.
• Communication with Parents: I maintained open communication with Mark’s parents, discussing his progress, goals, and areas that needed additional attention. This ensured that we were all aligned in supporting his growth.By employing these strategies and maintaining a patient, supportive, and encouraging approach, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in Mark’s writing skills. He not only improved his ability to structure and articulate his ideas effectively but also gained a newfound confidence in his writing. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of individualized instruction and the importance of fostering a growth mindset in my students.

Experience with Teaching:

I have had the privilege of being an English teacher for the past six years, which has provided me with a diverse range of teaching experiences across different age groups and settings. Over the course of my career, I’ve accumulated valuable insights and skills that have enriched my teaching approach.

My journey began in a high school setting, where I spent five years helping students develop their English language and literature skills. In this environment, I was tasked with not only imparting knowledge but also fostering a love for literature and effective communication. I designed and delivered engaging lesson plans, encouraged critical thinking through class discussions and literary analysis, and guided students in improving their writing skills. These years taught me the importance of adaptability in teaching, as every student has unique learning needs and preferences.

Transitioning to the middle school setting for a year was an enlightening experience. It allowed me to work with younger students during a critical phase of their educational journey. I focused on building a solid foundation in English language skills, emphasizing reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and effective writing. This experience enhanced my ability to tailor teaching methods to meet the developmental needs of adolescents, ensuring they were well-prepared for the challenges of high school.

In addition to my classroom experience, I’ve also dedicated ten years to coaching a summer league team composed of children aged 4 to 18. This coaching role has been immensely rewarding, as it extends beyond academics into the realm of character development, teamwork, and leadership. It has honed my ability to connect with students on a personal level, understand their unique personalities and motivations, and inspire them to work together towards a common goal.

Overall, my experience with teaching has equipped me with a deep understanding of pedagogy, effective communication, and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. It has also reinforced my belief in the power of education to shape young minds and empower them to reach their full potential. I am excited to continue my journey as an educator, applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my students.

Why Did I Want to Become a Tutor?

When I was a high school junior, I went through an extensive process of preparing myself for applying to top-tier universities. I was a highly competitive athlete and an extremely disciplined student. I knew how important it was to “share my story” effectively, so I worked closely with my high school counselor and a close family friend. They introduced and successfully prepared me for elements of the college application process, and, as a result, I was accepted to several top-tier universities, but the one that stood out from the crowd was Georgetown University. I attended Georgetown for my freshman year, but soon after one school year, I realized my gift is in teaching and motivating students the same way that I had amazing teachers, coaches, and other inspirational adults who helped me along the way. I transferred to Kansas State University and received my degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English.

Throughout my teaching career, I have honed my abilities to effectively communicate complex concepts, demonstrate value to diverse audiences, and engage with students of varying backgrounds and abilities. My strengths in individualization and empathy have allowed me to tailor instructional strategies that meet each student’s unique learning needs, fostering an environment of inclusivity and success.

In my most recent role as a Middle School English Teacher at Andover Middle School, I designed and executed a rigorous curriculum for seventy-five 7th and 8th graders, focusing on enhancing their reading comprehension and fluency across all subjects. My commitment to student success led me to accommodate special education students, 504 plans, and gifted learners, ensuring that every individual had an opportunity to thrive. I even had the opportunity to start an after-school tutoring program with my colleague so that we could target struggling students who needed extra help in English. Ultimately, their scores and confidence greatly improved, and they were excited about attending each week.

During my tenure at Frisco Liberty High School, I collaborated with planning teams to develop engaging curricula for over 150 students. I effectively integrated data-driven decision-making into my teaching approach, emphasizing growth mindset practices and standards-based grading techniques. As the head swim coach for the varsity girls and boys teams, I also demonstrated my ability to lead and mentor students outside the classroom setting, fostering an environment that prioritized teamwork and accountability.

Furthermore, my educational background, including a B.S. in Secondary Education English from Kansas State University and my experience at Georgetown University, has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on discipline, perseverance, diversity, and leadership.

What excites me most about joining your tutoring team is the opportunity to continue making a positive impact on students’ lives while growing professionally. I am confident that my strong organizational and time management skills, coupled with my educational and personal experiences, will allow me to excel in this role.

What Actions Do I Take to Get a Disinterested Student Motivated?

• Establish a Positive Relationship: Start by building a positive and supportive relationship with the student. Show genuine interest in their well-being and success. A strong teacher-student relationship can be a powerful motivator.
• Understand Their Interests: Take the time to understand the student’s interests, hobbies, and passions. If you can incorporate these into your teaching or connect the subject matter to what they care about, it can make the material more engaging.
• Choice and Autonomy: Give the student some choice and autonomy in learning. Allowing them to choose topics for assignments or projects can increase motivation because they have ownership over their learning.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the student’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation.
• Frequent Feedback: Provide regular, constructive feedback on their progress. This helps them understand where they are and what they need to work on. Be sure to highlight areas of improvement as well.
• Challenge Them: Sometimes disinterest stems from boredom. Challenge the student with more advanced or thought-provoking material if they’re ready for it. This can reignite their curiosity and engagement.
• Personalized Learning: Tailor the teaching to the student’s needs and abilities. Provide additional resources or different approaches if they’re struggling with the standard curriculum.
• Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing the value of effort and persistence. Teach the student that they can improve with hard work and dedication.
• Patience and Empathy: Understand that disinterest may stem from various factors, such as personal challenges or learning difficulties. Approach the student with patience and empathy, showing that you care about their well-being.

Positive Results I’ve Seen With Students in the Past:

Over my years as an educator, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing several positive outcomes and transformations in my students’ lives. These experiences have reaffirmed my passion for teaching and the profound impact it can have. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Academic Growth: One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching students progress academically. I’ve seen students who initially struggled with certain subjects or concepts make significant improvements over time. For instance, I once had a student who had difficulty with reading comprehension. Through targeted interventions and consistent support, this student not only caught up to their peers but eventually became an avid reader, showcasing remarkable growth.

2. Confidence Building: I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing students gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. This is particularly gratifying when working with students who may have initially lacked self-assurance. For example, a shy and reserved student in my class gradually became more confident in participating in class discussions and presenting their ideas to the class. This boost in confidence extended beyond the classroom and positively impacted their social interactions.

3. Personal Growth: Teaching goes beyond just academics; it’s also about nurturing personal growth. I’ve seen students develop into well-rounded individuals who exhibit strong character traits such as resilience, empathy, and determination. It’s heartening to see how these qualities have helped them overcome challenges and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

4. Passion for Learning: Perhaps one of the most gratifying results is when students develop a genuine passion for learning. I’ve had students who, initially disinterested in a subject, eventually became enthusiastic and curious learners. This transformation is a testament to the power of engaging teaching methods and fostering a love for knowledge.

5. Achieving Aspirations: I’ve also had the privilege of guiding students toward achieving their aspirations. Whether it’s helping a student secure a scholarship, get into their dream college, or pursue a particular career path, witnessing students reach their goals is incredibly fulfilling.

6. Impact on Communities: Many of my former students have gone on to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Whether through volunteer work, leadership roles, or initiatives they’ve undertaken, it’s inspiring to see how education has empowered them to give back and effect positive change.

These positive results are a testament to the profound and lasting impact that effective teaching can have on students. Each success story reminds me of the importance of being not only an educator but also a mentor and guide, helping students navigate their educational journeys and reach their full potential.

Encountered a Problem While I was Tutoring and How I Handled It:

During my tutoring experience, I encountered a challenge with a particular student who frequently took extended bathroom breaks and remained engrossed in their phone during our sessions. This situation presented a distraction and disrupted our progress. Here’s how I addressed it:

1. Open and Respectful Communication: I initiated a private conversation with the student to address my concerns in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. I emphasized that our tutoring time was valuable for both of us and that maximizing the time spent on the subject matter was essential for their academic growth.

2. Understanding the Underlying Issue: During our discussion, I asked the student if there was a specific reason for their behavior. I learned that they had a medical condition that necessitated frequent bathroom breaks. Additionally, they felt anxious about staying connected to their phone due to family concerns. Understanding these underlying issues was crucial to finding a solution.

3. Collaborative Problem-Solving: We worked together to find a compromise that accommodated the student’s needs while allowing us to maintain a productive tutoring environment. We agreed on a structured schedule that included designated break times to address their medical condition, and we discussed phone usage boundaries during our sessions.

4. Setting Clear Expectations: I made it clear that during our tutoring time, our primary focus would be on the subject matter. To reinforce this, we established specific guidelines for when and how phone use would be permitted, such as during designated breaks.

5. Providing Incentives: To motivate the student to stay engaged, I introduced a system of positive reinforcement. If they adhered to the agreed-upon guidelines and made progress during our sessions, we celebrated their achievements with small rewards or recognition.

6. Continuous Monitoring: I consistently monitored the situation to ensure that our arrangements were effective and that the student was comfortable with the established boundaries. We made adjustments when necessary to accommodate their needs while maintaining a productive learning environment.

7. Encouraging Accountability: I encouraged the student to take ownership of their learning process. By reminding them of their goals and the benefits of focused tutoring, they became more motivated to actively participate in our sessions.

Ultimately, by addressing the issue openly, understanding the underlying reasons for the behavior, and working collaboratively to establish clear expectations and boundaries, I was able to improve the tutoring experience for both the student and myself. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility, empathy, and effective communication in resolving challenges and maintaining a productive learning environment.