One to one academic tutoring
& intensive academic intervention
Services
I work with
Neurotypical students and neurodiverse students who have:
ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including PDA,
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Executive
Functioning Needs, Intellectual Disability, Memory and
Processing Issues, OHI, Twice Exceptional students, and other
special needs. I do not take behavioral cases.
Reading
Comprehensive, Structured, Multisensory, Phonemic Approach to Reading
and Writing (Sounds In Syllables (SIS), Scottish Rite Build: A K-1 Early
Reading Intervention, Lindamood-Bell, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading
System)
Leveled books, decodable books, graphic novels, HiLo books
Reading comprehension (Talkies, Visualizing and Verbalizing)
Reading fluency and accuracy (Read Naturally, Wilson Fluency)
Whole word approach when indicated (Edmark, PCI, Davis Symbol Mastery)
Writing
Comprehensive, Structured, Multi-Sensory, Phonemic Approach to
Writing and Spelling (Sounds In Syllables (SIS), Wilson Reading System,
Orton-Gillingham)
Various genres including expository, persuasive, narrative
Use of clear, structured graphic organizers and step by step modeling and
instruction with gradual release of learning to the student (Step Up to
Writing, The Writing Revolution)
Grammar (Hands-On English Linking Blocks)
Handwriting and Cursive (Handwriting without Tears)
K - 5 Math
Building a strong foundation in:
Numeracy/Number Sense: Subitizing, Counting, Comparing, Patterning
Addition and Subtraction
Multiplication and Division
Fractions, Decimals, Percent
Basic Geometry
(Marilyn Zecher Multisensory Math Level 1, Math - U - See, RightStart Math,
Ronit Bird, Kathy Richardson)
Karin Wilkins, M.Ed.
My specialization and interest has always been working with neurodiverse and neurotypical students at the elementary level. I also love to work with older students who have challenge areas and are working to strengthen their skills. Most of my students are working at a pre-K to 5th grade level in the area(s) that are challenging to them. I am dedicated to working with my students to build a strong educational foundation through targeted, individualized, hands on, instruction. I believe that it is the teacher’s responsibility to figure out how to get each student to reach their goals, and it is up to the student to actively engage and participate. A good teacher can discover each student’s interests and build material around this interest whenever possible.
My teaching focuses on special needs education as well as early childhood education. I started teaching in 2001 after completing two separate master’s degrees from Boston College; one in Early Childhood education and one in Special Needs education. I was awarded the Bernard A. Stotsky/Thomas H. Browne Prize for demonstrating excellence in the area of special education at the graduate level upon the completion of my degrees.
I create a safe, caring learning environment where children are free to take risks in their work and see themselves as successful students. With knowledge of many programs, tools, and strategies, I am instinctive and flexible in my teaching methodology, finding what works for each child to meet them where they currently are and then scaffolding their learning to stretch them to new heights. My teaching style is to be relaxed, clear, happy, flexible, and encouraging.
I am interested in supporting students to become independent, confident, motivated, life-long learners who know how to think for themselves and know how to problem solve. I specialize in literacy, both reading and writing; as well as elementary math. Relevant art and science endeavors are incorporated into session times. Having fun while learning and working with student interests is equally as important as delivering content and instruction in a meaningful, varied, and succinct way.
Professional Development
Continuing my education helps me be a better tutor and more positively influence my students' education. I received a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. I am currently becoming a Certified Academic Language therapist. I will get my CALP/CALT certification through Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).
During the summer of 2023 I began my intensive study of the Sounds in Syllables (SIS) program created by Sandra Dillon. I am training through ASDEC (Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center). Sounds In Syllables (SIS) is a highly regarded, intensive Orton-Gillingham based program for dyslexic students that requires a commitment of 3 hours a week at a minimum. This program is geared towards students grades 2 through 12 and into adulthood. It is considered the gold standard in dyslexia curriculum for 1:1 work with students struggling in reading. It is considerably more intensive than the Wilson Reading System, which I also use to teach dyslexic students.
I will become certified through Scottish Rite for Children Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia in their Build: A K-1 Early Reading Intervention program in October of 2023. I will teach this as a precursor to SIS for my younger K/1 students. This intensive program focuses on the following 5 components: alphabet, letter/sound knowledge, phonological awareness (which includes phonemic awareness), vocabulary and comprehension and is developmentally appropriate for younger students. This comprehensive program works best with a commitment of twice a week tutoring.
I am currently taking the Marilyn Zecher Multisensory Math Level 1 course which focuses on K-5 math skills of: numeracy (including subitizing, quantity awareness, pattern awareness), addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals and percents. This highly regarded program is also taught through ASDEC. It emphasizes building a solid foundation in math through a highly structured, sequential, multisensory program. Multisensory Math follows the method and principals of the Orton-Gillingham approach to learning and, like Math-U-See, is considered Orton-Gillingham based instruction for math. This type of instruction is highly beneficial for students who struggle in math. This comprehensive program works best with a commitment of twice a week tutoring.
I am a proponent of mindfulness and meditation in my personal life. I am a licensed educator and hold professional status in the state of Colorado.
FAQ
Each potential family is invited to come into my office for a free 60 minute meet and greet session. At this time we can get to know each other better and see if working together would be beneficial to your child. During this time, I will provide several activity options for your child, get to know them and you, and go over any relevant documents you might have as well as discuss questions that you might have.
I am interested in an initial meeting, is that possible and is there a fee?
I have an older child who could use support, do you work with older students?
I specialize in working with neurodiverse as well as neurotypical students working at the Pre-K through 5th grade level, regardless of your child's age. For example, if your child is in 9th grade and reading at a 4th grade level, we might be a good fit for tutoring.
What hours are you available?
I take a limited number of families so that my time, attention, and focus can be dedicated to your needs. I work Monday through Friday. I begin sessions at 9:00 am and I end all sessions by 7:30 pm.
I closely track with the BVSD calendar.
During the 2023 / 2024 school year I will offer sessions on the following days that BVSD does not have school:
Monday 9/4
Monday 9/25
Monday 10/9
Monday 11/20 and Tuesday 11/21
Monday 1/15
Monday 4/22
If BVSD has a snow day, my office will be closed. In the event of worsening weather on a day that is not deemed a snow day by BVSD, I may opt to cancel sessions for everyone’s safety.
My office will be closed from Tuesday, May 21 through Friday June 7, 2024. I will re-open for summer tutoring on Monday, June 10, 2024.
My summer session runs June 10 through August 9, 2024. My office will be closed from Monday, July 1 through Friday, July 5. I tutor one-to-one over the summer vacation, and am flexible with your summer plans. My school year schedule will resume on August 19, 2024.
Sessions are held at my home office.
I am available to homeschool your child and I am happy to plan a curriculum customized for your child. I teach out of my home office due to availability of materials, which is especially important when multiple subjects are taught.
Currently, students are strongly encouraged to attend tutoring sessions for a minimum of twice per week for at least 60 minutes per session. This will allow struggling learners to make larger gains over a shorter period of time. Studies show once a week tutoring is not as effective as multiple sessions. We can work together to devise a tutoring schedule that will meet your child’s specific needs.
*If you are a Sounds in Syllables (SIS) student, the minimum commitment is 3 hours of tutoring per week.*
No contract is required. As long as you are happy, we will continue our work together. I believe that you and your child will see growth and progress while working with me.
Standard written updates are provided free of charge once a month. You are also welcome to call or email me as things come up. If you require more frequent written updates or for conversations lasting over 20 minutes, an additional fee will be charged.
I am available to collaborate with your child’s teachers, school and other outside professionals at your request. Release forms must be completed. Monthly collaboration is included, should you require something more frequent, an additional fee will be charged.
Rates are $90 per 60 minutes. Sessions are either 60, 90, or 120 minutes long, between two and four times per week. I do not recommend working for more than 2 hours per session as one-to-one tutoring is very intensive. My focus and attention are solely directed toward your child.
This session rate includes all prep time for that session, materials used during the session, any formal or informal assessments that I may conduct, monthly updates, communication with schools, review and help with IEP’s, IEP meeting attendance as my schedule allows as well as family/teacher conferences as my schedule allows.
What does billing look like?
Tutoring sessions are invoiced at the end of the month. You will receive an invoice via email. Payment is due upon receipt. You are responsible for any returned payment fees.
What if we are running late?
Your child’s session will still end at their scheduled end time and you will be billed for the full session.
If you need to cancel a tutoring session, you must call, email or text me by 7:30 pm the day before your session is to take place. If you provide the appropriate notice, no cancellation fee will be incurred.
If a scheduled tutoring session is cancelled after the cancellation deadline, you are subject to paying the full session fee.
If you are a no-show for a tutoring session you will be billed the full session fee.
Discontinuation of Services
I reserve the right to discontinue services for families who miss multiple sessions in a month, who have provided improper notice of cancellation four times, or who are no-show’s twice.
Member Council for Exceptional Children
Member National Association for the Education of Young Children
Licensed Teacher in the state of CO for both Special Education and Early Childhood Education
Member International Dyslexia Association
Member IDA RMB
Where are your sessions held?
Do you require a contract?
What extras are included?
What is your rate?
What if I need to cancel?
What type of tutoring schedule would you recommend?
What are your affiliations?
Do you homeschool?
Resources
2023-2024 Boulder Academic Calendar
pdasociety.org.uk
naeyc.org
exceptionalchildren.org
idarmb.org
Please check back as this section will continue to be updated.
COVID-19
I follow COVID guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC as this ensures the best chance of all of us being as safe as possible.
I wipe down surfaces and clean in between students.
I do not require students to wear masks during our sessions. You and your child can decide what makes the most sense for your family. I am happy
to wear a mask during sessions with your child.
If your child has COVID or has come into direct contact with an individual who has COVID, I will be unable to see your child until they have been cleared. Similarly, sessions will be cancelled on my end if I have been directly exposed to, or get, COVID.
