Rachel, a native New Yorker, is a Special Education Itinerant Teacher and private tutor. In May 2011, Rachel graduated with high honors from Hunter College’s graduate program with a degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education. She also graduated with honors from Queens College with her B.A. in Psychology and attended a competitive, private high school in New York City. Rachel specializes in teaching children aged 2-7, and she is able to teach Judaic Studies as well. Rachel has professional teaching experience working in special education resource rooms and supporting students in both the general and special education classrooms. She also has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and has taught one-on-one with a wide range of age ranges and across varied developmental stages.
Rachel believes that the most integral parts of learning are achieved through active exploration and discovery. Therefore, she works with children to create an environment that is hands-on where they can pick, prod, explore, question and really grasp the learning at hand. Rachel knows that each child learns differently and strongly believes in differentiating her approach to include appropriate strategies and interventions. Rachel teaches with clarity, passion, empathy, and sincere enthusiasm, which help to set her students on a path to lifelong learning.
At the age of 15, Rachel realized her passion for working with children with special needs through volunteering with The National Jewish Council for the Disabled (NJCD). In addition to her work with the NJCD, Rachel also volunteered through college with Ohel Bais Ezra, an organization that places service providers in homes to work with individuals who are mentally and physically challenged.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys exploring New York City (especially Broadway plays) and spin class. Rachel continues to work with the mentally and physically challenged on the weekends in addition to taking weekend trips with friends and family.