"Dear Students,

I'm thrilled to introduce myself as Jay, your potential reading and spelling tutor! As a substitute teacher working with students ages 4-9, I've discovered the joy of watching young minds flourish. My experience teaching both whole classes and one-on-one instruction has led to multiple schools requesting my return.

What makes my approach unique is my passion for connecting learning to students' interests through pop culture. When working with reluctant readers, I connected with them through their favorite artists like Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. By introducing age-appropriate books about these artists, I watched their enthusiasm for reading grow naturally. This experience showed that when students engage with subjects they love, learning becomes both enjoyable and effective.

I bring this same creative energy to spelling and vocabulary instruction. When I noticed students using the popular TikTok slang word "rizz" (meaning charisma), I saw an opportunity for learning. We explored the word "charisma" through relatable examples like, "Sarah's charisma made everyone want to join her kickball team at recess—she just had a way of making the game sound fun!" By connecting formal vocabulary to students' everyday lives, these words become part of their natural vocabulary.

My background includes a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where I studied art, business, political science, and communication. Graduating from the Pierre Laclede Honors College, with its advanced liberal arts curriculum, strengthened my critical thinking and writing skills. My ACT reading score of 28 and certification in early childhood education demonstrate my commitment to excellence.

In closing, I believe learning should be an adventure we embark on together. My goal is to help students discover the joy of learning through their own interests. I look forward to creating a positive, engaging environment where every student can thrive.

Warmly,

Jay G." less...