Learning to Read Together: K-2 Small Group Phonics Practice

Hello!  My name is Gina Johnston and I am a teacher from Pennsylvania in the United States.  I have obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from West Chester University, as well as Master's in Education from Neumann University.  I am also certified as an ESL Program Specialist.  I am married and have three children: two sons and one daughter.  We also have a Black Labrador dog named Zoey.
Over the years as a classroom teacher, I worked with students from a variety of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.  I have taught in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms, as well as an ESL assistant and math specialist for the school district in upper grade levels.  Additionally, I was an elementary substitute teacher in all grade levels and held private tutoring sessions for some students in ESL or reading support.  
After having 3 children of my own, I decided to take some time home from the school setting. Soon after, I found that I was able to continue my passion for teaching while being home for my family and my "virtual classroom" was created.  I began teaching online ESL classes to students living in China and in about a year and a half, I taught over 3,000 classes and met over 1,000 students from the other side of the world.  I found that students and parents responded positively to my patient, supportive, and engaging teaching style.  I use many visuals for props and rewards and sometimes even use my kids' toys to make lessons interesting!   
With my teaching experience being in the primary grade levels, the classes I will be offering will focus on skills in elementary phonics, reading strategies, and foundational math skills.  We will practice letters, letter sounds, sight words, and reading sentences fluently.  ESL classes will also include these skills as well as practicing speaking in  full sentences with correct pronunciation.   I am thrilled with the opportunity to continue my teaching passion with Outschool and am excited to be your child's online tutor.  I look forward to meeting you and having meaningful, engaging lessons from the corner of my home to yours!