What I Do
My primary goal is to help students thrive. As a reading and writing interventionist, I conduct individual and group sessions for students with various literacy issues. To be more specific, I deliver key information, impart guided instruction, and create lessons that help students improve specific reading and writing skills. I assist students with comprehension, reading strategies and practice, vocabulary acquisition, and writing formally and informally for academic and personal purposes. While learning literacy is important, so is mental, physical, and emotional well-being, confidence building, and self-improvement. Therefore, I aim to instill and encourage positivity, self-awareness, and promote individual growth as a part of my curriculum.
My Story
Okay, so everyone has a story about what inspired them to be a teacher, right? Well, initially it was not my lifetime goal or dream career. I wanted to be a lawyer, a choreographer, and a famous writer. Yes, all three! However, what I ended up doing, during different phases of my life, was become a professional hairstylist, a case manager for at-risk youth, and a preschool worker. At one point, I even opened my own in-home childcare center. One thing I quickly realized was that I enjoyed working with kids. They drove me crazy at times, but they also brought me joy. After doing case-management for troubled teens, I also realized that I had a genuine passion and concern for the overall well-being of struggling youth. So my focus shifted and I wanted to combine both loves. I went back to school and earned my Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education and my certification for Special Education, grades K - 12. And guess what? I loved it! I've taught all grade levels across the board and during the summers, I teach at the University of Kennesaw State. While I must admit that teaching can be a challenging profession, I'm always up for it. It's the place where I learn just as much as I teach, I have fun, and I've forged lasting connections with students and parents. That's why I call my students my school sons and daughters. And when they need extra attention and guidance in different areas of learning and life, I wholeheartedly provide it. Kiyoko's Place is my online education center and an extension of what I do in the classroom. My place is where learning is more than just gaining valuable information, it's an experience. And I welcome you to join me!
