Academic Coach

Learning Foundations Academic Coach Profile

Pamela Iken
Director of Educational Training
Lead Academic Coach and Mentor
pamelai@learningfoundations.org

Learning Foundations coaches are highly trained educators who specialize in ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Function, Auditory Processing, reading comprehension, math and writing abilities. In addition, our coaches apply multi-sensory teaching techniques for every academic subject incorporating skills for organization, time management and test taking strategies. 

Education and Experience:

• M.A. in Language, Literacy and Culture/Reading and Writing, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver, B.A. in English from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley 
• Taught in public schools for 5 years, then trained extensively before coaching and training literacy teachers and principals at the school and district level for 6 years in Colorado 
• Literacy Consultant for Teton County School District for 2 years in Jackson Hole, Wyoming 
• Private tutor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Lafayette, Colorado prior to becoming a Lead Academic Coach, Lead Coach Mentor,  and Director of Educational Training at Learning Foundations 

Professional Development:

• Specializes in teaching reading, writing and mathematics through knowing the individual learner and teaching directly to that learner’s needs and strengths 
• Highly trained and experienced in teaching Gifted and Talented (GT) learners as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) learners 
• Highly trained in the Reading Process, certified trainer for the F.A.S.T. (Foundations of Analysis, Synthesis, Translation) and CR Success Learning Reading Program 
• Highly trained in ACT/SAT test preparation strategies 

Coaching Philosophy:

Pam believes that all children are packed with gifts and talents, and that a teacher’s role is to help the student pinpoint those talents, strengthen them, and use them to the best of their ability. Therefore, she evaluates the student in order to plan for teaching that meets the student’s individual needs and learning style while building off his/her strengths. Pam is creative in her teaching style, often using games and songs to teach new skills and encourage better memory. Pam believes that the parent is the first teacher of a child; therefore, she enjoys teaming with parents to support the child. Last and most importantly, Pam believes learning is FUN and, while it takes hard work, should also be ENJOYABLE! 

Fun and Family:

Pam is a devoted wife to a man who is a great musician and speaker (and is hilarious and very active!). She is a mother of 4 children, ranging from 9 to 18-years-old, who keep her young! Pam and her family love their church! As a family, they enjoy baseball (Go Rockies!) and basketball (Go Nuggets!) games as well as family tennis and board games. Pam can often be found hiking, enjoying a great rock concert, eating tasty Mexican food, reading, and taking night walks.