In a previous life, I wrote scholarly articles about childhood and nation, but then I figured out no one really reads that gobbledy-goo. Now, as a mom with a mission to change the world one household at a time, I blog about the intersections of home and politics here at small house. You can also find me blathering on about literature, education and my life as a recovering academic at my other blog, professor never.
I am a former adjunct English professor and a current literacy advocate. I tutor dyslexic learners by day and freelance edit/write by night. I believe all writing, political, personal, or informational, should be beautiful. If I haven’t achieved that, you at least know I tried. My writing has appeared in various scholarly journals, The Chronicle of Higher Education, UU World Magazine, and online at The Broad Side, and Opinionista. I’m also finishing a memoir about the adventures of my past academic life called Professor Never: An Adjunct Speaks from the Other Side of the Tenure Track.
When not tutoring or writing, I’m gardening, canning, baking and juggling the lives of my two busy teens. Occasionally, I go AWOL. When I do, you can find me out on my bike chasing hopefully after the wind.
Where are you located for tutoring???? After much frustration with our schools...I've been homeschooling my two older boys(both dyslexic) for the past five years. They are now 14 and 11...and I'm at a loss for words with the 5th grader, as far as reading/writing goes. He still struggles greatly to even read the most basic of stuff; any progress I felt we were making has seemed to have taken steps backwards. I'm looking for tutors that understand the dyslexic mind...and really not having any luck! We are located just over the VA border into WV...but we are in Northern VA weekly...you wouldn't happen to be nearby would you????? Thank you so much, Jody Walters redwgn32@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Jody, I am in Northern VA, but not currently taking new students. If you are homeschooling, I very highly recommend you do the Barton Reading program with your boys. It will save you money and allow you to make faster progress than working with a tutor (because you can do it more often) www.bartonreading.com My son has dyslexia (16 yrs old now). I also couldn't find a tutor who would use an Orton-Gillingham method so I used Barton and it was a huge success. That is the method I use to teach my students and haven't met a student yet who didn't make huge progress. Also, I'd recommend you read Sally Shaywitz's "Overcoming Dyslexia." It will give you a good understanding of how your boys' minds work which will make you a better teacher for them all around. (or, if you don't want to teach them yourself, will help you know what questions to ask a tutor).
Deletep.s. - with summer coming you could do Barton 5 days a week and make really good progress before the start of next school year. that's what i did with my son (5 days in summer, 2 days in school year for 2 years). He reads on grade level or beyond, has average spelling and is completely successful and independent in the public schools. (we did the tutoring when he was 7 & 8 yrs old). good luck and feel free to write me with other questions at dwerrlein@aol.com.
Hi there. I came across your professornever blog after reading your nice comment on my blog. It looks like we share a few areas of common ground - how nice! I'll look forward to reading more here and your other site when I organise my time a bit better!
ReplyDeleteyes, we do have a lot in common! thanks for coming by. I will be sure to stay in touch with your latest as well.
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