Private Academic Tutoring & Music Lessons in Your Home
katherine beltran
Quick Facts:
-NYS teaching certification: Early Childhood/Special Education and Childhood/Special Education grades 1-6
-Art Teacher experience
-Tutored pre-kindergarten-2nd grade students
-Worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher for 4 years
-Certified in CPR and First Aid
Hi! My name is Katherine Beltran. I am a certified teacher and received a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood/Special Education grades 1-6 from NYU and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood/Special Education from Hunter College. While at NYU, I severed as an AmeriCorps member at Jumpstart and provided individualized attention with an emphasis on language and literacy skills to prepare preschool children for school success. I also worked as a 1st grade teacher at Go Project and developed differentiated, highly engaging, appropriately challenging lessons in Reading, Writing, and Math aligned to Common Core Standards. For the last four years, I worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher and delivered creative and hands-on-lessons where children are empowered to construct knowledge and inquire about the world around them. I have also provided individual tutoring for pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade students. I am a lover of literacy and have experience working with children of various ages and abilities. I have taught English Language Learners and children with dyslexia to read and write using a multisensory approach. On any given day in the classroom, you can see me bringing books to life by acting out stories, using props, and challenging children to think critically about stories. I am an energetic and passionate teacher, and I believe in nurturing the growth of the whole child. I am dedicated to creating fun and engaging activities that connect to children’s interests and inspire a love of learning.
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Wendy Crowell
Quick Facts:
-11 years teaching experience
-New York State Professional Certification - Childhood Education Grades 1-6
-First Aid/CPR Certified
Hi, my name is Wendy Crowell, and I am very much looking forward to meeting new students and families this year! For the past 11 years, I have had the tremendous fortune to work in a variety of educational capacities, and one message has rung loud and true throughout all of my experiences - students learn most effectively when material is presented through relatable, inspiring, and joyous methods - and this is what I strive to attain in every lesson I create and deliver. I love teaching, and feel it is one of the most important jobs in the world. Although I take my responsibility to educate children very seriously, it is my personality to laugh often and smile easily, which has always helped my students feel comfortable and supported. However, I am by no means a pushover! I have high expectations which are communicated regularly, and challenge students to reach higher goals which are often outside of their comfort zones.
I have taught grades 2-8 in many different settings ranging from general education classroom teacher, to small group interventionist, to gifted and talented teacher and program designer, to one on one instruction. I have taught all core curriculums and content areas, and enjoy bringing all subjects to life, but have a special place in my heart for teaching math - especially fractions! I love the outdoors and look for any opportunity to take students out to experience and explore the natural world. I am also a musician who loves to cook, and have discovered many ways to incorporate music and food exposure into lessons across subjects. I’m an arts and crafts enthusiast, and will never turn down a trip to Micheal’s to stock up on materials kids can use to readily create in the classroom.
Having three grown children of my own, I place a great deal of value on the relationship between parents/caregivers and teachers. When it comes to the academic, social, and emotional well being of children, feeling that there is a true partnership where both parties are comfortable and invested is priceless. As a teacher, I always strive to be the type of educational partner I found most inspiring and trustworthy as a parent. I look forward to meeting you and your kiddos, and can’t wait to start having some fun learning together!
Jade McFadden
Quick Facts:
- 8 Years Teaching Experience
- B.A. in Liberal Studies
- M.A. in Education Administration
- New York Childhood Education Certificate (Grade 1-6)
- California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- California Administrative Services Credential
Jade teaches fifth-grade at an Upper West Side private school and tutors elementary-age students (K-6) in all subject areas. She individualizes instruction for students and weaves unique learning experiences into each of her private sessions. Having recently completed four years of full-time travel, long-distance hiking, and volunteering in classrooms around the world, Jade offers families who work with her a globally inspired perspective that builds on her previous experience teaching and tutoring K - 6th-grade students. Check out Jade's LinkedIn profile to read more about her experience and approach.
katie mcauliffe
Quick Facts:
-9 years of tutoring experience
-5 years of Special Education experience
-I love baking and arts and crafts
-NYS Certifications: Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2)
Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6)
Hi! My name is Katie McAuliffe and I have been teaching for the past 6 years. I earned a dual certification in Students with Disabilities and Childhood Education (1-6) from Marist College with a minor in psychology. I studied at St. Joseph’s for my Masters and took a few extra courses through Touro College to get certification from Birth through 6th grade. I have been educating for over 6 years and have worked in a variety of diverse schools located in East Islip, Sayville, Bayport, Commack, and recently New York City Schools. I have a lot of experience teaching kindergarten, first, and third grade classrooms, but I have taught all grades briefly and I enjoy teaching each grade. My number one goal as an educator is getting to know my students and what they love to do, their strengths, and their weaknesses. In my opinion, the most important
thing is for students to love what they are learning from in order to stay focused and motivated to learn. I love math games, completing arts and crafts, and reading stories and try to incorporate some of these activities into our sessions. I believe that parent communication is key to the student’s learning and I am always happy and willinging to communicate about our sessions and any concerns or questions you may have through phone, text, or email. When I am not teaching, I love baking and making easy snacks to try with my own students. I’m so excited to meet new students and get to know their families!
I love doing crafts, singing songs, and reading and will try to incorporate these types of
activities as well as other activities your child likes to complete during each new day of
learning. I am always excited to meet new students and can’t wait to get started!
brittANY thornton
Quick Facts:
-11 years of teaching experience
-NYS Professional Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) & Childhood Education (Grade 1 - 6)
-Certified Yoga Teacher & Breathe for Change Wellness Champion
-Master of Science in Early Childhood Education with extensions in Special Education & Early Intervention
Hi! My name is Brittany Thornton. I have been teaching and tutoring students for over 10 years. In 2017, I received my Masters of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with an extension in Special Education and Early Intervention from Brooklyn College. Currently, I hold my Professional certifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth - grade 2) and Childhood Education (grades 1-6).
As an adaptable educator, I have taught various elementary grade levels with students from culturally diverse backgrounds and different learning styles. As a result, I am a compassionate teacher, who is sensitive to children’s unique learning needs. I have become skilled at designing creatively stimulating lessons that bring a hands-on approach to learning, social-emotional growth, and keeping students’ interests. My greatest strengths are inspiring and motivating my students to become great achievers. Providing positive encouragement and reinforcement helps to boost my student’s self-confidence and self-esteem while keeping them motivated. Being a certified Yoga Teacher & Breathe for Change Wellness Champion, I am able to bring mindfulness practices into learning and teach students different breathing techniques to help them get through the everyday stressors of life.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, journaling, and spending time outdoors in nature.
katie kelleher
Quick Facts:
-9 years teaching experience
-Elementary Education Pre-K–Grade 6
-Special Education Pre-K-Grade 6
-Trained in STEM for early/primary classrooms
- Trained in play-based learning (primary and elementary)
-Experience teaching in four different curriculums.
-Certificate in EAL (English as an additional language) teaching.
My name is Katie Kelleher and I have been teaching for the last 9 years. I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Education degree from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland. I have worked in elementary and international schools in both Ireland and Dubai and have experience teaching the British, American, Irish and International Baccalaureate Curriculums. During my teacher career, I have taught all age ranges from Pre-K to 6th grade. I have worked as a 1:1/small group tutor for many years and always ensure that my students make wonderful progress. I have worked with many EAL learners and have developed numerous strategies to help these students develop their English language skills.
I enjoy enrolling in workshops and continued professional development courses to ensure that I am continuously developing my skills as a teacher. I love to incorporate exciting and effective literacy and numeracy strategies into my teaching and am a firm believer in hand-on/active learning. Children need to be motivated and interested in order to make progress in their learning and I believe that all children learn in different ways. It is my responsibility as their teacher to create a stimulating and effective learning environment.
emily higgins
Quick Facts:
-5 years teaching experience
-B.A in Art Education and Studio Art
-M.A in Art Education (Set to Graduate Spring 2023)
-Experience with students with special needs
Hi! My name is Emily Higgins and I am an Elementary Art Teacher in Brooklyn, NY. I have been teaching for the past 5 years, and have experience in Montessori as well as Public Charter Schools. I graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 2017 with my bachelors in Art Education and Studio Art. Currently, I am working on my Masters of Art Education at Adelphi University.
I have experience in the classroom with K-4th grade students, and have also worked with middle school students in the past. I teach a wide range of mediums from drawing, to painting to sculpture and printmaking, and specialize in watercolor painting. I also have experience with teaching art history, and draw from various artists and art movements in creating my curriculum.
I love helping my students to discover their passions and build their confidence through art. I truly believe that the arts are a vital part of a child’s growth and development, and want to help nurture a love and excitement for them in every child I teach. I look forward to creating with your children!
Vullnet Capani
Quick Facts:
-NYS Professional Certificate- Biology Grades 7-12
-NYS Professional Certificate- Students with Disabilities Generalist Grades 7-12
-5 Years of Teaching Experience
-Experienced with STEM and NY Science Lab Curriculum
My name is Vullnet Capani. I have been teaching high school science for over 5 years. I received by undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and my Masters in Adolescent Education from the College of Staten Island. I also have a working knowledge of Albanian and Turkish.
In addition to having a passion for science I have especially enjoyed teaching students with disabilities. The challenges of keeping my particular student population engaged while simultaneously accomplishing specific IEP goals has been a truly rewarding experience. Along with teaching different grades within Middle School and High School I have a diverse tutoring background- from providing Setss tutoring within Science and Math to tutoring SAT prep, I enjoy the chance to work within small group settings.
My goal is to make learning as engaging and applicable as possible. I intend to incorporate technology to spark imagination and creativity throughout the learning process. As a sports enthusiast I hope to instill the principal of practice makes perfect, all while having some fun. Outside of teaching I enjoy taking my two toddlers outdoors and exploring nature, as well as shooting and editing drone footage.
melissa guzman
Quick Facts:
-22 Years Teaching Experience
-Infancy to Grade 5
-NYS Certified: Childhood Education Grades 1-6
-Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education & TESOL
-Bilingual: Spanish.& English
Melissa Guzman has been an educator for the past 22 years. In that time, she has worked with children from their infancy to the fifth grade. She is a New York State certified teacher in Childhood Education for grades 1-6. She holds Master's Degrees in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Lehman College. She completed her undergraduate work at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. She is the founder and co-director of The Small Idea Early Learning Centers in Harlem and Washington Heights. The centers offer dual language (Spanish/English) early childhood and preschool programs that are progressive and play based. Outside of the centers, she works privately with young English language speakers who are learning Spanish. She also works with recently arrived children of all ages and backgrounds who are learning English.
dee dusenbury
Quick Facts:
-Over 20 years teaching experience (Traditional setting and Home Instruction)
-NYS Certified : Biology and General Science 7-12
-Masters in General Education and Special Education
-Experience with STEM and NYS Science Lab Curriculum
-Mantra: Positive Energy
Dee teaches K-12 in Home Instruction Schools ( NYC). She believes that ALL students can learn. In today’s society, students need innovative lessons. As an educator, she creates an action plan and adapts the lesson to the students' individualized needs. As a Home Instructor, Dee is required to teach all subjects ( Social Studies, Global History, English, Math, Earth Science etc.) including Alternate Assessment. As a positive energy person, Dee possesses such traits as patience and understanding. These traits are essential in teaching and learning especially since the pandemic. I look forward to creating and learning with your children!