Michele: Santa Barbara tutor

Certified Tutor

Hello! I am Ms. Schaeffer, and I have worked in education since November of 2005. I began as a substitute teacher. 2019-2020 starts my fourth year teaching full time. Originally, from Middletown, Ohio, I moved across the United States as a Navy Wife to New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, California, Washington State and relocated to New Mexico in 2003.

I am the mother of four children, grandmother of two grandchildren and owner of a pound dog named Carly. In my spare time, I like to ride my Yamaha Blaster at the ATV park. I love to play the drums and have an eclectic choice of music. Arts and crafts are a hobby I use to express my creativity. I played wheelchair basketball for Wright State University. I love camping and cooking outdoors in lodge cast iron. Fishing is always a plus. I try to grow a garden and have become more successful with age. I love to read and a fan of Partick O'Brien, Patricia Cromwell and Steven King. I write Epic Fictional stories in a series called Rebecca and the Go Hinotagh Dragan. My sports teams are: The Bengals, Ohio State, The Cincinnati Reds, USA Women's Soccer, NM, United and Liverpool LFC, You'll Never Walk Alone.

I earned a B.A in English/Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University in 2016. I earned an M.A. in Special Education from the University of the Southwest in 2018. Currently, I am halfway through a second M.A. in Administration. I am scheduled to graduate in May of 2020 from the University of the Southwest. On September 9th, 2009, I received A Daily Point of Light Award for humanitarian contributions for rare genetic disorders and military veterans.

My philosophy of education is that students are driven to learn seeking information and details that come from a stimulating educational environment. The student's growth depends on the support and the encouragement to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. By creating this type of atmosphere, students can achieve academic success. I will use creativity and alternative options to ensure active participation highlighting strengths and improving weaknesses.

I believe students require a positive role model as their teacher, who is there to guide creative thinking. Students must have the mobility to recharge and improve learning connecting cognition with physical energy. Students who have an opportunity to use hands-on learning will increase their creativity and reach a higher level of thinking. Students need a safe environment to express and create as well as develop new skills through trial and error. Technology must be an active part of the students' school day.