Grade Levels
Elementary School, Middle School
Tutoring Specialties
ADD & ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, EL (English Learners), Students with varying disabilities, Tiered Support
Bio
Hello! My name is Elma, which means apple in Turkish. I like to think of myself as being as helpful to my students as an apple can be — healthy, refreshing, and nourishing for both the mind and body. I am a positive, kind, and patient teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. As an ESL educator, I believe that the teaching strategies which benefit English language learners can also support all students. I see effective teaching as a partnership that builds on students’ strengths, addresses their challenges, and connects with their interests. I truly believe that every student can learn. Each learner is unique, with different styles and needs, so getting to know them individually is essential. Motivation plays a key role in learning, and one of my goals as a teacher is to help each student discover and unlock their personal motivation. I find that small-group or one-on-one settings often create the best learning environment — where small steps lead to big goals.
Teacher Specialization
I began my teaching career in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later worked as both an elementary school teacher and paraprofessional in Washington and Pennsylvania. I hold teaching certifications in both WA and PA and am a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist. I also earned my Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Advanced Teaching. I love witnessing those special “aha” moments when students understand something new. Building positive relationships is at the heart of my teaching philosophy — students need to feel that their teachers are on their side and truly invested in helping them succeed. My big smile, kind words, and constant encouragement help create a warm, supportive learning environment where students can grow with confidence.
Courses
1st Grade English Language Arts, 1st Grade Math, 1st Grade Science, 1st Grade Social Studies, 2nd Grade English Language Arts, 2nd Grade Math, 2nd Grade Science, 2nd Grade Social Studies, 3rd Grade English Language Arts, 3rd Grade Math, 3rd Grade Science, 3rd Grade Social Studies, 4th Grade English Language Arts, 4th Grade Math, 5th Grade English Language Arts, 5th Grade Math, Kindergarten Math
