Tutoring
Introduction
My name is Valerie Masai-Aspaas, I am a Washington State certificated teacher and professional educator available for private tutoring and martial arts instruction.
As an experienced English Language Arts and ESOL teacher, language and literacy has been the focus of my educational endeavors. I hold a BA in Japanese from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master's in Education from the University at Buffalo with a focus on teaching English to speakers of other languages. I spent one year as an Assistant Language Teacher in rural Japan with the JET program and several years tutoring and substitute teaching in Buffalo, NY and Washington State. I am a Washington State Certificated teacher in English Language Arts, English Language Learners and Visual Arts. I taught for three years in public high schools as an ELA/ELL teacher before moving on to pursue alternative educational methods and institutions of learning that align with my teaching philosophy.
Tutoring Services
I have experience working with all ages, from Pre-K to adults. For example, I have helped pre-K students develop early literacy skills in an at-home daycare program, I have helped college students edit entrance essays, and I have helped newcomer English language learners develop emerging language skills. I can provide one-on-one or small group tutoring services for literacy development, English Language Arts and English Language Learners, introductory to intermediate level Japanese, arts and crafts projects, and more!
In-Person Instruction: I am based out of Marysville, Washington, and I am available to come in-person to most locations within a 50-mile radius. I am available to tutor after-school, on weekends, and during the day to meet the needs of homeschool families. I can also collaborate with homeschooling families to construct learning programs for their children. I can come to:
- Private homes
- At-home daycares
- After school programs
- Homeschool pods
- More!
Online Instruction: I am available to tutor online anywhere in the U.S. With my experience in online teaching during the 2020-2021 school shutdowns, I am confident and capable in tutoring students over Zoom--however, I am only willing to tutor older students unless they are highly motivated. Younger students benefit more from in-person, hands-on learning, but every student has a learning style that works best for them. Some tutoring--such as editing essays--is done just as effectively online.
Coaching
I own and run Alpha Raptor, which operates under the idea of the Japanese kotowaza 文武両道 - the intertwined paths of martial and literary excellence. I create materials to help you learn and enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but I am also available as a tutor and coach. Throughout my life, I have had experience in several martial arts, including Isshinryu Karate, Muay Thai and Nippon Kempo, but for the past fourteen years I have primarily focused on grappling. I received my brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Professor Joshua R. Ketry in 2018 after placing second in IBJJF Masters Worlds. I began my journey with Grappling Unlimited in Honolulu; since then, I have trained and coached at nearly every jiu-jitsu gym in Buffalo, NY, at Ivan Salaverry MMA in Seattle, and at Gracie Barra Himeji in Japan. I currently train out of Electric North BJJ in Lake Stevens, WA. From 2011-2017, I went 7-3 in amateur MMA and retired from the cage after my professional debut.
I am available to coach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, introductory kickboxing classes and self-defense classes. I have experience teaching children, adolescents and adults with various levels of experience. I strive to make my instruction fun, informative, and developmentally appropriate. I am available to teach after-school programs, private lessons, and more.
If you are interested in tutoring or coaching, please contact me using the form below!