About

Hi, my name is Daniel. I have a master’s degree in education and have been a certified special education teacher working in the Chicagoland area for over 13 years. I am also a certified Orton Gillingham tutor. Teaching is my passion: every learner can reach their potential!

I have tutored students from 2nd grade to high school. I have a passion for teaching struggling students how to read. Based on overwhelming research, this requires the use of an explicit or synthetic approach to phonics. I have many years of experience using the Wilson Phonics Program and the Orton-Gillingham approach and have seen tremendous student growth using this approach. These programs utilize a multi-sensory approach to reading, phonics, and spelling. I provide all materials and, additionally, model for parents a daily reading routine. Most importantly, I value the relationships that I build with students. I truly believe that positive relationships with students are instrumental to their academic growth! There is no better feeling than experiencing the transformation of struggling students as they learn to read! If your child is struggling with a comprehension and/or fluency issue, I will definitely address that as well.

I’m an excellent tutor because I have a large toolbox, I understand key developmental milestones, have worked with a wide range of students, and know, most importantly, how to keep students motivated! I cater the curriculum to student interests and develop positive relationships with every student and parent. My experience working in schools has given me an acute understanding of where students should be–relative to their age/grade level– and what skills they need to succeed in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, etc. I cater my tutoring to fit your needs!

I’m an excellent special needs tutor because I have over a decade of experience working with a wide range of special needs students. I make learning engaging by getting to really know students and their interests. I have worked with students with Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual disabilities, Autism, Rett Syndrome, Spinal Muscle Atrophy, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and students with ADHD. I’ve worked extensively with students that use various Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC)–including eye-gaze devices. I am well-versed in Aided Language Stimulation, Partner Assisted Scanning, Recasting, and various high and low-tech strategies to meet students’ needs successfully. I am well-read and experienced on a variety of research-based methods for improving student outcomes and I have seen the results first-hand. I truly understand from experience that no two students are the same. You can be assured that I will do whatever it takes to ensure your child’s growth.

I look forward to hearing from you, and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have about the curriculum, scheduling lessons, etc.