Meet Tamara Hirsch

Tamara Hirsch is a Los Angeles–based Educational Therapist and Reading Specialist. A lifelong learner and Buckley School alum, she understands the expectations of high-achieving schools—and the importance of balancing rigor with warmth, curiosity, and understanding.

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After nearly a decade teaching at elementary schools including Briskin Elementary, Brawerman Elementary, St. James’ Episcopal, and Pressman Academy, Tamara noticed how many bright, hardworking students continued to struggle despite effort and support. Curious about why, she pursued advanced training in the Science of Reading and completed a year-long supervised practicum in the Wilson Reading System, earning her credential as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.

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In addition to her classroom teaching, Tamara has worked as a school librarian, where she discovered how powerful it can be to connect students with books that reflect their interests, identities, and curiosities. She is deeply committed to making reading accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all learners, and believes that motivation and skill grow together when students feel seen and excited about what they read.

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Tamara integrates social–emotional frameworks—including Responsive Classroom, RULER, Social Thinking, and Zones of Regulation—to help students build resilience, flexibility, and self-awareness alongside academic growth.

Outside of teaching, Tamara loves live performances, trying new workout classes, spending time with loved ones, and (always) finding the best frozen yogurt in LA. She’s also a certified Pilates instructor who is equally excited to be taking class as she is teaching.

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Education & Credentials

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• Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Therapy — UC Riverside
   

• M.A. in Teaching — Pepperdine University
   

• M.A. in International Affairs — Columbia University
   

• B.A. in Economics — Barnard College, Columbia University
   

• Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
   

• Experience teaching: Fundations, UFLI Foundations, Singapore Math, Multisensory Math, The Writing Revolution, Reading & Writing Workshop, and Everyday Math
   

Tamara’s work is rooted in warmth, patience, and high expectations—helping students build both strong reading skills and lasting confidence as learners.