Who I am
Hello! My name is Vanessa Siino Haack. As an educator, writer, former lawyer, and mom of two, I have studied reading, writing, and speaking in a variety of contexts and for a variety of goals. I bring that expertise to my work with students, along with my knowledge of child and adolescent development. I love working with kids and teens and co-creating spaces with them where they can feel seen and supported.
All children, given the right environment and support, can and should engage with high quality texts and think deeply about the world, in a variety of genres and modalities. I have significant experience working with students with a range of strengths and struggles, including students with disabilities/IEPs/504 plans and students who are learning English.
I would love to work with you and your child to help them become a more confident reader, writer, speaker, and student.
EDUCATION + CERTIFICATION
Dyslexia Training Institute Certification (In progress)
Wild Wonder Foundation Nature Journaling for Educators Certification (In progress)
M.A. Teaching, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education (2013)
California Teaching Credential, English + Social Studies (2012)
J.D., UC School of Law (formerly UC Hastings) (2008)
B.A. English, UC Berkeley (2002)
What I believe
Humans are born loving to learn, and everyone can find joy in it if the environment and supports are right. Kids who hate school or reading have been turned off of it somehow, through no fault of their own. Often, there’s shame buried underneath it all. Intervention can help!
Learning happens best in the context of a warm, trusting relationship. I work hard to get to know your child and build that trust.
Readers who have a good toolkit can read anything! It’s all about learning to pay attention to the puzzle of language.
Literacy is empowering! Literacy can change the world!
Questions? Let’s chat!
Curious how I can help support your child to find more joy in reading, writing, and learning? Send me a note and let’s chat!