Stephanie

Certified Tutor

My Motto:
"For EVERY student, be a dream ignitor, not a dream suppressor!" -author unknown

My Educational Belief:
"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn." -Ignacio Estrada

My Background:
I live in Pennsylvania with my husband and four children. All my children have diverse interests and different educational learning needs.
*My oldest daughter:
She is 24 years old, and works as a Speech and Language Pathologist in Oahu, Hawaii (she married a Marine in 2020 and he is stationed in Hawaii). As a child, she loved to read, play soccer, and run cross country. She was in the gifted programs at school, and had an IEP for Speech Therapy. After high school graduation, she went to college and completed a 5-year Master's degree program in Speech and Language Pathology.
*My oldest son:
He is 22 years old and works as a certified HVAC Technician/Pipefitter and Plumber. As a child, he loved the beach, skateboarding, snowboarding, and music. He did not enjoy reading or the traditional education setting, but he thrived in a vocational setting where he excelled with hands-on-learning. After high school graduation, he immediately entered the workforce and has been working in construction ever since.
*My youngest children:
My two youngest children are a nine-year-old boy in 3rd grade, and an eight-year-old girl in 2nd grade. Due to Covid-19, I am currently cyber-schooling them; however, both will be returning to the traditional school setting for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Fun Fact:
When I was in 9th grade, I barely passed College Algebra and it was the most frustrating school year. My parents pursued a math tutor for me named Mrs. Ginter, and it changed my life! Once Mrs. Ginter started tutoring me, identifying Algebra terms and concepts, and guiding me through my assignments, I became an A+ Algebra student. My 10th grade academic year was the complete opposite from 9th grade, and other students in high school began asking me to study with them so that I could help them improve their grades. Fast forward three years later, once I entered college, I asked Mrs. Ginter to tutor me once again because I felt more confident having her to reply on with any questions I encountered. I moved on to Applied Calculus where I received an A in each of the college math courses. Thanks to Mrs. Ginter's support, encouragement, and tutoring, I graduated from college as a teacher!

My Guiding Principles:
-Inspire students to strive for their full potential
-Leverage social and emotional learning for higher academic achievement
-Promote diversity as an opportunity
-Give fair, ethical, and equitable treatment

Mission Statement
-Create an academic culture where students love to learn
-Learning never stops

Vision Statement:
-Partnership with Varsity Tutors, clients, students, and community members
-Foster creativity
-Develop critical thinkers
-Increase self-confidence
-Provide a safe environment where students are comfortable to be their "true selves"
-Prepare students to meet the challenges of a dynamic, global society with confidence and compassion
-Most importantly: LOVE LEARNING!

Degrees Earned:
*School Administration and Educational Leadership Principal's Certification (K-12), Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
*Online Teaching Endorsement Program Certificate (PK-12), Millersville University
*Master of Education in Special Education/Comprehensive Certification (PK-12), Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
*Teacher Certification for Information Technology for Business Education (PK-12), Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
*Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania,
*Associate of Arts in Business Administration, Harrisburg Area Community College
*Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies, Harrisburg Area Community College

I am a versatile facilitator with 12 years of experience teaching experience, and I strive to lead by example. My resume demonstrates a love of learning and is a proven record of my growth mindset; while my enthusiasm for learning carries forward to my students, clients, and community.

Other Experiences:
Before entering the school setting, I was employed with the Franklin County Commissioners and the county administrator for two years. As the assistant to the county administrator, I planned, attended, and participated in all division leader meetings throughout Franklin County. I was involved with the short-term and long-term goals, grant writing, purchasing department including the bidding process, and the county-wide budget process each year. I have extensive business experience in the county and law fields.

Grades Taught:
-Kindergarten through 12th grade
-Mentor for college freshmen

Conclusion:
Advocating for our youth is one of the most important responsibilities of an educator, and I am eager to provide a successful Varsity Tutor experience to all clients, students, and families. My desire is to be an integral part in promoting students to inspire to lead and learn.