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What We Do:

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Increase Productivity
The strategies taught become automatic "habits" that help students manage tasks, complete assignments, and achieve their goals more efficiently.

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Gain Confidence & Independence
As students master the S.M.A.R.T. techniques, they develop the confidence and self-regulation to become independent, successful learners.

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Building Positive Learning Environments
The organizational & time management skills help students stay on top of their work, reducing stress and creating a more positive academic experience.

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Improve Focus
Helping students stay focused on tasks, reducing distractions and improving concentration.

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Develop Organizational Skills
Organizing & prioritizing tasks + time management,= increased productivity and efficiency.

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Perfect Time Management
Teaching students to manage their time wisely, ensuring that tasks are completed on schedule and deadlines are met.

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Enhance Study Strategies
Students learn effective study techniques, such as note-taking, annotating, and summarizing, which improve comprehension and retention of information.

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Set Effective Goals
Students are taught to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, which help them stay motivated and focused on their objectives.

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What are Executive Functions?

Executive functions are the cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan, organize, make decisions, pay attention, regulate behavior, problem solve and evaluate decisions. These skills are essential for managing tasks, completing projects, and achieving long-term goals in all aspects of life.Common questions in learning begin with: How do I… What should I do… When should I do… Why do I…
Responding to and acting on any of these questions requires the use of executive function skills; or the skills responsible for focused, self-regulated and goal-directed activities.Quite simply, they are the mental processes that allow a person to be successful in school and in life. Grade-appropriate development of executive functions is a prerequisite for learning in school today. A student who lacks one or more of these behaviors may experience executive dysfunction, which means an increased chance of developing academic and behavioral problems.

Plan & Organize: effectively managing time, materials, and tasks to increase productivity and efficiency.
Make Decisions: The goal-setting and problem-solving techniques taught help students make thoughtful, informed decisions.
Pay Attention: Strategies are provided to improve focus and concentration, enabling students to stay on task and engaged.
Regulate Behavior: Students develop self-awareness and coping skills to manage their emotions and behaviors appropriately.
Problem Solve: Critical thinking and analytical skills are fostered to help students tackle challenges and find creative solutions.
Evaluate Decisions: Reflection and self-monitoring techniques allow students to assess their progress and make adjustments as needed.

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Services:

Services offered include:

Remote Executive Function Coaching
Private Executive Function Coaching
Educational Therapy

For questions & inquires about services, reach out here

Testimonials:

“Ms. Burk’s ability to work with students of all ages and levels of functioning was the panacea that allowed our son to persevere through his last year of college. Her support and encouragement, with just the right amount of accountability, was crucial to his success.”-Paul G.

“Terese Burk recently did an Executive Function presentation at our Middle School to all three grade levels. It was very obvious that she not only knows the material but is also very good at engaging students in the topic! We would definitely have her back. I would highly recommend her.”-Dominica Davis, LCSW, CADC

"Having struggled for years with ADD, my study habits and time management needed some
serious work. I realized quickly that my first semester in college would require a bit of help! Mrs. Burk took the time needed to show me time management skills, organization, tips to efficient studying, and tackling a busy week. I am so thankful to have been able to gain this new insight and am so excited to start my second semester off strong with and apply all that I learned. This has made such a positive difference!"-Rachel P. College Sophomore

“I have always struggled with procrastination and was starting my first semester of medical school. I was having trouble figuring out a new curriculum with a flipped classroom and found myself constantly procrastinating. Mrs. Burk helped me formulate strategies to face the new type of curriculum and curb procrastinating practices. She has always been there to help and makes sure she is available for me when I needed to make new strategies. I am so thankful to have worked with Mrs. Burk and would absolutely recommend her to anyone struggling to get through school successfully.”-Mira M. First Year Medical Student

“Going into my freshman year of college, I knew I would need to adopt some new strategies to better manage my time. As a result, I reached out to Ms. Burk for some advice. She was able to provide practical, concrete methods to keep myself on task and remain organized. The experience was very enjoyable. Ms. Burk is very warm hearted and knowledgeable about the learning process. She takes her clients very seriously. I would recommend her service to anyone looking to improve their academic potential."-Joey V. College Freshman

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Meet Terese M. Burk:

Email: tereseburk@smartlearningstrategies.com
Phone: 630-886-4122

Welcome to S.M.A.R.T. Learning Strategies. As an educator of over 25 years, my goal has been to help students develop skills for success and become life-long learners. While teaching, it was obvious that at least a quarter of my students struggled with learning - they didn't use a purposeful approach to learn and struggled to stay on top of school work.I've been assisting students develop executive function skills as an education specialist for Rush NeuroBehavioral Center since 2011. In this role, I worked with schools to integrate the development of executive function skills in the school curriculum, mentored teachers to develop lessons that supported the practice of executive function skills and served as secondary author for the Middle School and High School publications of RNBC’s Executive Function Skill-Building Notebooks.In 2016, I opened S.M.A.R.T. Learning Strategies to continue working with students independently. My motivation to become an educational therapist began when I realized many students who struggle with executive function skills often have other learning concerns as well. As an educational therapist, I can address all learning concerns of a client. I also consult with clients’ teachers and parents to ensure that strategies being implemented are followed through not only at school; but at home, too.

Terese's Credentials:

Certificate in Educational Therapy from UC Riverside (2018)
Active member of the Association of Educational Therapists (since 2015)
Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from De Paul University (1999)
Certificate in Educational Therapy received from University of California Riverside (2018)
Secondary Author of Rush NeuroBehavioral Center’s Executive Function Curriculum Notebook series (2012)
Speaking engagements on the impact of Executive Functions and learning presented at:

College of Du Page Professional Development (2015-2018)
Association of Educational Therapists Chicago Study Group (2017)
Northern Illinois Region Adult Education Conference (2016)
School Wide presentations in the Chicago land area (ongoing)

Building Positive Learning Environments The organizational & time management skills help students stay on top of their work, reducing stress and creating a more positive academic experience.

Building Positive Learning Environments
The organizational & time management skills help students stay on top of their work, reducing stress and creating a more positive academic experience.