Hello! My name is Monika Souder.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as my Master’s degree in Child & Adolescent Development.  I am certified in ESL (English as a second langue) for students K-12.

I am a mom and stepmom to 6 amazing kids! Four of them are amazing young adults, which leaves 2 15 year old's at home.  After homeschooling for two years our teens are back in public school for high school!  I previously coached youth softball for 3 years (ages 3-7) and was an assistant coach for youth soccer for 2 seasons (ages 4-6).  Thanks to our amazing kids I am a baseball/soccer/volleyball/archery/softball and ARMY mom!  

I I previously taught ESL online for the 3 years and have been with Outschool for 4 years!  I have worked with students ages 3 to 15 years old in varying subjects with different levels of proficiency.  This has given me the experience to work with students who have different learning styles and academic needs. 

I believe children learn best when they are in a fun, patient, and engaging environment.  There is truly nothing better than seeing the moment when the class objective clicks for the student!  

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
I love to encourage participation from students in my classes.  I prefer to leave learners unmuted, but there may be moments where I will need to utilize the mute function (background noises).  If this happens, I always let the student know they are being muted.  

It makes class run smoothly if students raise their hand and wait for their name to be called before speaking. This way all students are respected when they are speaking.  

SIBLINGS:
Siblings are always welcome in class, but they each must be signed up for the class. 

PRIOR TO CLASS:
Please test your internet connection ahead of time.  I cannot hold class up for the other students if your student is having internet connection issues. Please also make sure that you have printed any materials that I have listed in the classroom.  I like to be fully present with students as soon as we begin class, and do not access my conversations or classroom comments on Outschool after the class has started.

CLASS TIME:
I build a two-minute buffer into my lesson plans for introductions and for any students that may be running a little late.  However, once that time is up, class will start.  If your student arrives late, please know that I do my best to let them know where we are so they can join right into the lesson.  

CLASS CANCELLATIONS:
If a class has not met the minimum number of enrollments, it is subject to being canceled. I will send a message asking if you'd like a transfer to another date & time or full refund if the class is canceled. Automatic refunds are issued for no responses after original class start time.

REFUNDS & TRANSFERS:
Per Outschool's limited refund policy: "Full refund within 24 hours of purchase or up to a week in advance of the class." 

For one-time classes:

If within the week, you realize you won't be able to make class, please submit a transfer request from the classroom at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures another student who would like to take the class has enough time to see the opening and enroll. If you contact me after class, I cannot refund or transfer. 

If there are NO students in class by 10 minutes, the class session is closed. No refunds are given for missed classes, unless I know ahead of time. If you know that your student will not be able to attend class, please send me a message through Outschool asap so that arrangements can be made if possible.