Nurturing Young Minds
I specialize in igniting a passion for learning in elementary aged children in North County, San Diego through personalized tutoring tailored to their needs.
MY NAME IS
STARLA WEISS
My Educational Background
I am dedicated to providing high-quality private tutoring services for elementary-aged children, specializing in reading, math, and writing. I graduated from UCLA and hold a Masters Of Arts in Teaching and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Irvine. I also have 11 years of experience as a teacher in Newport Mesa School District, where I served as a distinguished teacher for Newport Heights Elementary school. With more than a decade of classroom experience, I am equipped to support homeschool families through effective learning strategies in both individual and group settings.
My Philosophy
I believe every child learns best when they are engaged, curious, and having fun. My approach is rooted in hands-on learning, where students actively explore concepts rather than just memorize them. I strive to make lessons meaningful and interactive- whether that's using manipulatives in math, creative games in reading, or real-world connections in writing. By fostering a positive and encouraging environment, I help students build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and discover a love of learning that lasts beyond the classroom. My goal is not only to support academic growth but also to nurture each child's unique strengths and creativity.
My Services
I work with both one-on-one or in mini group settings, depending on the students' individual or family needs.
Reading
I focus on building skills that help kids become confident, fluent, and enthusiastic readers based on their individual needs. I focus on phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, fluency, comprehension skills, and critical thinking in reading.
Math
I will help foster a strong foundation in number sense, problem solving, and logical thinking. My lessons are tailored to your child's grade level and learning style, with the goal of making math understandable, less intimidating, and fun!
Writing
I will help your child develop the ability to clearly express their ideas in written form while building strong grammar, spelling, and organizational skills. Instruction will be adapted to your child's level, starting with basic sentences in early grades and progressing toward multi-paragraph essays in upper grades.
Homeschool Support
I am a valuable support system for you. I can reinforce core subjects, fill learning gaps, and offer specialized expertise that complements your teaching. I design enrichment activities, prepare your child for assessments, and offer structure and accountability that ease your workload.
Mini Groups
I will work with a mini group of 2-4 children by balancing group collaboration with individual attention. The focus will be on creating an engaging, supportive environment where your children can learn from both each other and me. I will include group learning activities, differentiated instruction, skill building, social and emotional growth, and accountability and progress.
Get to Know Me
I enjoy living in Del Mar with my 9-year-old daughter who is in fourth grade. We love walking our 14-year-old dog Woodrow Ruffington and are both huge fans of Harry Potter. My daughter is also teaching me how to bake cakes as we attempt to be like the baking contestants on the cake shows we have fun watching together. I love hiking in Torrey Pines and visiting Balboa Park.
