About Me
Hello, my name is Patience Thomas.
I inherited my love for reading from my parents, especially my Mom, who was a 1st grade teacher.
I learned much from her patience and passion for teaching.
My philosophy is that reading, when taught with enthusiasm, clear objectives and a systematic approach, leads to enjoyment and endless possibilities for learning. It is important to me to develop a close relationship with students as a foundation for building reading and writing skills.
After graduating from Brown University with a degree in English and American literature, I taught literacy on two Indian Reservations, English as a Second Language, English and Latin in public and private schools and Adult Education. Throughout the range of my teaching experiences, I viewed learning gaps with students’ reading and writing skills. This led me to pursue a Masters degree in Education specializing in Learning Disabilities. After graduate school, I taught special education including gifted education, alternative education, English and Writing courses at the University of Maine. I eventually became a tenured Assistant Professor of Youth Development with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I wrote grants, did research and developed after school curriculum, including county wide 4-H programs.
After 35 years in education, I “retired” to Colorado from Maine in order to live near my daughter and family. I enjoy learning with my 8 year old grandson who is an emerging reader. I have been tutoring students with learning differences
(I do not see them as disabilities) in the Boulder Valley area since moving here 8 years ago.
Education and Training
Brown University, BA English and
American Literature University of Maine, MED specializing in Learning Disabilities
Credentials
Orton-Gillingham - Comprehensive Plus Certificate
Wilson Language Program - Dyslexia Practitioner
Further Academic Training
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
Linguistic Remedies
The Orton-Gillingham approach and the Wilson Reading Program are similar in that they are structured, sequential, and multi-sensory approaches to reading instruction that produce measurable success in school and life. Orton-Gillingham is research-based and has been around since the 1930’s, whereas Wilson was developed in 1985 and is based upon elements of Orton-Gillingham. The Wilson program uses three tiers which includes K-12 through adults. In both, students’ lessons include phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Instruction is guided by regular assessment to attain individual goals and objectives and meet the varied needs of students with learning differences.
What my students & their parents say
parent commentary:
“I feel good about the kids’ direction. I am thankful they had so much time with you. It was so impactful for them.”
Commentary from the mother of two long term students one of whom I worked for 4 years and his sister for 2 years.
parent commentary:
“Patience began working with our daughter near the end of her second grade year—a few months before she was officially diagnosed with dyslexia—and worked with her through the beginning of fifth grade on her reading and writing skills. Beyond her deep expertise in the Wilson reading program, Patience has a real gift for finding ways to connect with a child’s interests to motivate and engage them. In our case, she was also instrumental in our daughter’s IEP/504 process with the school, and Patience kept open lines of communication with her teachers to check on progress. If you have a dyslexic child and need a tutor, I highly recommend Patience Thomas.” ~Darrin, a happy parent
student commentary:
"To Whom It May Concern:
I had Ms. Thomas as my reading tutor for 2 years when I was in fifth and sixth grade. She also was my teacher in title one summer school in fifth grade. I have learned alot from Ms. Thomas.
She taught me the Wilson way. This was different than what ever way I had learned before. I used to be afraid to talk or read out loud and now I am not afraid to talk or read out loud. In class if there was a spelling question I would not answer or even raise my hand to answer the question. Now I answer any spelling question because
I am not afraid that people would make fun of me.
Now that I am in seventh grade I am on teacher pace in all of my classes, thanks to Ms. Thomas for her helping me with school."
Joseph
HALL-DALE Middle school
student commentary:
"I've been working with Patience since first grade. She taught me my sounds, words, and B's and D's.
Now I don't just guess all the words when I am reading. My handwriting is better now and my teacher can read it. I had the courage to try out for not one but two Spelling Bees. Now I read chapter books that are at my level. Do you want to hear a good story? One day when I was in third grade I came to her house looking really sad and she asked me if everything was ok. I said I got put into fourth grade spelling. We both laughed and she was very happy for me. Because of Patience I have been on grade level for four years in a row."
-Chris 4th grade
Should you have questions or want more information, please email me here: tutoringbypt@gmail.com
Please include your name and a phone number,
for a brief complimentary phone consultation.
(because of potential "spam", I will only respond to inquiries with names and phone numbers)
Patience Thomas - Educator, Tutor