Katie B

Hi! 

Thank you for checking out my profile.

  I love teaching online and helping my students feel comfortable and relaxed to help them retain skills they learn in our sessions. I meet my students where they are at their level. As I teach, I adjust to help reluctant students as well as students who may need or want more challenge. I have many years of experience teaching each of these types of students, as well as, many of those in between. I like to make my classes engaging and fun while maintaining a balance to help students focus and learn. I have found that patient encouragement in a structured and energetic yet relaxed classroom environment helps learner's brains focus to receive information better and helps them become detail oriented. 

 I offer both 1:1 tutoring and small group classes (*currently groups are offered only on Outschool* ages 6-14). My 1:1 non-secular classes are offered for ages 6 and up. My classes are focused on:: 

• reading fluency 
• reading comprehension strategies 
• pronunciation in reading
• auditory processing (listening, following directions, memory and comprehension skills) and
• brain fitness. 

Over the years I have loved helping children and teens from 2 years old to 19 improve their speech, language, auditory, phonics, reading and brain fitness skills and much more. In recent years. I've also enjoyed helping adults improve their brain fitness skills. 

I have a wide range of experience that includes teaching those on the autism spectrum, learning disabled students, add/adhd and many more areas of concern, as well as, regular and gifted learners. I have also helped adults improve general brain fitness as well as helped those with dementia, stroke side effects and head injury and their caregivers. I helped my mom as caregiver to my dad and later was primary caregiver to my mom for a few years. 

I have spent the past 34+ years enjoying my time working in both public and private schools as well as providing brain fitness training in a Wellness Center and have also taught reading skills / strategies, listening / memory skills, brain fitness and a couple of other classes online for the past 4+ years. Also, I am TESOL certified and have taught English as a Second Language (ESL) online. During 15 of the past 34+ years, in addition to working in schools, I loved homeschooling my own children (most grades K2-12) until they graduated high school. I've also taught preschool and elementary age Sunday School classes at church as well as helped lead Kids Worship and many summers taught in VBS. During our homeschool years, I helped teach a variety of classes to homeschool students of all ages who were involved in co-ops. I have continued to enjoy helping homeschooled students in my in-person as well as online classes even after my own graduated. Having the opportunity to add online teaching opportunities has been a blessing. I love my students!  

Please check out my credentials section for more information. On my website, please check out a few of the many reviews/testimonials I have received from parents, teachers and students over the years.

I am very aware and careful of the materials I use in my classes. I use a lot of the same materials in my non-secular classes that I use in my classes on a secular platform where I offer classes. These materials are clean and age-appropriate.  The main difference between my classes on the secular platform (Outschool) vs. my non-secular private independent 1:1 classes is that in my non-secular private independent classes I have the freedom to include Christian content including some Christian reading passages and discussion as it comes up that I don't have the freedom to use or discuss on the secular platform. In my non-secular classes, I enjoy having the freedom for my students as well as myself to mention our heavenly Father (in a non-condeming and loving way) and incorporate Christian related topics or activities. 

 Regardless of whether you choose my 1:1 non-secular private independent classes (listed at the bottom of this page) or my 1:1 or group classes on the secular platform, I am accepting of all students and show respect to them as I expect them to show respect to me and others in our group (if taking a group class with me on the secular platform). 

When I'm not teaching or brain fitness training, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my family and am beginning to pick back up some hobbies such as gardening, rehabbing small pieces of furniture and crafting that I let go during my busiest years. 

If you have schedule requests or have questions, please send me a private message. I will do my best to help you and will get back with you asap. I love teaching online and hope to meet your student and/or you in my classroom soon! Thank you for taking time learn more about me. 

Please see below for information regarding cancellations, refunds and feedback ("your student" also refers to yourself if you are an adult taking one of my adult classes):

* NO SHOWS/LATE 

If your student is not present 10 minutes into class time, I will close the classroom and the lesson will be canceled. However, if you notify me prior to 10 minutes past class start time that your student is running late, I will wait.

* ABSENCES

If you know your student will miss class and you want a refund, please notify me at least 48 hours before class start time. No refund is given for less than 48 hours notice or no shows. If your child is too sick to meet the day of class, please notify me as soon as you know before class start time. Under these circumstances, I will work with you to re-schedule the class. One courtesy refund will be given per semester for last minute emergencies.

*If I am sick, I will schedule make-ups asap upon my return or issue refunds by request. If I need to schedule weeks off, you will usually be notified at least a week in advance (usually longer).  

* Remember, remaining enrolled reserves your student's place in the class. If you unenroll your student for a short period, there is no guarantee the spot will remain open. If your student needs to miss class for a short time but intends to return, please contact me so we can discuss options. 

* Thank you for your kind feedback. If you have an issue with a class, please send me private feedback. I want to make my classes a positive experience for my students and their families. I appreciate constructive feedback to help me meet your student's needs.