My Services
I provide individualized, online tutoring via Zoom for children in Grades K-6 that focuses on improving literacy skills. I address the five pillars of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. I also offer assessment and consultation.
I use explicit, systematic, diagnostic instruction to help students reach their full potential. I am well-versed in structured, evidence-based literacy instruction and the science of learning.
No, I do not follow a specific program or curriculum but individualize completely, using experience and expertise to make research-guided decisions tailored to each student.
Assessment
Assessment is the first step towards providing effective literacy intervention. I use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses. I examine phonemic awareness, phonics, word identification, decoding, encoding, fluency, and comprehension. I email a full description of assessment results to caregivers to ensure everyone is on the same page towards achieving success!
* Note: I do not provide a formal Dyslexia diagnosis, although the information I provide can support a diagnosis, as well appropriate instruction and accommodations.
Tutoring
I offer synchronous, 1:1 online instruction via Zoom. My systematic, explicit, and diagnostic instruction is individualized for each student. My methods are consistent with the latest research on the science of reading and learning. I address phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, as well as writing, to help students master new skills and overcome challenges.
Consultation/Advocacy
I believe in collaboration and consistency when it comes to supporting your child's literacy development. That’s why I offer consultations with other professionals working with your child, including administrators, teachers, and IEP/504 teams. I will advocate for your child’s needs and provide the collaborative support necessary for their full academic success. (For tutoring clients only)
Pricing
I offer assessment, tutoring, and consultation/advocacy.
Payments are accepted via Zelle prior to services rendered.
Tutoring services are to be scheduled and paid for at the beginning of each month.
Assessment
$300
Full, initial assessment including comprehensive, detailed write-up of results emailed to caregivers
Tutoring
1 hour session = $150
45 minute session = $120
30 minute session = $80
* Initial assessment required prior to beginning tutoring
*At least 2 sessions/week recommended for optimal results
* See tutoring contract for more details
Consultation/Advocacy
TBD
20% of students, or 1/5, have a form of Dyslexia. Early identification followed by consistent, intensive instruction using a structured literacy approach is the most effective treatment.
Here are some excellent and reliable resources for supporting students with reading and writing difficulties and Dyslexia:
International Dyslexia Association
Dyslexia Resource Center
Understood
Child Mind Institute
https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dyslexia/
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
Dyslexia Advocate: How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia in the Public School System by Kelli Sandman-Hurley
About Me
Valarie Algee, Ed.D., M.Ed.
I began teaching in 1994. I have worked as an elementary classroom teacher, a district literacy coach, a learning specialist, a curriculum developer, and a college instructor in both public and private sectors in Reno, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. In addition to teaching, I have trained teachers, presented at national conferences, and published peer-reviewed articles on education. I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, traveling, and playing with my dog in my free time.
I began private tutoring for literacy intervention in 2007 when I was expecting my first child and have continued while raising all three of our children, who are now in middle and high school. I began tutoring face-to-face but have transitioned fully and successfully to online tutoring. My doctoral dissertation was even focused on online tutoring for literacy intervention!
I specialize in teaching students who struggle with reading and spelling, with or without an official Dyslexia diagnosis. I am trained in, among other things, Orton-Gillingham, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), and the science of learning/neurodevelopmental learning framework through All Kinds of Minds. I passed the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Examination of Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) test.
I hold a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in elementary education, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English literature. I hold a current teaching credential in California. I am passionate about literacy and education.
Additional Training
-
The Reading First Program
-
All Kinds of Minds Cognitive Constructs
-
Thinking Maps
-
Open Court Reading (OCR)
-
California Early Literacy Learning (CELL)
-
Amplify Reading
-
Orton-Gillingham
-
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling (LETRS)
-
The Writing Revolution
-
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)
What Clients Have to Say
I am proud to have helped many students improve their reading and writing skills. Here are some testimonials from clients: