Educational Therapist series: Josh Horwatt
We are so pleased to feature some incredible Educational Therapists in our latest Interview with an Expert series. PacPrep often collaborates with Educational Therapists in the community to holistically support our students with learning challenges, ensuring the learning plans are customized for each student's unique needs.
Tell us a little bit about what you do.
I am an Educational Therapist, or as we call ourselves, ET - that's because sometimes our students look at us like we are aliens. I work with lots of kids with dyslexia as well as 'difficult' children. I've created a niche where I can work with kids that have gone through lots of other professionals and need someone who can connect with them.
My approach and the way I train my tutors to work with students is highly energetic and engaging. I have developed a style that constantly challenges me and my staff to stay on our toes to avoid becoming stale. I work with students in person, in their homes, and at school. Tutors from Beyond Bored work online and in-person in Los Angeles, California.
How did you get into your field? What sparks your passion for your work?
I got into my field by accident. I was at a crossroads in life and actually thinking about leaving education altogether to pursue a career in something more manly (as I thought about it then). Then I came across this degree in Educational Therapy and it made sense to me - Ed therapy is almost like forensic tutoring in that you have to dig really deep to figure out what is holding a kid back. That seemed manly enough for me!
What are some of the challenges in education right now and how do you see your role in meeting those?
The challenges are myriad depending on which type of educational setting you are in. One of the biggest is that all kids across the board have moved away from reading literature and that is going to have a serious impact on us as a country. Another big issue is that the discrepancy between what kids learn in school and the skills they need after graduation is bigger than ever! Honestly, some kids might have a brighter future if they focus on their TikTok accounts rather than their schoolwork!
First and foremost, my practice and tutoring business are focused on something much more than school work and grades. We are experts at connection. Connecting with people and connecting with learning are the most important things we can teach kids. If they learn to connect with others, with themselves, and with the love of learning, everything else will follow. I've been working on this approach to tutoring for years and I call it "connection tutoring."
Tell us an inspirational story from your career.
One of my first students was the youngest of 6 or 7 kids. He had some learning disabilities and had a very hard time communicating what he wanted. When he became frustrated, he would take a hose connected from the outside into his house and spray everything and everyone with water. It was his way of expressing his frustration at not being heard. Well, I realized that trying to do math and reading with him was not going to fly, so I saw that he really loved gardening (that hose had a purpose!). I helped him start a little neighborhood gardening business. He was so excited and invested. He worked on reading, writing, and editing so his flyers and business cards would be perfect. Many years later I am still in touch with him. He is about to graduate high school. He is still not a great student but he makes a few thousand dollars a month from his gardening business!
What is a message you would like to send to parents, students, and teachers who are reading this right now?
Oh wow! How much can I say? Life is energy and energy is heat and movement. So, get up and move with the people you love and the kids you teach. They probably won't remember the grammar or math you taught them but they will remember and appreciate that you energized them!
What is the best way for families to get in touch with you?
Email me at josh@beyondbored.org
Text me at 323-285-1977