About the Acacia Center
The Acacia Center provides reading, writing, math and speech support services by accredited, highly qualified specialists, each with over 20 years of experience. The education we provide is goal-oriented and tailored to the needs of each individual with whom we work. We specialize in creating unique and outcome-oriented educational plans for English language learners, students with dyslexia and autism, and those with more general at-risk reading styles. Whatever the barrier may be to your child’s reading comprehension and writing proficiency, the Acacia Center can help.
Mary Ellen and Jane not only share a passion for advancing the needs of individuals struggling with mastery of the English language are often requested as a resource in Ohio for their practical knowledge and expertise in working with teachers, second language learners, dyslexic and struggling readers. Together they have conducted numerous workshops for a number of local school districts and, as a Professor Adjuncts, at Ashland University’s program for Teaching and Learning. Mary Ellen and Jane were both awarded the Master Teacher Certificate from the Ohio Department of Education.
Reading, Writing, Math, Speech
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According to the Ohio Department of Education, “A master teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. A master teacher strives for distinguished teaching and continued professional growth as specified by The Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession.”
Great educators, in my language, are 'learning activists' they are activists whose activism is focused on helping children learn their way into a life of greater opportunities. Jane Pfautsch and Mary Ellen Locke are great educators.
—David Boulton, Learning Activist and Creator of the Children of the Code Project
FOUNDERS
Mary Ellen Locke
With over 20 years of comprehensive experience, Mary Ellen Locke has a proven track record of success in developing curriculum and providing teachers with instruction and skills to address the needs of all students. Mary Ellen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Kent State University, a Masters in Literacy and a Reading Endorsement from Ashland University, a Certificate in Training in the Orton Gillingham Approach from the Dyslexic Training Institute, a TESOL Endorsement from Ohio State University and a SIOP (Shelter Instruction Observation Protocol) trained trainer from the Ohio Department of Education.
Phone: (740) 670-2658
Email: maryellenlocke@gmail.com
Education
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., in Speech Pathology and Audiology
ASHLAND UNIVERSITY
M.S., Literacy, Reading Endorsement
Speciality Training and Certifications
Orton Gillingham Approach, Dyslexic Training Institute
TESOL Endorsement, Ohio State University
SIOP (Shelter Instruction Observation Protocol) trained trainer from the Ohio Department of Education
Intervention Specialist Licensure, University of Cincinnati
Autism Spectrum Disorder Certification, University of Cincinnati
Jane Pfautsch
Jane Pfautsch is a thirty-year veteran of the public school system. She has a BA in elementary education with a 4-8 specialization in science from Fairmont University, an MA in Curriculum and Development from Ashland University and a TESOL endorsement from the University of Cincinnati. In 2000, Jane became trained in the Orton Gillingham Approach, a multisensory method of language instruction used to assist dyslexic students in learning how to read.
Phone: (740) 814-6630
Email: jpfautsch120@gmail.com
Education
FAIRMONT UNIVERSITY
B.A., Elementary Education, 4-8 Specialization in Science
ASHLAND UNIVERSITY
M.A., in Curriculum and Development
Speciality Training and Certifications
TESOL Endorsement, University of Cincinnati
Orton Gillingham Approach, Dyslexic Training Institute
Intervention Specialist Licensure, University of Cincinnati
Autism Spectrum Disorder Certification, University of Cincinnati
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLANS
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a written document intended to help children reach specific education goals that may otherwise be difficult to attain. Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve academic, behavioral and social skills that apply to the needs of the individual child. To obtain an IEP, your child must first be identified for special educational services and from there, a multi-step process begins that will ensure your child receives the appropriate services and support needed to succeed.
At the Acacia Center, we believe that a well-formed and highly individualized IEP can be the start of a successful journey to reading comprehension and writing proficiency. We will work with you to build an IEP that meets your child’s specific needs and is geared toward her success.