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A Path from My Story
to Your Child’s Success

Meet Michelle, the Online Math Teacher

Let me take you back to a time when I was a student.

 

School was an intricate puzzle, and I was navigating the labyrinth of social skills, making friends, being a student, and everything else in the world of education.

 

While I had an understanding of the topics I learned, expressing that understanding was a challenge.

 

Back then, it wasn't about demonstrating my grasp of the subjects; it was about writing the correct answers – the predetermined ones.

 

Unfortunately, my grades didn't reflect my true abilities, and the struggle was real. 

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The difficulty arose when I found it challenging to bridge the gap between what I knew in my head and what I could put down on paper.

 

I often felt like I was on the outside looking in.

 

I was pulled out of class and placed in those "special help" groups, yet it didn't seem to make much sense because I knew I was smart.

 

I felt out of place, and those groups didn't provide the support I needed.

Michelle Tobe - math tutor
Michelle Tobe - online math tutoring

But I always had a knack for math.

 

Math seemed like it followed a set of rules, and if you followed them, you got the right answer.

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Fast forward to when I became a teacher, specializing in special education and working with students who faced struggles like I did.

 

I saw my own struggles in them, and I realized something crucial - I realized that following the rules didn't necessarily equate to understanding the "why" behind math.  While it might provide the correct answers, it often leaves students grasping math's core concepts.

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It's like learning to play a song without understanding the notes.

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This realization was a turning point.  And these students I was helping, they were just as smart as their peers, but they needed a different approach to learning.

 

I began to appreciate that every child possesses a unique learning style and pace.

 

I connected with students who learned differently because I had walked in their shoes, and my mission was clear – to help them.

My educational journey extended beyond the classroom, encompassing a spectrum of grade levels. 

 

I experienced the daily struggles that teachers face, juggling a myriad of tasks and responsibilities. The pressures and expectations on educators are enormous, leaving limited room for individualized support.

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In my role as a special education teacher, I assumed a leadership position, assisting teachers in creating accommodations for their students. I also worked closely with parents, guiding them through the special education process emphasizing the importance of advocating for their children and empowering their children to advocate for themselves.

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I noticed that pulling students out of class for resource support created a disconnect, unintentionally labeling them as "lesser" than their peers. This approach to education was proving ineffective, and not all students who needed support were receiving it.

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Understanding the immense pressure that teachers face, particularly those in classrooms with large class sizes and countless responsibilities, was pivotal in my journey. While we wanted to meet every student's needs, the reality was that we were spread too thin.

 

The expectations placed upon educators today are overwhelming, leaving limited time for the individualized support each student deserves.

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Then, I stumbled upon the world of online tutoring, and everything fell into place. It was a realm brimming with resources, opportunities, and a growing community.

 

It was then that I decided to embark on a new path, creating Learning With Michelle - The Online Math Teacher.

 

My aim was clear: to provide the tailored support that every student deserves, offering personalized guidance and understanding each student's unique journey, challenges, and personal beliefs about their abilities.

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As a tutor, I treasure each student's individuality, acknowledging their unique stories, the challenges they face, and their personal beliefs about their potential. My role is to identify the gaps in their knowledge, filling them, and guiding them to an understanding of grade-level math.

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Let's work together to empower your child and make math into a positive experience.

 

I've witnessed the transformation it can bring, and I'm here to guide your child on this incredible journey.

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Let's start your child's math success journey today:

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