Miriam Blum
I am currently self-employed with College Solutions providing college essay coaching, ELL tutoring, and educational editing. Additionally, I having published children’s books and an adult cartoon book.. Previously, I served 20 years with Council Rock School District as a Gifted and Talented Elementary Teacher and Reading Specialist, developing advanced programs and supporting student enrichment. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a second Master's degree as a Reading Specialist, I also have a Voiceover Acting degree and a degree in Interior Design;, bringing a diverse skill set in education, writing, and media.
Presently, I volunteer as an English Language Learner teacher, working with immigrant adults between the ages of 18 and 90. I tutor each student individually, tailoring lessons to their needs and goals. Every student brings a unique story and determination to build a new life in America.
My first ESL student came from Vietnam in 1980. As a child, he escaped by boat with his parents, who were tragically killed by pirates during their journey. He survived, spent time in an internment camp, and was eventually adopted by an American family while he was in high school. Before arriving in the United States, he had never seen running water or electricity and had never attended school. Watching him learn and succeed remains one of the most powerful experiences of my teaching life.
Several years ago, I also tutored a PhD student from Tajikistan. Together we worked on writing and editing his research articles on gastrointestinal diseases so they could be published in English. Eventually, his work was translated into English, Russian, and Persian—a proud accomplishment for both of us.
My students come from many walks of life. One might be an IDF emergency blood transfusion nurse seeking certification in the United States. Another might be preparing for the citizenship exam, writing a résumé, studying for the SAT, or simply trying to navigate the complicated paperwork of the American medical system while supporting a family.
I try to make learning engaging and practical. Sometimes, we practice pronunciation using customized sound lists and videos. At other times, we sing Karaoke to build conversational confidence. We read motivational books, analyze speeches with subtitles and translation tools, or simply share lunch and talk about our families and cultures.
Learning a new language is not easy. It requires patience, persistence, and creativity. But it also opens doors—to opportunity, belonging, and hope.
After a lifetime in education, I have learned that teaching is not just about what we give to our students. It is also about what we learn from them. Even now, my students continue to teach me every day.
• BS Elementary Ed, Certified Ele Teacher,
• M.S. Reading Specialist
• MS Mathematics Teacher K-12
• Voiceover Degree
• Interior Design Degree
• BS- Ele Education, M.S Mathematics, MS Reading Specialist, Teaching Certificate- Gratz Hebrew College, Voiceover Degree, Interior Design Degree
• Recognized in Who's Who Among American Teachers
• Represented my school district in a Statewide Special Education Audit demonstrating my leadership and dedication to academic excellence
• District Beautification and Safety Program- 10 years
• Number One Freshman- College of Human Development- Drexel University
• Syracuse University- School of Education- Committtee- Advisor to the Dean
• PSEA, NEA, ELL, Hadassah, Sisterhood
• Volunteer ELL tutor- Newton Library- Newton, MA, Abinngton Libray- Abington, PA
• Community Service- raised more thn $40,000.00 for 3 student/teacher Elementary Memorial Gardens and designed and built them,
• Supported causes such as Autism Awareness, Cancer Research, Bike the Basin, MS
• Care packages and letters, cards to soldiers overseas, Opeeration Dear Abby
• Care packages to students in Africa for a school library and literacy program
• Student Teacher/Mentor
• Project Forward Leap
• Act 101
What do you attribute your success to?
I have always attempted to maintain high expectations and recognize the individual and unique needs of each person. I have fostered genuine relationships with both my students and their families. So many of them have supported my passion by volunteering in my classroom and staying connected over the years in order to return themselves and support the learning needs. Ongoing communication is an important part of my teaching and expressing to each child that we can make a difference in the present, as well as the future of our world! Most of my students pride themselves on being strong verbal and written communicators. We invest quite a bit of time in developing those strengths!
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Humor and storytelling are highly effective ways to communicate in the workplace. It is extremely important to know how to bring joy to the classroom. Humor iis the best way to connect with kids and to showcase your own imperfections so that they can allow themselves to also accept their own simple mistakes. People with a strong sense of humor are more likely to take risks and overperform. So, don't be afraid to try something new and trust the process.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to the students and let them know it is both your classroom and theirs. Keep them involved, reward daily, motivate and learn from them!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Most of today's educational challenges revolve around teacher shortages, lack of funding and supplies, growing crisis in mental health, high poverty rates, inequality in funding between districts, lack of support, chronic absenteeism, anxiety and depression among both teachers and students, and a genuine lack of proficiency in the English language, reading and mathematic test scores. even more important are issues of gun safety and school safety. We have to improve the culture and climate in our country and learn to value teachers, students and the importance of a great education once again. we also need to establish gun control and abolish school violence through new programs to teach kids school expectations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My most important value is my love of family and friends. I think people value my strong organizational and leadership goals and my willingness to use those strengths to help others achieve too!
