PrepNow Tutor - Barbara B.
Over the course of three decades, Barbara has taught 9th-12th English Language Arts, American Literature, British Literature, International Baccalaureate (IB) English, Advanced Placement English Language, IB Theatre Arts, Drama I, II, III, IV, and Yearbook; and she has been tutoring SAT math and reading since 2005. Barbara specializes in concepts like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, advanced problem solving, data analysis, reading comprehension, written expression, vocabulary, rhetorical analysis, grammar and mechanics, and text synthesis.
She earned a doctorate in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia, an MEd from the University of West Georgia, and a BA in fine arts management from Columbia College. She has worked at the state and regional level as a School Improvement Specialist, Literacy Specialist, Curriculum Writer, Instructional Coach, Graduation Coach, Leadership Facilitator, and Professional Learning Designer.
She’s currently a full-time SAT/ACT tutor and teacher coach and is excited to help build students’ confidence and critical thinking skills. “I enjoy tutoring because one-on-one and small group learning allows the tutor and the student to build a better relationship and have more fun learning,” she shares.
Barbara began tutoring as a high school student, helping fellow students with algebra, geometry, and English composition. As a high school teacher, she started offering SAT Prep classes for students after school and in the summer. “My proudest moment as a teacher/tutor/mentor is whenever a student gets excited about their increased capacity to solve problems!”
Barbara’s seasoned approach emphasizes fun and successful student-teacher relationships. “I love to get to know the students and to show them how much I care,” she expresses. Her decades of experience working with both students and teachers and authoring curriculum have sharpened her ability to employ students’ strengths and interests to fill learning gaps. Above all, she aims to foster passion and drive for learning. “Learning should be fun, and ideas should make sense!”
Barbara’s proud to share that Calhoun City Schools awarded her the titles of Teacher of the Year and STAR Teacher; she also won the Technology Integration Board Recognition Award from Calhoun City Schools and Best Adjunct Professor from Reinhardt University.
As a former student, she was involved in musical theatre, choir, cheerleading, debate, and extemporaneous speaking.
Outside the classroom, she loves reading, writing, traveling, watching movies, swimming, playing games, and enjoying quality time with her husband and five adult children.
Fun cinephile fact: “My grandmother's grandfather was a pioneer of the silent film era and Vaudeville. I have his scrapbook with hundreds of one-of-a-kind photos and journal entries, including pictures of Harry Houdini with his Pomeranian, Charlie. My husband and I are turning them into a book.”
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