Elementary Tutor
& Special
Needs Consultant

Hi there !

Welcome to Beyond The Bookcase Learning! My name is Monica Shay and I'm a licensed special education teacher in Birch Bay, WA . I have 10+ years of classroom experience including 6 years of resource support and 4 years of running my district's self-contained autism program. As the t-shirts say, "You can't scare me, I'm a SPED teacher. I've seen it, tracked it and written a goal for it!"

So why tutoring? One of the best parts of my work, the one that plays most to my strengths, is connecting with students and families, building them up and

persisting until we find a solution. Tutoring allows to me to focus on what matters

most - our kids and their limitless potential ♥

"Highly knowledgeable, incredibly patient... She creates a comfortable and supportive learning environment for all students regardless of abilities.... Organized and

empathetic, she can teach my kids anytime!"

Jennifer P.

"Connects well with students at their appropriate level, teaching them using kindness and consideration. She is very knowledgeable and inspires her kids to

"reach for the stars!"

Dawn O.

"Deep set of knowledge in the field of special education and the needs of individual learners, she delivers content tailored to allow each child to thrive and excel in their learning both socially & academically"

Sherri N.

Our Services

Accepting Every Challenge, Nurturing Every Heart

Here at Beyond The Bookcase Learning, we know that everyone can learn and reach new heights!

We partner with families to build success not only for their learners but their loved ones as well.

Whether your child is struggling with reading, making friends or getting to the bathroom on time,

please know that you're doing a great job and this stuff can be **really** tricky, so...

Let's figure it out together!

Image by Adam Winger

Teacher reading to a young boy in a library

Academic Tutoring & Assessments

Concerned about your child's progress with reading, writing or math? We are a data-driven tutoring company where you can have your child's current skills assessed, go over the results, and if needed, create an individualized instructional plan with a kind, experienced special education teacher.

Should tutoring be needed, we use methods that support neurodiverse learners such as Orton-Gillingham for literacy instruction and a hands-on constructivist method with numbers so "math makes sense."

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Young girl sitting on toilet supported by her mother

Functional & Life Skills

Life can be confusing when you're little!

Whether your child struggles with toileting, paying attention, picking up their toys or just likes eating crayons for breakfast, we can redirect that behavior and teach them new skills to that promote independence.

Using visual supports, structured routines and role playing scenarios, we practice skills step by step until they're mastered, building your child's self-esteem until they shout "I can do it!" while we cheer them on.

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Two friendly boys making funny faces at the camera

Social Skills Coaching

So much of friendship and interacting with others relies on tiny cues our kids don't always get. Neurodivergent kids especially often lose track of the conversation or don't see why not everyone wants to do exactly what they say all the time :-)

Here at Beyond The Bookcase, we demystify those unspoken rules, increasing the student's awareness of others and practicing skills like sharing, conflict resolution and being a good sport through real world experience with adults & peers.

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Toddler boy biting a wooden table

Behavior Support

Is your child impulsive? Prone to meltdowns? Do they hurt others or have problems in school?After 10+ years in SPED, none of it shocks me but I do deeply empathize with the kids and parents on this particular struggle bus.

We use research-based best practices to uncover the reasons for the behavior and what might be triggering it. Then using behavior mapping, self-regulation strategies and other tools, we teach the student how to get their needs met in a more appropriate manner. Win-win!

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A woman talking to a man sitting next to her, second woman in the background listening

Parent Services

So as a special education teacher, esp. with the autism program, there was always a new challenge to figure out. 100s of hours spent prepping materials, trying new things, etc.

As parents, we just don't have that kind of time - enter "Parent Services" my catch-all section for trouble-shooting, getting materials together and figuring out why the heck our kid just did that. When you've got questions or even no idea where to start, come chat with me. Not only will you leave feeling better (everybody does!) but you'll concrete ideas of where to start.

Stacked Office Papers

Person sitting at a desk with their hand on a large stack of paperwork

IEP / 504 Questions & Review

Special education can be overwhelming at the best of times and honestly, it can be kind of scary initially when it's your child who needs help. As a mom myself, I totally get that, but having been through it many times before, I would love to support your family through that journey!

Paperwork is my jam and thorough doesn't even begin to cover my approach. I will happily answer any questions you might have about the process, terminology, services, etc. I can review your child's IEP / 504 plan with you and brainstorm changes they might need. You only want the very best for your child and I'm here to help!

Learning Made Fun!

Monica demonstrates lots of energy enthusiasm and commitment to her work with students staff and parents. She is is a valued member of our team, exhibiting warmth, insight and compassionate character. Monica can always be relied upon regardless of the difficulty of the task or novelty of the challenge.

Dr. Roger Heinrich,

School Psychologist

Learning area available at Beyond the Bookcase Learning (BTBL) headquarters

Wanna meet the teacher?

I'd love to talk with you about how I can help your family. Initial consultations are always free.

Grab your 30 min. meet & greet session now!

Elementary Tutor & Special Needs Consultant

Hi there !

Our Services

Learning Made Fun!

Wanna meet the teacher?

Elementary Tutor
& Special
Needs Consultant