Bend, Oregon Learning specialists
Get Back on Track with
Reading, Writing, and Math
Teaching efficient learning strategies to elementary, middle, and high school students in Bend, Oregon
Check Out Our Summer 2024 Academic and Enrichment Options!
Education and Learning Specialists
What Sets Us Apart
As learning specialists, we go beyond simply tutoring students in various academic subjects; we also explicitly teach students critical learning strategies to help them learn more efficiently. We provide highly specialized and individualized instruction in math, reading, writing, executive function, and positive character building, producing meaningful connections and incredible learning outcomes, and motivating students to succeed in any classroom environment and beyond.
Our classroom community is a positive and safe environment. We celebrate our successes and also embrace our mistakes; that’s when the learning happens. Most importantly, our learning environment fosters pride and self-confidence in students!
Individualized Instruction
Meaningful Connections
Exceptional Learning
Collaborative Consultation
We are proud of the connections we have built with our students over the years, and seeing them succeed after years of struggling is truly one of our greatest joys! It is incredible to see the significant progress students can make when they attend tutorials consistently and are given the right instruction at the right level.
Executive Function refers to a set of mental skills that help individuals in their everyday lives. Often students struggle in school not because of a lack of intelligence, but instead due to executive functioning weaknesses. We will assess and work on strategies during every tutorial session to help students improve and strengthen their executive functions.
Our instructional approach is all integrated, meaning that even when we are we are doing math, we are also learning critical reading and writing skills and strategies.
We are proud of the connections we have built with our students over the years, and seeing them succeed after years of struggling is truly one of our greatest joys!
Shelly south
Voted Runner Up for Best Learning Specialist in Bend!!
Academic Tutoring In Bend, Oregon
We specialize in educational tutoring–and more–in these core subjects
Reading Tutoring
Our learning specialists meet all students where they are at and develop reading skills regardless of reading level
Writing Tutoring
Our learning specialists help develop writing skills from handwriting and grammar to sentence work, paragraphs, and essays
Math Tutoring
Our learning specialists assess and fill any academic gaps from previous years, instilling confidence and future math success
Executive Function
Our learning specialists help students with strategies for organization, planning, prioritizing, time-management, and more
What is a Learning Specialist?
A learning specialist goes beyond being simply a tutor in that we assess and teach individualized learning strategies to help students be more efficient at studying, memory, focus and more.
As learning specialists, we go beyond being a subject expert and homework helper. We try to get to the bottom of why students are struggling in the classroom and provide them with tools and strategies to help them overcome those challenges.
We go beyond academics and work hard to improve our student’s confidence, helping them better self-advocate for their learning needs and excel in any learning environment. To put it another way, we help students “learn” how to learn.
Shelly South, M.Ed., Secondary Learning & Education Specialist
About Us
Shelly South, Secondary Learning & Education Specialist
Shelly South is a Bend, Oregon based educational specialist who has worked with kids for about 20 years. She brings 14 years of teaching experience in middle school and high school classrooms, as well as 4 years of experience in providing specialized instruction and support to learners with diverse learning needs in the private setting.
Shelly has a passion for teaching middle and high school students the art and structure of writing as well as algebra readiness. She believes that building positive connections with students is the key to helping them learn and is excited to help students and families build a tutorial plan that meets their unique needs.
Meet Our Team
Our incredible team is highly trained to provide exceptional and individualized instruction to meet each learner’s unique learning style.
Shelly South, M.Ed.
Secondary Learning and Education Specialist and owner of Beyond Academics
Shelly South is a Bend, Oregon based educational specialist who has worked with kids for 20 years. She brings experience in providing specialized instruction in the area of science based reading instruction and meaningful learning. She believes that building positive connections with students is the key to helping them learn.
Ashley Nieto, M.S., SLP-CF
Learning Specialist and Speech and Language Pathologist
Ashley has a Master’s in Communication Sciences and a passion for working with younger students. As a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Mrs. Nieto has a unique understanding of how language and communication play an early role in the way students learn. She is an incredible asset to the team!
Heather Ashley, M.Ed.
Learning Specialist and Director of Beyond Academics
Heather Ashley is an accomplished Learning & Child Development Specialist. She has 20 years of experience working with children and their families. Heather has extensive experience and knowledge in the area of science-based reading, writing, and math instruction. Heather is dedicated, intuitive, and passionate about helping students understand their individual learning styles.
testimonials
What clients says about us
Our learning specialists provide academic tutoring services for all of Central Oregon, including: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Sunriver, and La Pine.
“Shelly helped my son catch up in algebra after COVID virtual school gave him so much trouble.”
mack M.
Sisters, Oregon
“You explain things so well. Thank you for building her confidence!”
ellyn G.
Redmond, Oregon
“Thank you, Shelly! Ava LOVES coming to you. We even discussed whether she needs to continue, but she WANTS to. She says she’s doing so well because of you. She’s doing awesome in school, and I owe it all to you and your program!”
Melissa V.
Bend, Oregon
Contact us
Make An Appointment
Contact us today to schedule a meet and greet, talk about your student’s academic goals, and see if we are a good fit.