Award Winning Academic Tutoring & Test Prep

I've been tutoring in some way or another for almost ten years! I started working with junior high kids in a music/academic summer camp while I was in high school. While I was studying writing at Illinois Wesleyan University, I volunteered as a tutor in elementary schools, junior highs, high schools, and preschools. I've done a lot of work with bilingual (native Spanish-speaking)students.

For the past 3 years, I've worked in the educational publishing industry -- in other words, I write text books. This has given me great experience seeing what goes into testing students; I know what they should know at various grade levels, I'm familiar with LOTS of pedagogical techniques (and have seen what works and what doesn't), and I've had a lot of experience "leveling" text and lessongs. That means that I know how to adapt a student's in-school curriculum to match their particular ability level and learning styles. I truly believe that the best way to help students learn is to do what works best for them -- if a student is struggling with reading, I try to get to know the student to learn not only the academic troubles he or she is having but also his or her interests so I can choose reading materials based on what appeals to the student. Or if a student needs a little help with math, I try to help not only with their homework but also with other math activities that make the subject a little more fun (and yes, it IS possible for math to be fun!).

As a writer and an English major in college, I'm obviously interested in a huge variety of literature and am a self-admitted grammar nerd, but I'm also interested in lots of science topics (especially marine biology). I'm always looking to expand my interests and experience, so tutoring is a wonderful way for me to teach AND to learn something from my students, too!