ELLEN ADES
READING IS THE GATEWAY TO LEARNING IN SCHOOL AND LIFE. IN MANY INSTANCES READING SPECIALISTS HAVE BECOME THE SECRET SAUCE UNLOCKING THE UNLIMITED POTENTIAL OF YOUNG MINDS—AND THEN THERE IS CAROL MISSRY.
Carol studied for her Bachelor of Science at New York University. She worked as a certified special education teacher for over twenty years in the most challenging public schools New Jersey has to offer. She eventually focused on becoming a reading specialist trained in Orton-Gillingham, but currently savvy enough to use other methods as she sees fit. Carol knows how to focus on each unique client to yield optimal outcomes. She has been successfully teaching private clients for the past ten years and takes particular pride in having helped children struggling in math and language arts reach fluency level.
Carol shared, “When I came to PROPEL, I was advised to brush up on my computer skills by signing up for classes through SBH Career Services Division. That advice led me to acquire skills that help me manage and market my business more efficiently. PROPEL is a great resource for every woman no matter where she is on her journey to earn.”
The unique thing about Carol is her talent for connecting with students. When asked about this she replied, “The students enjoy the sessions because I create a fun and inviting learning environment.”
When I asked Carol to share a success story she harkened back to her public school experiences. “I remember one 9th grader who could not read any of the letters of the alphabet. He was not interested in Shakespeare so I had to identify what did interest him. We began focusing on song lyrics. After two years he was able to read and write.”
Carol’s strengths as a teacher allow her to meet students wherever they are academically. She knows what it takes to engage pupils—and she does fully engage them. This ability to adjust teaching methods and be creative with learning tools has given her students the opportunity to achieve. She has taken unmotivated children who don’t do homework and helped them through a metamorphosis to emerge as fully participating members of the classroom.
With all her student success stories and decades of experience, Carol believes parents are the best advocates for their children and they must become involved.
I asked her for two pieces of advice. Regarding students she said, “All children want to do well. We must develop skills and strategies that remove obstacles to learning.”
When I asked her what advice she might offer parents, she said, “Reading can be fun. Education can be fun. Make it enjoyable.”
If you are interested in a career or career advice, please reach out to PROPEL. We can help you take the steps to fulfill your professional goals and dreams.
Call 646-494-0822 | Email info@thepropelnetwork.org| Instagram @PropelNetwork
Ellen Ades is a PROPEL career coach.