cecilia

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Cecilia is a compassionate and experienced educator with over 12 years of tutoring and 28 years in teaching. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies, substitute teaching credentials, and child development certification. Cecilia specializes in math, reading, and English, using personalized instruction that celebrates each learner’s strengths. She has worked extensively with students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and giftedness, creating inclusive lessons that build confidence and curiosity. Outside of teaching, she enjoys caring for her five dogs, thirty birds, and countless plants, finding joy in both nature and her students’ growth.

I am available after 3pm-11pm Monday- Friday Pacific time

My approach to teaching involves creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse student needs. My approach emphasizes building strong relationships, fostering curiosity, and promoting active engagement through personalized instruction, real-world applications, and ongoing feedback. When I adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles and abilities, as an educator I can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve academic success. I also prioritize flexibility, empathy, and encouragement, helping my students build confidence and reach their full potential.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, I have a credential as a Substitute Teacher and Child Development.

My experience as a tutor have been for more than 12 years. I have experience in multiple subjects and I am an expert in Math, Reading and English. I enjoy working with students of varying learning styles and abilities. I possess strong communication skills, patience, and my approach is to tailor students' individual needs. Furthermore, I assess students' strengths and weaknesses, develop personalized learning plans, and provide constructive feedback to foster academic growth and confidence. I like to create a supportive environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.

cecilia
$85.00 USD

My mission

As a tutor, my mission is to empower students to reach their full potential by providing personalized guidance, support, and encouragement. I'm passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence. What inspires me to be a tutor is witnessing students' "aha" moments, seeing them grasp challenging concepts, and watching them develop a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. I'm driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact on young minds, helping them build a strong foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning.

My Story

My name is Cecilia Dunn, I have being a teacher for 28 years working for LAUSD as a teacher for 5 years, substitute teacher with children with special needs and over 12 years as a tutor. I am dedicated and passionate educator with 28 years of experience in teaching Multiple Subjects . I specialized in Math, Reading and English. I create engaging lesson plans, fostering inclusive learning environments, and promoting academic excellence. Committed to inspiring students to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners. Collaborative team player seeking to make a positive impact on students' educational journey. I grew up in Los Angeles, California. My learning challenges I overcame was having difficulty concentrating and retaining information. Becoming a teacher was a natural fit, driven by a passion for learning and a desire to make a positive impact on young minds. As a child, I was inspired by my own teachers who sparked curiosity, encouraged creativity, and provided guidance and support. As I grew older, I realized that teaching wasn't just about imparting knowledge, but about mentoring, coaching, and empowering students to reach their full potential. I was drawn to the opportunity to shape future generations, to be a role model, and to play a role in helping students develop into confident, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals. This sense of purpose and fulfillment is what led me to become a teacher. When I am not working I am enjoying my 5 furry dogs, 30 birds and my plants. I love nature, animals and people. I am looking forward with joy to meet my new students.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

My approach personalizing lessons is by first assessing the student's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. Then I tailor my teaching methods to fit student's individual needs, by incorporating visual, auditory, or kinesthetic approaches as necessary. Furthermore, I use a variety of teaching tools and different techniques, such as hands-on activities, visual aids, and technology. I engage students and make learning more effective. Moreover, I provide the student's with regular feedback and assessment in order to adjust my approach. Finally, I ensure the lessons remain relevant and challenging for each student.
My overall experience and approach to tutoring children with learning differences, including gifted children, is centered around personalized and flexible learning. I understand that each student have unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles, and I tailor my teaching methods accordingly. As a teacher and tutor I have experience working with twice-exceptional students who are both gifted and have learning differences, I recognize how important it is to identify and nurture each child's strengths while providing targeted support for their challenges. My approach involves creating engaging lessons that cater to individual needs, incorporating various teaching strategies, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages the students to build confidence and reach their full potential. By focusing on students' interests and passions, I aim to make learning meaningful and enjoyable, helping students with diverse learning needs to thrive.
An experience I had working with children with autism may have difficulties with social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. I also encounter challenges related to sensory integration, executive function, and emotional regulation. The way I supported the students, was by using strategies like visual schedules, clear instructions, and tailored learning approaches that cater to the child's interests and strengths. I adapt my teaching style and environment, I help the child with autism build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their academic and personal goals.

One of my student's I had was twice-exceptional child who possesses exceptional abilities in mathematics and art, yet struggles with dyslexia and ADHD. During her learning diagnosis, it was revealed that her strengths in visual-spatial skills and creativity were being masked by her difficulties with reading and writing. With the right accommodations and support, I was able to tailor her learning approach to capitalize on her strengths, providing her with assistive technology and multisensory instruction to help her overcome her challenges. As a result, her confidence and academic performance flourished, allowing her to excel in her areas of talent while receiving targeted support for her learning differences.

I had a student who was bright and inquisitive 6-year-old who was identified as gifted, with advanced vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and a thirst for knowledge. During her learning diagnosis, it was observed that her exceptional abilities allowed her to grasp concepts quickly, but she often got bored with repetitive tasks and required more challenging material to stay engaged. To support her gifted needs, I implemented differentiated instruction, incorporating accelerated learning, project-based activities, and depth and complexity strategies. This tailored approach enabled her to explore her passions, develop critical thinking skills, and reach her full potential, keeping her motivated and excited about learning.

I had a student with high-energy who was 8-year-old with ADHD, who loves playing soccer and building with blocks. During his learning diagnosis, it was observed that he had difficulties with sustained attention and impulse control which impacted his ability to complete tasks and follow directions. However, his creativity, enthusiasm, and problem-solving skills shone through when he was given hands-on activities and allowed to move around. With a tailored learning plan we provided, I incorporated regular breaks, physical activity, and interactive lessons to help him stay focused and engaged. By acknowledging his strengths and challenges, my team and I supported him by helping him develop strategies to manage his ADHD, build self-regulation skills, and succeed academically and socially.

One of my student's I had was bright and curious child on the autism spectrum, who loves Legos and dinosaurs. During his learning diagnosis, it was discovered that his intense focus and attention to detail were assets in his academic pursuits, but his difficulties with social cues and executive function presented challenges in the classroom. With a comprehensive evaluation, the therapists and I identified strategies to support his unique learning style, such as using visual schedules, providing sensory breaks, and incorporating his interests into lessons. By acknowledging and embracing his autism, we helped him develop coping mechanisms, build confidence, and thrive in a structured and nurturing environment.

I had a student who was curious and determined 7-year-old with dyslexia, who loves storytelling and reading aloud. During her learning diagnosis, it was discovered that she struggled with phonemic awareness, decoding, and spelling, making reading a challenging and often frustrating experience. With a comprehensive evaluation, we identified strategies to support her reading development, such as multisensory instruction, phonics-based reading programs, and assistive technology like audiobooks. By adapting her learning approach, I helped her build confidence, develop coping strategies, and unlock her love for reading, allowing her to thrive academically and enjoy the magic of stories.

I had a student who had a sensitive and creative 6-year-old with sensory processing difficulties, who gets overwhelmed by loud noises and bright lights. During his learning diagnosis, it was observed that his sensory challenges impacted his ability to focus, regulate his emotions, and engage with his peers. To support Liam's needs, I developed a sensory-friendly learning plan, incorporating strategies such as providing a weighted blanket, using dim red lights, and offering frequent movement breaks. By acknowledging and accommodating his sensory needs, I helped him feel more grounded and secure, enabling him to participate fully in class, build relationships, and develop coping mechanisms to manage sensory overload.

I had a student who had a sensitive and creative 6-year-old with sensory processing difficulties, who gets overwhelmed by loud noises and bright lights. During his learning diagnosis, it was observed that his sensory challenges impacted his ability to focus, regulate his emotions, and engage with his peers. To support Liam's needs, I developed a sensory-friendly learning plan, incorporating strategies such as providing a weighted blanket, using dim red lights, and offering frequent movement breaks. By acknowledging and accommodating his sensory needs, I helped him feel more grounded and secure, enabling him to participate fully in class, build relationships, and develop coping mechanisms to manage sensory overload.

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