A landscape of mountain ranges with a grassy hill in the foreground and a clear sky above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ms. Lo and her former student at the student's high school graduation: A young woman in a graduation gown and cap holding a diploma, smiling, standing next to an adult woman in a floral shirt, also smiling, beside a trophy display case.

Ms. Lo's former 5th grade students during her math manipulative activity: Two young boys working together at a classroom table, handling green math manipulatives, with a whiteboard in the background containing handwritten notes and learning goals.

Ms. Lo and her Kindergarten class: A classroom filled with young students sitting at tables, smiling and working on assignments, with a teacher seated at the table with them.

Ms. Lo and her former student in her high school graduation regalia: A high school graduate with her elemetary teacher smiling for a selfie in a school hallway, with colorful bulletin boards and wooden benches in the background.

Ms. Lo's former 5th grade class: Group photo of elementary school children and a teacher in a classroom, with students seated and standing in rows on stage.

Ms. Lo with a former student: A smiling woman with black hair and a red sweater taking a selfie with a child whose face is blurred, in a classroom setting with a whiteboard in the background.

Ms. Lo and her former student at the 5th grade graduation ceremony: Two smiling females, an adult and a young girl, standing together inside a school before the 5th grade ceremony began.

Ms. Lo's former 5th grade students participating in a Science Helicopter Lesson Activity she created: Five children standing on chairs, holding paper helicopters aloft, in a classroom.

Ms. Lo with a former student at her high school graduation in Flagler County: Woman in a colorful blouse standing next to a high school graduate in academic regalia at a graduation ceremony inside a school building.

Ms. Lo's small groups Science Lesson on Space: Four children are smiling and pointing at a colorful galaxy made of PlayDoh.

Ms. Lo's former 5th grade class: Group of elementary school students and a female teacher on a stage, smiling for a class photo.

Ms. Lo and a small group: A group of four children and one adult woman sitting around a table playing a board game in a classroom with shelves, posters, and decorations on the walls.

Children gathered around a table in a classroom, examining coins and engaging in a learning activity.

Ms. Lo's former 5th grade class: Group of children and their teacher on steps in front of a school building.

Ms. Lo and a former student whose cousin would 4 years later attend the school where Ms. Lo was a new school administrator: Teacher and student smiling in front of a wooden door in a classroom.

One of Ms. Lo's first Halloweens as a teacher: Elementary school classroom with students raising hands while teacher stands at front. Classroom has educational posters, American flag, globe, and sunlight coming through windows.

A group of children sitting on the sidewalk wearing red firefighter helmets, with Ms. Lo in the foreground smiling for a selfie, also wearing a firefighter helmet, during a fire station visit or safety event.

Four children sitting on the classroom floor with laptops in front of them, looking up at the camera in a classroom setting with desks and chairs in the background.

A professional picture of Tiffany Lo taken during her first year as a school administrator.

Why start this business?

I want to help people. There are so many misconceptions surrounding education these days. I want to be there for people who want clarification and straight answers.

What is the meaning behind the name, “The Fort”?

Forts are always safe places for children. Children can build a fort and feel safe, creative, and fierce. One of my best and dearest students chose this logo design for those feelings it invoked from him. Adults build and use forts to enhance protection for their loved ones and themselves. I thought it was the best symbol to bring these concepts together. It serves as a learning sanctuary for all.

Why offer tutoring and not just consulting?

I MUST have regular time with students as part of my career and daily life. I love teaching and seeing students’ faces light up when I can help them understand a concept that they have been repeatedly frustrated with, or when I can show them another way to view a topic that helps them connect the lesson concepts. I love to be that teacher who can help them connect the dots and feel empowered and successful.

I have been told my child might need an IEP. I don’t understand because last year she did so well in 4th grade.

My first questions would be to identify what subject(s) your child is struggling in and how she performed in them last year. If there were no academic issues last year, this year could be reflecting an issue(s) with content, instruction, or studying and practice.

I have a problem with labeling students. 85% of students who had IEPs [Individualized Education Plans] whom I have taught, did not need them. They needed more engaging and relevant instruction. The curriculum assigned these days is boring, some qualify as being horrendously boring and mundane. Is it logical to label a student as having a learning disability if the curriculum is irrelevant and not whatsoever engaging? No.

If there was a struggle with learning last year, then I would delve deeper into finding out what supports were in place and if those are being continued or need to be enhanced. I prefer to err on the side of no labels. Students will lean into labels placed on them and start defining themselves by them. We need to show students that labels do not define them and their capabilities and focus more on empowering and building their confidence in thinking critically and independently.

If you could name the #1 reason why a student misbehaves in class, what do you find it usually is?

There are many reasons why students choose to misbehave. My students always behaved for me because I supplemented my lessons with engaging projects and activities that I knew they would enjoy, i.e. if the majority of my class loved horses and a specific music artist, I would tweak math activities to reflect funny word problems related to the musician and horses. I was also very strict and fair and students appreciated those consistent boundaries.

Most instances of misbehavior stemmed from students who struggled reading. If a student could not read as proficiently as her or his peers, that student would become self-conscious and at times angry. As soon as she/ he became more proficient reading, it was like they became a completely different child. It was adorable to see them looking around the room and realizing they can read the words on the wall. For the first time, they felt as though they are a member of the class and their behavior improves.

My child isn’t Gifted or on an IEP. What should I look out for as far as his education goes?

Imagine your child’s teacher has 22 students- 5 with IEPs, 5 with 504 Plans, 2 Gifted. This means that the MINIMUM amount of meetings the teacher must attend is 12, usually lasting 1 hour each (minimum). Teachers have a mandatory obligation to attend Gifted Education Plan [EP] meetings and Individualized Education Plan [IEP] meetings. Teachers also must attend determination meetings that assess what label to apply to a student- Gifted, needs IEP, needs 504 Plan, etc.

12 annual meetings + determination meetings = 12+ hours the teacher is out of the classroom during a school year where your student is not taught by her or him. This issue has always bothered me. These students miss out on so much quality instruction with their actual teacher because of the extensive focus on labeling. Non-instructional staff who come in to cover the class are good, but no one can replace a great teacher. That instructional time can never be regained.

What is one of the biggest myths you want to debunk?

That anyone can teach. NOT everyone can teach. Not everyone can inspire, calm, and empower. You can see this in classrooms everyday. I have seen many amazing teachers in action. One of the greatest teachers I have ever been privileged to work with can walk into her classroom after a substitute was covering it and within 5 minutes, the students who were about to raise fits automatically felt calmer. Their nervous systems returned to being in a relaxed and focused mode because they know that even though their teacher is very strict, that she cares deeply for them. She issues a few calm directives and speaks with a few of the students who are noticeably upset, and the classroom returns to a safe learning environment for all students. The greatest teachers push students to think critically while inspiring students to be their best.

We can NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A GREAT TEACHER.

In order to get to know you better, what is something you do not tolerate?

Bullying of any type. I was bullied when I was in elementary school. I think that the tolerance for bullying these days has become toxic. Anyone who is intentionally mean and hurtful to someone else in a perceived less-powerful position to make themselves feel better, stronger, or more powerful is a bully. I have always taught my students to stand up to bullies and stand up for those who don’t have a voice yet.

When I was being bullied in elementary school, I finally let my older brother’s teacher know. I will never forget what happened next during car rider dismissal time in 1984. My brother’s teacher walked over to the bully and brought him to the Principal’s office. That boy never bothered me ever again for the remainder of the year or ever. Mr. Frigetti was and still is my absolute HERO. He inspired me to be like that for all of my students and non-students and eventually staff. Later in middle school, my teachers Ms. Gellert and Ms. Fox became my heroes too. School and workplace environments should be a fort to all, a safe space where you can be productive and creative all the time.

How can we expect any child or adult to be motivated to learn, work, and give their best if they are feeling like they are going to be picked on all the time and their teacher or boss does nothing? When individuals feel safe, they become mentally and physically healthier. Be the Ms. Fox, Ms. Gellert, or Mr. Frigetti for them and you will create the space and capacity in them to learn and do their best.

What is your philosophy?

Students, parents & families, staff, and acquaintances are always watching your actions and assessing if your actions match your words. I believe in being authentic. I refuse to be a hypocrite or gaslight others to improve my status or position. My students are my students forever. I will always be here for them. I am very honored and humbled that my previous students want to keep in contact with me, some of whom are almost 30 years old now.

Is there a social media account for The Fort?

Not yet :) Keeping a social media account is very time-intensive. I like to use this page to post new thoughts and updates. Not having social media allows me to continue the high quality of my work. Instead of turning my attention to my next post, I can instead focus on being fully present for present and future clients.