Reading, Writing, Math, Speech
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.
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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.”
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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
Founder
Mary Ellen Locke
With nearly 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
• ESOL 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
FOUNDER
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: pfautschjep@aol.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