Enhance your child's reading ability
Amy has the experience, tools, and strategies to create a custom program to take your child's reading to the next level all while having fun!
Meet your tutor, Amy Rakes!
Hi, my name is Amy and I'm excited for the opportunity to be able to tutor your child! Teaching reading is a passion of mine and through my experience I am able to connect well with students, help improve their confidence and foster a love of reading. I'm originally from Iowa where I started my teaching career and earned my first award as Iowa Professional Educator of the year.
I have a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Leadership and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. I also have specialized certifications in Reading and Structured English Immersion (SEI). I have been a consultant and manager for Scholastic, training teachers on literacy curriculum. I have also had the opportunity to teach all grades K-8 and have worked with a wide range of students including general education students, students with special needs, and English learners. I am a certified K-12 Arizona teacher with a current state issued Fingerprint Clearance Card. I currently volunteer at Phoenix Children's Hospital and at my local church as a Service Leader and coach in the kids ministry.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, Crossfit, yoga, friends, family, and spending time with my husband, Corey and our furry children Trigger and Kink.
How It Works
Rakes Tutoring is personalized to your child's needs while fostering a love for reading. My specialty is reading, but I am also able to tutor your child in other areas as needed. First, please fill out the tutoring application.
1Diagnostic Evaluation
First, diagnostic testing is administered. These assessment will be used to gather information in addition to any data and/or observations from your child's teacher. These will identify your child's strengths and opportunities for improvement.
21-on-1 Tutoring Program
Targeted 1-on-1 instruction will begin specific to your child’s needs such as Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Vocabulary, Fluency, Reading Comprehension etc. Tutoring sessions are one hour increments based out of Amy's home office.
3Continued Learning
Library books can then be sent home with tutoring feedback so your child can read with you at home.
4Analyze Performance
Finally, your child’s performance can be evaluated to measure their progress and instruction can be adjusted as needed.
Reviews
We inquired and signed up for Rakes Tutoring to help prepare our 4 year old son for Kindergarten next year and we couldn’t be more pleased. Our son has completed 9 one hour sessions and there has been significant progress. We are so excited for the next 9 sessions and how much more progress will be made. Amy has a wealth of knowledge, patience, and an abundance of creativity. Highly recommended.
-Clay and Sulema McDonald, Parents of a Preschooler
Reviews
Amy is a thoughtful teacher who practices pedagogy techniques. She has creative ideas to support unique learning styles. Amy practices teaching with kindness and much patience. She is committed. This is exemplified by her willingness to research tools in order to ensure academic success. Amy's more than an academic tutor. She will provide your child with a safe learning experience.
-Renee Peccia, Special Education Teacher
Reviews
I would strongly recommend Amy Rakes as a tutor for any child! I have personally seen Amy work with kids in a large group setting, small group settings, and individually at our church. The care, love, and thoroughness, and attention she gives kids is noticed instantly. However, it doesn’t end there as Amy is very reliable and consistent over the course of time. If my own kids need tutoring one day, I would send them to Amy.
-George Mang, Supervisor, CCV Kids Ministry
Reviews
Amy’s dedication and compassion paired with her knowledge and experience make her an excellent choice for a tutor. She has worked in education in numerous capacities and provides effective teaching (and mentoring) to all types of learners. She respectfully assesses and addresses the needs of both parents and children. All while making it a fun, positive learning experience for students.
Niru Gupta, Parent
Reviews
If you are looking for help with reading, look no further! Amy is the real deal. She has the knowledge and professional experience in literacy development and she is able to foster genuine relationships with kids that show she cares about them and is passionate about reading.
Patricia Mussatto, 7th Grade Teacher
Package Pricing
APPLICATION
Please fill out the application below and send it in for the initial consultation.- Contact Us
Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need help getting started.
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Email
Amyrakes3@
gmail.com 
Phone
(602)-819-7866
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