Tutor Q&A: Kallie Haas, Math and ACT/SAT Test Prep Tutor

This week we chatted with Kallie Haas, who is one of our math and ACT/SAT test prep tutors.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Des Plaines, IL, then attended Ball State University (Muncie, IN) for my undergraduate work in Deaf Education and Mild Disabilities Special Education.

I immediately began teaching elementary special education in Oak Park, IL, then moved to the East Coast where I taught high school special education for eight years in Montgomery County Public Schools (MD).

I was a class government sponsor, dance coach, American Sign Language Club sponsor, and even a game show host for the local high school academic quiz show!

While teaching, I earned my Master of Science degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Differentiated Instruction and Curriculum Design from The Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD). In addition to teaching, I’ve been a substitute teacher, a teacher assistant, I’ve worked in group homes for children and adults with disabilities, and I spent two and one-half years working as a flight attendant!

Why did you want to become a teacher/tutor?

I decided to become a tutor because I love helping students improve their academic or organizational challenges.  It’s fun to see a student grow week to week!

Tell us about a positive experience that you’ve had with a student.

A student started ACT tutoring with me and was very unsure of herself.  Over the course of our tutoring sessions, I’ve seen her self-esteem and confidence grow as her practice scores continue to increase.  It’s very rewarding seeing her hard work pay off!

 What’s the best part about being a tutor/teacher?

The best part of being a teacher/tutor is seeing the lightbulb “A-Ha!” moments.  When a student suddenly sees how their hard work pays off, or when they can see the improvements they are making, it’s really exciting.

 Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?

My favorite teacher….that’s a hard one because I had truly wonderful teachers from kindergarten and on.  Mr. Rich Marecek, my sixth-grade teacher, lit a major fire under me. He provided differentiated instruction long before it was “cool.”  My self-esteem, leadership, and confidence grew exponentially in his classroom. My ninth-grade accelerated English teacher, Mrs. Cynthia [Bergquist], taught me that authors have secret meanings behind the ordinary items they write about, and that good writers sneak other pieces of literature into their stories. Symbolism blew my mind!

 What’s your favorite educational quote?

“The more you learn, the more you learn you have more to learn.” –LeVonne Haas, my grandmother.  Her wisdom has guided me through my education, travels, and how I view the world.

 Why do you like working for iAchieve Learning?

I enjoy working for iAchieve Learning because this is a local business. I believe our work really does support the educational needs of our community.