Hi! I'm Cat Crenshaw and I'm a licensed and highly qualified Oregon public school educator with over 25 years of classroom experience in grades K-6. I'm especially skilled in working with elementary age students struggling with early math concepts or with confidence around their math skills. I have a proven track record of taking students who are struggling with math concepts and helping them to gain confidence and mathematical understanding.
I also love working with all ages in developing their writing skills. Getting thoughts onto paper is a challenge for almost everyone and many children resist this difficult learning process. I'm able to help students learn a few simple strategies that will help them generate ideas and work through the writing process to complete a fully developed piece of writing regardless of the genre or topic. My passion is helping children believe in themselves as capable, confident learners and to have fun along the way. I believe every child has the capacity to learn and each child learns in their own unique way. I work to tap into each child's individual strengths and interests and build upon that as I design learning opportunities that fit the child rather than forcing a child to fit into a pre-packaged curriculum or set of worksheets. As your child's tutor, I am also a resource to you as you navigate the school system whether public, private, or at home. I will provide you with updates about your child's progress, and I am also able to inform you about what you can expect at each grade level in each of the subject areas. Confused about an instructional approach you notice in your child's classroom. I'm often able to explain the rationale and reason for such an approach. I am familiar with the learning targets for all grade levels and can help provide resources and support as you design your child's educational pathway. I know the trends and issues in education and I can help you understand the parts that are confusing. Think of me as your own private educational concierge. |
About My Approach |
What Students Say About Me |
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My approach is to start with you and your child. Getting to know your child as a reader, writer, mathematician, artist, or scientist is the first step. I will spend a little bit of time our first session finding out where your child is currently achieving and working with you to set goals. Depending upon the area of focus, I might conduct a diagnostic assessment which could take up to two full sessions to complete. This assessment will provide me with valuable information about your child's current skill level and areas of growth.
Once goals are established, I will work hard to employ a variety of strategies and activities to keep your child motivated and engaged. I can work with your child's teacher, as needed, to support the classroom instruction and I will keep you informed as to your child's progress with me. |
"Dear Ms. Crenshaw, thank you for teaching me all the great math this year!" ~a Medford 4th grader, 2012 "Dear Ms. Crenshaw, thank you for believing in me and tutoring me way back in 4th grade. I had a lot of challenges and you helped me believe I could do it. I'm here today, because of your help." ~ A graduating senior from Forest Grove, OR who was my student when he lived in Medford. I attended his graduation in June 2018. "Dear Ms. Crenshaw, I think that you are the best teacher ever! You make school sooo much fun!" ~ a Beaverton 4th-grade student, 2017 Dear Ms. Crenshaw, Thank you for making me a better student. Thank you for letting me share my creativity with you. ~ a Beaverton 3rd grader, 2017 Dear Ms. Crenshaw, Thank you for helping me learn. Some of my biggest accomplishments would not have been without you. So thank you so much. ~a Beaverton 3rd grader, 2018 Ms. Crenshaw...will you keep meeting with me next year when I go into 3rd grade? ~Beaverton 2nd grader, 2020 |