My Experience as an Educator
I have worked informally with students inside and outside the classroom for more than 20 years, and professionally as a tutor since 2012.
In addition to my work as a private tutor:
PS 154 After School First Grade Remedial Reading Class Instructor
PS 154 After School One-to-One Mindful Academic Tutor
Drake Bennett Summer School Literacy Instructor
My Academic and Personal Background
I have always excelled academically in subjects ranging from reading, writing, and history to math, science, and even art and music. (Just lucky, I guess!) My formal qualifications include:
- B.A., Mount Holyoke College – Math
- M.A., Clark University – English Literature
- Level II Certification, Mindful Schools
- Wilson Fundations Training, Levels K, 1, and 2 (reading instruction)
- Wilson Reading System Dyslexia Practitioner Certification (reading and spelling instruction for students with dyslexia)
- Currently enrolled in the Certificate in Advanced Studies in Literacy and Language at the Institute for Health Professions at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Coursework toward MS in Teaching Literacy, Touro College
- Learning Differences course, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (NC St Coll of Ed), Certificate of Completion (MOOC)
- Twice-Exceptional Level 1 course, Colorado Dept of Education, Office of Gifted Education. On teaching students who are gifted and also have learning differences.
I have always loved school and learning. But instead of becoming a teacher, I became a children’s book editor and bestselling author of more than 30 children’s books. (Visit my website, www.LaurenThompson.net, to learn about that side of my life.)
Over the past decade, I’ve keenly pursued an interest in mindfulness and the ways it can help children. I have an established, consistent mindfulness/meditation practice of my own, and I am adept at sharing the techniques and benefits with others.
I have also gained deep, personal insight into helping children with executive function issues. (See below.) I understand the many different elements that make up a child’s difficulty with focusing, organizing materials and thoughts, and dealing with frustration, and I have experience with implementing numerous effective strategies.
I’ve received training in the Wilson Fundations program, which was adopted by the New York City Board of Education as part of the reading curriculum for all levels of ability. As a Certified WRS/IDA* Dyslexia Practitioner, I am certified to teach the Wilson Reading System, an Orton-Gillingham-based program proven to help dyslexic children and adults learn effective reading and spelling strategies, and have been trained in the Preventing Academic Failure program. Both are excellent programs utilizing a multi-sensory, systematic, comprehensive approach that works well for those who learn to read easily and for those who have more difficulty. I have completed courses in the Masters of Science in Teaching Literacy program at Touro College, and am currently enrolled in the Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language through the Institute of Health Professions at Massachusetts General Hospital. I also pursue non-matriculated professional development at any opportunity.
(*International Dyslexia Association)
Most importantly, to me, I have an intense sense of love and empathy for children. I understand and respect children, and in return, they offer me their trust. I feel at ease with kids, and they feel at ease with me. I know how to offer support and encouragement so that kids feel safe enough to risk making mistakes. Learning involves making lots of mistakes! I know how to support kids through the learning journey from mistakes to mastery.
My Story as a Parent
I have been in your shoes!
When our son was in elementary school, homework time was too often the most stressful part of the day. Later, he was diagnosed with severe ADHD. All we knew then was that he needed help organizing both his stuff and his thoughts, and staying focused on his homework. He certainly needed constant review of math skills. The more my husband and I tried to help, the more our son seemed to resist.
Then a teacher suggested we bring in a tutor once a week, partly to bring in a different perspective, and partly to give us, Mommy and Daddy, a break. This was such helpful advice. Since the tutor wasn't one of his parents, our son's level of resistance decreased. He tried the tutor's ideas. He showed off what he could do. He sometimes even enjoyed himself! His anxiety level went down, and his confidence went up. And I dare say that my husband and I came to the homework table the following nights with a refreshed attitude, too.
Over the years, we have used many tutors to help our son achieve all that he could. I aim to support other families in the same way.
"A calm mind is a mind that is ready to learn."
Please contact me at Lauren.Thompson.Tutor@gmail.com or 646-286-6758.
Please contact me at Lauren.Thompson.Tutor@gmail.com or 646-286-6758.
Let’s talk about how I can give your child — and your family — a fresh start with homework.
