PrepNow Tutor - Dore L.
Dore has worked in classrooms for decades, both high school and middle school, and has extensive experience using applied behavior analysis to improve student learning. Dore has several degrees: a BA in music with a psychology minor from Western Michigan University; a master of music in vocal performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and an MS in special education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "I completed the graduate course sequence of classes required to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board through University of Texas-Denton, practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for six years before retiring the credential."
Dore spent 10 years teaching high school, co-teaching math and science. She then did graduate work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to understand the mechanisms by which humans learn and spent 8 years working (clinically and in-home) with people on the Autism Spectrum. "I am currently a middle school teacher, working to bring the insights of ABA of the learning process to the public education classroom."
The genesis of Dore's teaching reaches back to her days at Western Michigan University. "I started teaching singing as an undergraduate student and found that participating in other people's 'light bulb' moments meant far more to me than having my own," she shares.
"I build rapport with students through transparent communication and listening twice as much as I speak," says Dore of her teaching style. She believes the tutor-student dynamic requires that both parties feel safe to make mistakes or work through bad days, particularly when conducted in-home. "I encourage feedback from the student (and families) regarding what strategies are not working and I am open to trying new teaching approaches that suit the individual student," she says. Dore has noted that the most efficient way of identifying strengths and weaknesses is to ask the learner to "teach" her the skill that they are attempting. "This allows both of us to reflect on the cognitive processing of the learner, revealing where there may be holes in skill acquisition," she posits.
When in school, Dore was in theatre and choir and sat on student council; she also practiced dance. These days, her hobbies center around all things music theatre. "I also have a special interest in neuropsychology. Ok, actually, I'm a little obsessed with it!"
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