Ashley Skifstad earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Santa Cruz. After college, Ashley worked as a behavioral interventionist and provided one-on-one ABA services to children with autism spectrum disorder and similar learning differences. Currently, Ashley holds a role in the Los Angeles Unified School District as an instructional aide. In this role, she provides foundational reading skills to kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level. As a tutor, Ashley supports in all subjects at the elementary level, as well as English, writing support for middle schoolers, and math tutoring in geometry, pre-algebra, and Algebra 1 at the high school level. Additionally, Ashley is a trained Executive Functioning coach, providing support as students work to develop skills including planning, digital and physical organization, study skills, and time management. With a passion for education, Ashley plans to pursue a role in academic administration. In her free time, she enjoys taking road trips and watching movies.

 

We Asked, Ashley Answered 

  • What is one of your fundamental beliefs about education?

    I believe that education should be individualized to each and every child to ensure that it is engaging, fun, and relevant. Everyone has their own interests and learning styles. When I work with my students, I am intentional in getting to know what they are passionate about and how they learn best.

  • What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

    I absolutely love teaching beginning reading! As a passionate reader, I know that reading is a crucial skill that informs so many other pathways for learning. It is so rewarding to watch a student put together sounds to read a word and seeing their enthusiasm as they look around the world reading anything and everything they can.

  • Share an anecdote about a time your student hit a wall and how the student overcame it.

    I had a student who was learning her letter names and sounds. She knew the sounds for every letter and even some digraphs, but she just could not remember the sounds for the "b" and the "d". Every time I asked for the sound for the "b" or "d" I saw panic overcome her. One day I had her put 2 thumbs up and hold them together while saying "bed". I told her the first sound in bed is /b/ and the last sound is /d/. She could look at her thumbs and compare which way the bump faced to see if it was the "b" or the "d". From then on she gained so much confidence holding up her thumbs each time she saw these letters until eventually she no longer needed the thumbs trick.
     

  • What makes Hayutin different?

    Hayutin has successfully cultivated an atmosphere that is caring and supportive all around. The amount of resources and support that the educators have is so expansive. Thorough organization and communication between families and educators allows educators and students alike to feel cared for and supported in every step.

  • What is the favorite thing you've learned from a student?

    I've learned from my students to not be afraid to answer questions. I've seen many teachers ignore student questions because it would take too long to explain, they don't know the answer, or it might turn into an awkward conversation. But my students have taught me that their questions are a result of their engagement with the world, and taking the time to answer questions, look up things you don't know, and converse about their thoughts is a great opportunity for learning on both ends.

  • Other than education, what is something you are passionate about?

    Coffee! Whether I am perfecting my brewing techniques at home, or routing myself to the best coffee in town, I can never say no to a good cup of coffee.

  • What’s something you learned about yourself after high school that you wish you knew back then?

    I wish I had spent more time finding my passions and investing in them. I focused on pleasing others rather than spending time on my own interests. Once I started devoting time for my own interests I became a lot happier.

  • What is a stretch you experienced growing up?

    I used to have low self-confidence. I set the bar low for myself, but as I got older I started pushing myself more and seeing how much I am capable of. I've built up my confidence and now I have a better sense of my abilities.

  • If you could tutor any historical figure, who would it be and what would your focus be?

    Hellen Keller. I would love to take on the challenge of overcoming the communication barrier, and I'm sure I'd learn more from her than she would from me.

     

  • What’s the book on your nightstand you are dying to read?

    Quentin Tarantino - Cinema Speculation

     
     

     

     
     
     

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