I believe that all children can learn and can achieve at high levels even if they are currently not performing as such.
​I believe that children naturally want to learn, explore new things as they seek to make sense of the world around them.
Sometimes students need a little extra time or more personalized attention. Sometimes students aren't struggling, but they are ready for more challenging ideas and opportunities. I believe meeting the needs of the individual student is most important. 
I believe learning can be fun and should be interesting and engaging.
I believe children learn best when they know the teachers in their world see them as individually unique and capable individuals.
l believe children learn best in safe, nurturing, encouraging environments.
I believe children can learn to view failure as opportunities to grow and improve.
I believe children are capable of taking responsibility for their own learning, setting goals that are meaningful and important to them, self-monitoring and making adjustments so they can reach their goals.
I believe that sometimes the most profound achievements are the most simple ones; learning effective study habits, realizing that anyone can be good at something if they work at it, realizing that anyone can be good at math, just like they can be good at the piano...if they will just practice, developing consistent, positive habits, having a positive outlook, etc.
I believe academic success as well as success in life is more about the work you are willing to expend rather than the natural talent you are gifted with. My own experience over the years, as well as lots of research, support this belief.
I believe a growth mindset results in success and achievement no matter the situation.
I believe children do not need to wait to reach some magical age to contribute to the betterment of our world.
I believe each child has a voice, a purpose, and something beautiful to offer this world. Teaching students to communicate that purpose and to use their voices (especially in writing) is a passion of mine. Children can learn to communicate powerfully in writing.
I believe my job is to help each child I teach realize that they can do hard things, that I'm there for them and that they have their own unique and wonderful purpose in life. I see them for the wonderful people they are, and I work hard to help them see this for themselves.  The second part of my job is to be a resource for parents as they navigate the school system whether public or private. I am here for you as well as your child.

What to Expect

What My Students Say about Me

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 and working with you to set goals. Once goals are established, I will work hard to employ a variety of strategies and activities to keep your child motivated and engaged. It is my goal to provide high quality, effective instruction in a way that makes your child feel like we had fun together. I want your child looking forward to our sessions because they are fun and rewarding from your child's perspective. I want you as the parent/guardian to feel confident that your child is getting the skills she/he needs. I also want you to see the results academically in how your child approaches and performs in school. To this end, I will work with your child's teacher to support the classroom instruction. 

"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