Hi, I’m Andrea

Credentials and Experience

  • Masters in Elementary Education (Johns Hopkins University) / Bachelor of Science (Wake Forest University)

  • Recognized as Teacher of the Year in Charleston County School District

  • Awarded Excellence in Teaching Award for promoting students’ dramatic academic growth on Standardized Reading Assessment

  • South Carolina Teaching License

  • Bilingual in Spanish and English

  • Over a decade of teaching experience and facilitating social emotional learning groups

  • Experience piloting and implementing various curricula including those currently used in local Charleston County schools

  • 10+ years of experience working with children with learning disabilities, ASD, ADHD, and Gifted and Talented

  • Teacher Mentor

  • Registered Yoga Teacher

    • Mindfulness Certification

    • Children’s Yoga Certification

My instructional approach is anchored in several key principles that guide each lesson:

  • I strive to foster a genuine passion for reading and cultivate a learning atmosphere that is warm, inclusive, and engaging. I achieve this by introducing a diverse range of engaging texts—stories that spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and reflect learners' lives. By connecting reading to their interests, I help learners discover the joy of books and the adventures they hold. Celebrating all learners’ interests and achievements, no matter how small, fosters a sense of belonging and motivates them to explore new genres.

  • Every child is unique, and so is their learning path, style, and pace. At Little Bird Literacy, I prioritize individualized tutoring plans that cater to each student's strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Through ongoing assessments and observations, I tailor my lessons to support emerging readers and challenge advanced learners. I use tailored lesson plans and diverse resources to ensure that every child feels successful and valued.

  • I believe in the importance of foundational skills, such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies. I integrate these elements into my lessons through interactive activities, games, and discussions. By using explicit instruction alongside hands-on experiences, I help students build confidence and fluency, which are essential for lifelong success in literacy.

  • Reading is not merely about decoding words; it’s about engaging with texts and developing a deeper understanding. I encourage my students to think critically about what they read by asking open-ended questions, facilitating discussions, and promoting connections to their own experiences. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also empowers students to articulate their thoughts and opinions.

  • I believe that cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for developing resilient readers and learners of a new language. I encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. By encouraging risk-taking and celebrating effort and perseverance, I help my students build confidence in their abilities, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

  • I believe that literacy development is a collaborative effort. At Little Bird Literacy, I actively engage with families, provide resources, strategies, and maintain regular communication to support literacy and social skills at home. By fostering a dynamic partnership with families, we will create a strong foundation for students’ learning.