I specialize in study skills and phonics/reading methods.
I was director of Applied Scholastics Austin from 1979 - 1984, instructing educators and children in Applied Scholastics' study skills and phonics programs.
In 1984 I had the unique experience of delivering study skills instruction to a class of Native American adults in northeastern California, to prepare these individuals for technical training in hydroponics to improve their economic and production opportunities.
From 1985 through 1991 I worked as an instructor and administrator at a private school in northwest Austin.
After raising my children and pursuing other interests I returned to the field of education as a tutor for the Community Learning Center, a supplementary education services (SES) non-profit organization in Florida. I tutored many elementary school students in study skills, phonics and reading in various settings: Community Learning Center in Clearwater, FL, in Pinellas County public schools and in students' homes.
Between 85% and 90% of my students have caught up to or exceeded their expected grade levels.
I am a published poet and award winning spoken word artist. I love the English language, and enjoy inspiring my students to master study skills, reading and comprehension.
Recently I returned to Austin, Tx to be near my children and grandchildren.
"I was so lucky to find her in the flux of tutors. Six month has passed since she has tutored my two kids who knew just a alphabet at that time. But now they are not they used to be. Their skill of speaking, reading and writing English is astonishingly well developed which I could not even imagine. These days they read the level 3 of 'I can read' series. I do not hesitate to recognize this result is due to her endeavor.
She is professional in teaching kids. She is well experienced to treat kids especially from non English-speaking country. Her teaching is well organized from phonics to writing. She is dedicated as such as to browse public library to find the very right book my kids are eager to read. She even seems to grasp my kids` book list. Furthermore I am very satisfied that my kids like her very much. They enjoy their time so much that there are endless of laughing and clapping in the tutoring time. That is why I strongly recommend her. Don`t loose this wonderful guru'."
- Mincheol K., Colleague/Friend in AUSTIN TX
"Barbara was a wonderful reading tutor for our son. She was very friendly and he warmed up to her very quickly. She made learning fun, new and interesting with each visit. As a parent, I knew I could count on Barbara to keep her appointment and she was easy to communicate with and schedule. I know that the time she spent with my son made a huge difference in his reading progress. I would use her again in a heartbeat and recommend her to anyone needing to find that extra help for their child."
- Amanda L., Parent in AUSTIN TX