Hi, I’m Mr. BJ, and I am passionate about helping students unlock their full potential through personalized, evidence-based instruction. With over 12 years of experience as a private tutor and teaching consultant, I have worked with students across public and private schools, specializing in reading, math, and special education support. Currently, I teach second grade on the South Side of Chicago and serve as a remote Reading Interventionist for a private academy in Georgia.

My academic background includes multiple master’s degrees in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Teaching & Learning, along with a Reading Specialist Certificate and MTSS/RTI Certification. My expertise in the Science of Reading allows me to implement the most effective, research-based strategies to support students—especially those with reading disabilities like dyslexia.

I take a student-centered approach, tailoring my instruction to meet each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Whether working with younger learners building foundational literacy skills or older students advancing in math and Spanish, I create a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment that fosters confidence and growth. My background also includes experience teaching internationally in Russia, Spain, and Italy, where I worked with diverse student populations and developed a global perspective on education.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy exploring nature, hiking, swimming, biking, and adventures with family and friends. As a fluent Spanish speaker, I also love incorporating language learning into my teaching when it is beneficial for my students.

One of my proudest accomplishments was helping my second-grade students achieve more than 150% growth on their I-Ready scores, a testament to the power of targeted, individualized instruction. I firmly believe in Benjamin Franklin’s words: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

I look forward to working with your child to build both academic skills and a lifelong love of learning!

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