Chess Camp Part Four

Dear Parents and Learners, 

Note: I will not cancel a class if there are less than three students enrolled, every student is important to me, one-on-one lessons are fine with me as long as they are fine with you.

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in my class. My classes are pedagogically designed to support students in a fun and engaging way while at the same time building fundamental academic skills. I am offering conversation and debate classes to get to know students and have them get to know me. I will also offer long-term writing and poetry classes that build on students’ and parents’ individual goals and learning needs. I also teach chess.  I aim to make the learning process exciting for everyone. My interactive classes are designed to build the confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond. I motivate students by encouraging peer support and creating a welcoming classroom that honors the mutual respect of all people. 

I am an educator with seven years of teaching experience. I teach the things I am passionate about. As an ardent writer, avid reader, great storyteller and conversationalist, I have a strong academic background in English. From middle school to Riverside Polytechnic High, where I attended high school, I was always in Honors/AP English. I have a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in English from San Diego State University. I gained eagle-eye editing skills while editing masters’ theses for graduate students. Studying abroad in Costa Rica and Spain and traveling throughout Europe gave me the opportunity to not only appreciate, but also take part in, the cultures of other communities. Taking Gay and Lesbian Literature, Jewish-American Literature, and Women’s Studies at San Diego State University expanded my knowledge and historical understanding of those groups. Teaching English abroad in both Hong Kong and Japan also broadened my sensitivity to other cultures and gave me a better understanding of them. These humbling affairs prepared me to engage diversified learners of all ages with confidence. 

People always say find your “why”, dig deep, what drives you to get up everyday. For me, that was getting up at 4:30am to walk/jog a mile, and then proceed to take an hour-long journey by bus to start the school day (prior to Covid). So, what drives me to be the teacher I am today? “Be the kind of person you needed when you were younger”. This quote translates into who I am and what I do because I show up 100% for the kids. I believe that being fully present makes a huge difference and I have seen firsthand how much further students go when I listen and truly care about what they have to say. Sometimes the little things are not so little, and create the biggest impact. I am willing to go the extra mile. I have a passion for education and teaching, coupled with an unparalleled dedication to student success and creating lifelong learners. I taught at private, public, charter, international and foreign schools so I have an extensive outlook on education and educational systems. I know what it takes to be an exceptional teacher. Thank you again for your interest in my class, if you have any questions please feel free to message me. I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

Sincerely, 

Miss Halldorson