About Mrs. Van

I'm a Mother, Wife, and Educator

BS Education All Subjects K-5, Self Contained ELA & Math K-12, CI Certified, ZA Certified, MA Reading, Certified Administrator, ASD Coach, and Currently an Administrator

I am currently an administrator with Harrison Community Schools; I specialize in special education, child development, autism spectrum disorder, behavior management, curriculum development, Corrective Reading and leadership. Outside of my teaching profession, I tutor children in the areas of reading, math, and writing. Most children don't realize their potential until given the tools necessary to flourish. Children are often underestimated and for a child to fully develop socially and intellectually, they need to be integrated in a school and accepted for their diversity. In addition to teaching, I also tutor before school, after school, and during the summer. I have transformed my old shed into a little school house. I have properly named my schoolhouse, Van Tutor House. I love my school house and I know you will too. Teaching is my passion, my life, and I will forever teach!

Even though teaching is a major passion of mine, I am first a wife, mother and grandmother. I love my family and I enjoy spending time with them. I have 3 grown boys who are making me very proud to see them pursuing their dreams. My new favorite past time is watching my granddaughter; she is definitely the light of my life. As a family we attend many different sporting events whether to watch a family member play or just enjoy a good game on TV. I also like to read, golf, swim, camp, snow ski, and just hang out with family and friends.

I believe myself to be a realist with an optimistic attitude. I set goals that are attainable, and I don't believe in dwelling on realities. I keep a positive outlook on life and I love helping those who have difficulty helping themselves. I consider myself to be humble, I don't find it necessary to be rewarded for my achievements, however, I don't believe others should be rewarded for my achievements either. I love my family, and I work hard for them.

I believe in good core moral values based on the foundation of the Holy Bible, more specifically the Ten Commandments. I consider myself a Christian, God is my guide through Jesus Christ. I feel fulfilled and enriched with love and happiness because I have chosen God's path. Thanks be to God!

I work hard so I can play hard. Most of the time I think before I speak, and I have strong opinions about how I live my life. How you live yours is up to you just as long as it doesn't affect me negatively. I have no room for drama and strife, I avoid it as often as possible. I hope to continue on my positive path so my life can continue to be fulfilling for me, my husband, my children, and my students.

Because I choose to.

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Van as a leader

26 YEARS in EDUCATION

Special Education/504 Coordinator, Administrator at Harrison Community Schools

Principal

Special Education Coordinator

504 Coordinator

Proactive Interventions

Peer to Peer Facilitator

ASD Coach

Cognitive and FAME Coach

Previous Teacher at Gladwin Community Schools

Special Education Resource Room Grades 3-5

Curriculum Experience Pre-K thru 5th Grade: ELA and Math

ASD Coach, Behavior Modification, Visual Supports, and Sensory Integration

Peer to Peer Leader: Bridging the Gap between students with disabilities and "typical" students

Tutor for Mid Michigan Area

22 Years Tutoring

Experience Levels: Ages 3-18

Curriculum Experience Pre-K thru 8th Grade: ELA and Math

PSAT & SAT Prep

Tutor for ASD: Behavior Management, Set Routine and Boundaries, Social Integration; Also consult and help parents to help their child.

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Over 145 Years of Curriculum K-11 Combined Experience with ELA and Math at all grade levels.

My Years of Curriculum Experience have made it possible for me to be flexible and understand what children need to learn and know before entering a grade level; and what is to be expected for the next grade level. Specifically in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Math.

Born and Raised a Hornet

#HORNETNATION

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"Don't Be Afraid to be AMAZING!" ~Andy Offutt Irwin