My name is Sarah Hammond, and I am a certified Elementary Teacher (Primary/Junior), and a private tutor living in Waterdown, Ontario.
I was trained as an Elementary Teacher at University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and have been working as a teacher in the province of Ontario in a variety of teaching environments since 2001. I have specialized training and experience (as well as a passion for) working with children with learning disabilities. Please refer to my resume posted below for more detailed information about my work history, education, and experience.
My Approaches and Beliefs
It has been my experience that most every child has the capacity to achieve success. But it is not enough for us to know and believe it: Ensuring that our children know and believe it is what is most important. Without a love of learning and a curiousity students will struggle to realize their potential.
My teaching practice has very little to do with imparting knowledge to my students, and very much to do with developing a student's independence, confidence, curiousity, problem-solving skills, thinking skills, and tenacity. I tend to ask more questions while teaching (and tutoring) than I do explaining or telling.
Asking students questions engages them, ensures they are drawn-in and actively involved in the process of learning, helps them to gain the sense that what they think is important, and models the thinking and problem-solving process so that they can achieve success on their own. Providing students with lessons that are individualized, relevant, and hands-on are also key elements that I incorporate whenever possible and appropriate.
I have over 8 years of experience full-time teaching public and private schools. My current work commitments include working with Autistic children with the Behaviour Institute, supply teaching, and private tutoring.
On a Personal Note
I live, work, and play in the greater Hamilton area. I am an active member of my community volunteering at my local YMCA, and with CityKidz Hamilton, and am a busy Mom of an active 3-year-old.
I live and breathe all things "teaching". Rarely have I learned a skill that I didn't go on to teach in some capacity to someone. While competing in curling I volunteered at clinics to introduce newcomers the sport; whenever I take a course I genuinely enjoyed teaching and helping my classmates in study groups; I write regularly to teach others and offer my own perspective and experience on topics that interest me. I truly am a "teaching" junkie.
Nothing would give me greater joy than to help your child read books they didn't think they could read, do math they didn't think they could do, or pass a course they didn't think they could pass.
To find out more about how I might be of assistance to your child or teen, please check out the Tutoring Services tab at the top of the page.
