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Kara Cashwell, online tutor, math tutor, reading tutor, Virginia, near meTutor: Kara Cashwell

Subject Areas: Math and Reading

I live in Northern Virginia in the U.S. and have over a decade of experience in elementary and early childhood education. I began my career as a public school teacher and adored working with young children in the classroom setting.  I love teaching and finding new ways to teach critical skills. My favorite moments in teaching are always when an academic conversation inspires curiosity beyond the curriculum. I founded My Rockin' Tutor in 2019. I decided to explore tutoring full-time to realign my work to provide focused support to one child at a time. This allows me to cater to their needs in the moment and on a long-term basis which fosters faster growth. While in college, I studied abroad and was bitten by the travel bug. We traveled to 5 countries in 5 weeks studying the relationships between disabilities and culture, economics, and religion. In all, I have now visited Ghana, Dubai, Nepal, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and The Dominican Republic! I can't wait for my next adventure! While I taught, I kept myself busy learning all that I could about educating young children. Below are a few highlights about my education, experience, and accolades throughout my career.


  • Book Club Instructor and active member on the Board of Educators for Spitfire Club (learn more) 
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education with a Specialization in Adult Learning
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education Endorsement
  • The John F. Kennedy Center's Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA) Certificate of Study Recipient and Demonstration Teacher
  • Former Columbia College Adjunct Instructor- Early Childhood
  • Former University of Virginia and Marymount University Mentor Teacher
  •  Alexandria City Public Schools Professional Development Presenter: Math Fact Fluency
  • Extensive training in instructional delivery for Math, Reading, Special Education, and English Language Learning. 
  •  LinkedIn ProfileScreenshot 2023-09-21 175701.png  __________________________

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Tutor: Karla Kaplan Montante

Subject Areas: Reading and Orton Gillingham Reading

Hello, readers! I’m Karla Kaplan Montante, a public school reading specialist and tutor! I grew up all over the world (across four continents!), but now call Northern Virginia home. I am an Arlington Public Schools teacher beginning my 5th year in the field. I started out teaching 2nd grade (one door down from Ms. Cashwell!), and now teach 6th - 8th grade because – what can I say? I love a challenge!

 In the first year of my career, I quickly fell in love with teaching reading. I became passionate about the well-documented ways literacy frees us to achieve what we want in life. I got my Masters in Reading Education from the University of Virginia and began my dream job as a reading specialist. I am committed to structured literacy – a straightforward, evidence-based approach to teaching reading that is beneficial to all students but essential for struggling readers, including students with dyslexia.

 When Ms. Cashwell offered me to join My Rockin’ Tutor in 2022, it was a no-brainer! I have been loving getting to know students one-on-one and targeting their individual literacy needs so they can soar.

 When I’m not teaching reading, you can find me playing with my 7-pound toothless Yorkie or watching reality TV. 

 

Here are some highlights from my career:

  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading Education from the University of Virginia
    • Outstanding Master of Education Student Award Recipient
  • B.A. in Elementary Education (K-6) & English Language and Literature from the College of William & Mary
    • School of Education Award for Undergraduate Excellence Recipient
    • Mr. and Mrs. James Scott Duff Academic Scholarship Recipient
  • Orton-Gillingham trained via IMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education)
  • Currently a 6th-grade reading specialist teaching students reading both on and below grade level
  • Formerly a 2ndgrade classroom teacher in an English-Learner inclusion class
    • 2020 Teacher of the Year Nominee
    • Recognition for Excellence Certificate “in appreciation for outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty”
  • CETA trained (Changing Education Through the Arts) through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Virginia Professional Teaching and Reading Specialist License
  • Completed the BrainPOP Educator and  Seesaw Ambassador certifications
  • Spanish proficiency
  • LinkedIn Profile

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