Services
Reading Support
I support students of all ages in learning to read and spell. Their needs can range from some individualized instruction to intensive support.
Math Support
I support kindergarten-fifth grade students with a variety of math interests and needs. My services range from enrichment to intense math support.
1:1 Coaching
I support elementary Montessori teachers with their lesson planning and classroom management.
I support parents with a variety of needs in reading and math.
20+ years Montessori teacher grades first-third
20+ years of professional development in reading and math instruction
10+ years teaching reading and spelling using Fundations
3 years teaching reading and spelling using the Wilson Reading System
“Francesca’s dynamic instruction transformed my daughter’s understanding and love of math. Her deep knowledge of best practices guides her pedagogy in every way, ensuring lessons are both engaging and effective. This approach not only boosted my daughter’s test scores, but also strengthened her motivation and confidence in the subject. She especially loved the creative games and hands-on activities that made learning come alive. Years later, she still proudly calls herself a mathematician—and I know that spark began with Francesca’s exceptional teaching.”
“Working with Francesca was a truly transformative experience as a new teacher. She not only taught me the foundational math skills I needed to teach my 4th graders but she also empowered me to create a student-centered classroom. Thanks to her guidance on number sense and manipulatives, I feel equipped to help my students succeed. She taught me to love math so that my students can love math! ”
“Francesca did an amazing job helping my daughter, an 8th grader who was struggling with a recently diagnosed learning disability. Francesca was able to meet my daughter at her level and find the specific gaps in her understanding and abilities. The tools and skills she learned from her tutoring sessions improved both her reading ability and maybe just as importantly her confidence in her abilities. She is now thriving in High School!”
About Francesca Tappi, M. Ed, W.D.P.
Originally from Italy, I am now a long-time resident of Evanston, IL. I love to travel and meet new people, and when I'm not teaching, you’ll likely find me walking my dog, enjoying audiobooks, or spending time with my family.
After being an elementary Montessori teacher for 20 years, I decided to expand my expertise in reading and math instruction. I love supporting students in learning the skills necessary to be successful in reading and mathematics. I believe that the key to learning is building strong connections with my students, setting meaningful academic goals, and working together to achieve them. Drawing from both the hands-on, collaborative Montessori approach and research-based methods in reading and math, I ensure that each student masters the necessary skills. I follow a clear scope and sequence and use ongoing progress monitoring to track each student’s development. Additionally, I value collaboration with parents and teachers to provide the best support for every student’s learning journey.
Coaching teachers with lesson planning and helping them expand their expertise in math instruction is also extremely rewarding to me. Seeing teachers grow in confidence and skill, especially in math, motivates me to continue fostering professional development and instructional excellence.
Let’s work together.
Interested in my tutoring or coaching services? Please fill out this form and I will be in touch shortly!