August 2020- Present: Varsity Tutors For Schools Tutor/Certified Teacher. Considered "Highly Qualified" under the NCLB Act.

Short term designated sub under the Federal ESSER (Covid related learning loss) Grant. Virtual and co-teaching of K-5 Students in SBISD; Houston, Texas. September 2022-February 2023.

*During Covid shutdowns, I taught a kindergartner from home with his virtual class in SBISD; 2020-2021.

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CERTIFIED ELAR/ESL TEACHER since 2002; K-12. Experience with teaching SPED students too.

My tutoring career started way back in 1989, when my mother and I started a small typing business for students and professionals who didn't know how to use word processing programs. My mother, an English and Reading teacher herself, helped us progress to tutoring students of all ages in English, reading, humanities, and Writing.

In the 90's, I began to take over the business, while I was doing my undergrad work. I tutored college students, and partnered with graduate students to cover a wide range of subjects. I also worked part-time for the University of Houston in the Dept of Physics at that time.

In 2000, I graduated from the University of Houston with a BA in Psychology and English Literature, (3.80 GPA) and continued tutoring, this time with junior and high school students through the Texas Tech Special Programs division.

I was hired by the SBISD school district in 2002 on an emergency permit as a full time teacher, and received my teaching certification post-baccalaureate for English and Language Arts from the University of Houston in 2004.

To summarize, I have been in the field of education since 1996, and teaching in traditional and virtual, private school and public school classrooms since 2002.

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I have always enjoyed tutoring 1:1 and in small groups, since it allows me to focus more on each students' strengths and weaknesses, and to help them learn in a more consistent, comfortable environment.

I've been part of many professional committees and teams, working with students of all ages, socio-economic groups, and all learning levels. I have taught and tutored online, in person, and as part of small group instruction. Many, many, many staff development hours have made me a well-rounded teacher. :)

Pre Covid-19, I ran an after school program as a school Site Lead; A collaboration with the YMCA and the Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, TX; grades K-5. I also was child watch team leader inside the YMCA. I have taught preschool and PreK in private schools.

I am certified to teach in Texas and Colorado, and considered a Highly Qualified teacher under the No Child Left Behind Act.

*Personally, I love dance, yoga, writing, reading, movies, fashion, art, and travel. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and rescue animals.

Furthermore, I have part time online boutique on the Poshmark App, with 388K Followers. My journey with Poshmark (Since 2013) has been a very successful one. Poshmark is an E-commerce App. See my web page here:
www.poshmark.com/closet/tonistwinkles

Last but not least, I am married, have two adorable teenage nieces, several grown up stepchildren, three sweet rescue cats, and I just LOVE helping people learn.

When a child or adult lights up because they actually "get it", I am most proud of them. I hope to help more students "get it" through tutoring them on the Varsity Tutors platform. It is an HONOR to teach in the Varsity Tutors for Schools division. Thank you so much.

Respectfully,

Toni Philips-Tees