Award-Winning 8th Grade Social Studies Tutors

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Award-Winning 8th Grade Social Studies Tutors

Kristina

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Kristina

Masters, Special Education
Kristina's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade Reading
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-7th Grade Math
3rd-7th Grade Science

I believe that every student can learn. It is up to me to help match my teaching style with their unique learning style. I look forward to helping your child grow as a learner.

Education

St. Joseph's University

Masters, Special Education

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, Elementary Education

Matt

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Matt

Current Grad Student, Education
Matt's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School
Elementary School Math
Math
Middle School

I graduated with a B.S. in Economics from the University of North Texas. I am currently a middle school math teacher, though I am proficient in a wide variety of mathematics-related domains.

Education

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Science, Economics

University of North Texas

Current Grad Student, Education

Lucas

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Lucas

Masters, Political Science and Government
Lucas's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER ESL
ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening
ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning

I am excited at the prospect of working with you as a tutor. My previous tutoring experience includes personal tutoring and tutoring through the Midtown Educational Foundation in Chicago.These experiences have planted a passion for tutoring in me. I enjoy watching my students learn and grow not only...

Education

Catholic University of Portugal

Masters, Political Science and Government

University of Chicago

Bachelors, Philosophy

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Kristi

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Kristi

Masters, Education
Kristi's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
American Literature
College English

I have been teaching for eleven years at a small middle school in western PA. Ten of those years have been spent as an 8th grade language arts teacher. I love what I do because I love working with young adults and exposing them to different texts. I find that I work well with this age group and am a...

Education

Waynesburg University

Masters, Education

Waynesburg University

Bachelors, Writing and Literature

George

Certified Tutor

4+ years

George

Masters, Religious Studies
George's other Tutor Subjects
College English
Comparative Literature
English
English Grammar and Syntax

Personal tutoring brings out my favorite elements of being human: face-to-face relationships and unbridled love for a given subject of inquiry. Whether it is reviewing for a vocabulary quiz, crafting a professional-quality essay, or delving into distinct religious or philosophical questions, I am he...

Education

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Masters, Religious Studies

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Bachelors, Religious Studies

Sydney

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sydney

Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching
Sydney's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

I am a graduate of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources. I am currently pursuing my Masters of Arts in Teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education. This year I have also been a lead teacher at an Elemen...

Education

Relay Graduate School of Education

Masters in Education, Elementary School Teaching

The University of Tennessee

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management

Dusty

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Dusty

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Dusty's other Tutor Subjects
Adult ESL/ELL
Conversational Spanish
English
English Grammar and Syntax

Dusty is my real name. Outside of learning I love to make things from yarn and sewing. More than that, I love to be outside in my garden and have as many adventures as possible. I am also a mom to a little boy who also loves to be outside. Together, we watch movies and TV. In everything I do, no mat...

Education

Concordia University-Portland

Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bachelor in Arts, Spanish

Paige

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Paige

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Paige's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
AP Calculus AB
Calculus
Elementary School Math

It is my belief that every student can succeed. I was a student who would not have succeeded had a teacher not noticed me struggling and given me extra help. Because of this, I want to become a teacher to help other students like myself who just need extra guidance. I am very passionate about mathem...

Education

Occidental College

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics

Katie

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Katie

Bachelor of Science, Child Development
Katie's other Tutor Subjects
Basic Computer Literacy
Elementary School
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

Hello there! My name is Katie and I just moved to Austin to pursue my teaching career. I just received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in California and I am in the process of transferring it to a Texas Credential. I would describe myself as patient, motivated and enthusiastic- especially wh...

Education

California State University-Fullerton

Bachelor of Science, Child Development

California State University-Fullerton

Certificate, Elementary School Teaching

Alison

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Alison

Current Undergrad, Applied Mathematics
Alison's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Elementary School Math
Math

My name is Alison, and my mom is a teacher, so throughout my life, I've been around various schools and I've learned a lot about teaching through her and her classrooms. I'm very passionate about math, it is my favorite subject by far. I've known so many people who don't share the same skill or the ...

Education

Oregon Institute of Technology

Current Undergrad, Applied Mathematics

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Veronika

Accompaniment Tutor • +14 Subjects

I have been tutoring for over 4 years. My teaching style is very friendly, caring and result oriented. I tutor Algebra and foreign languages such as Ukrainian and Russian. I studied at California University of Management and Sciences and recently received an MBA. My hobbies are travelling and shopping.

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Christina

Criminology Tutor • +5 Subjects

My career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has provided me with an amazing opportunity to help others. I have 2 Master's degrees: Masters of Science in Social Work and Masters of Science in Couples & Family Therapy. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology. I took a non-traditional route to getting my secondary education as I was married, had children and worked while also attending classes and excelling in pursuit of personal growth. I truly understand the struggles of managing LIFE while trying to better yourself.During the first 22 years of my working life I was a licensed insurance agent in life, health and accident coverage. During this career I literally taught thousands of adults how to understand the complex world of employer sponsored health benefits and how to make important coverage decisions to best protect themselves and their families.During the first 3 1/2 years of my second career I provided family therapy to improve home environments in order to assist families in overcoming generational cycles of poverty, abuse, neglect and crime. I helped these families by providing psycho-education, working with them to improve numerous different skills from nutrition to educational attainment to use of healthy coping mechanisms and reducing recidivism in the juvenile justice system.I currently provide TeleHealth counseling services to couples and individuals all over the world utilizing Integrative therapy techniques. I also teach college courses as an adjunct professor in Psychology, Cultural Awareness & Criminology.My life goal is to use my life experiences, personal knowledge, education and strengths to help others improve their quality of life by sharing knowledge, skill building and providing support.

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Sally

Academic Coaching Tutor • +65 Subjects

I am an undergraduate student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I am majoring in both Mathematics and Literature, Media, & Communication (LMC). My LMC concentration is in Science, Technology, & Culture, as well as Literature. I have been tutoring since high school, and have gained a lot of experience with the ups and downs of learning. I initially started out tutoring math, but over time I have grown to love tutoring literature as well.I believe that tutoring is a job that needs to be customized to the needs and learning style of each student, so I try to pay attention to what works and what doesn't as I get to know each student more. A tutoring session is unsuccessful if my student doesn't laugh at least once at a bad joke I make or a sarcastic comment. Tutoring should be fun, enriching, and empowering for everyone involved.In my spare time I watch a lot of Netflix, make music or art, and ponder life's many mysteries.

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Peter

Algebra Tutor • +66 Subjects

Hello fellow students!My name is Peter, and I currently live in Park Slope. I've just moved into the neighborhood with a friend from college after spending a year living in London. Before that I graduated college (Princeton) where I studied History. I'm excited to be back on the East Coast and to get a chance to continue working with students!While I'm comfortable work with students of all ages, my most recent teaching experience was serving as a volunteer teacher's assistant for sixth, seventh, and eight graders in English, Math, and Science. Before this experience, however, I have worked as a coach, mentor, and tutor with students age 9-18 on and off for the past ten years.I enjoy learning with students of all skill levels, and hope to be able to help you soon!

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Dale

ACT Prep Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am passionate about helping students because I have seen success and encouragement in ALL students so I know that every student can reach their potential. The privilege of seeing students move forward and be excited about a subject is amazing.I enjoy the relationship of tutoring and the encouragement students gain from being successful.I earned degrees from Wheaton College (BS and BA) and Wheaton Graduate (MA)I tutor Math, ACT math and science, and Chemistry. Being a native French speaker I also tutor FrenchEach subject has its "perks". I love the logic of math, the conceptual thinking of chemistry, and the fluency of French as I am a native speaker so I love the French language.My teaching style is heuristic, helping students discover with just the right amount of help to enable them to be challenged and encouraged and want to learn.My interests are reading about history, crossword puzzles, hiking, spending time with family, playing board games with friends

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Achyut

ACT Prep Tutor • +69 Subjects

I have completed my Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in both Biology and Business Administration. I currently love to tutor all students in numerous Mathematics and Science subjects as I want to spark that same passion that I have for these subjects. I have significant mastery of mathematics including pre-calculus, algebra 1/2, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, finite math, college level algebra, business math, and quantitative reasoning, etc. I have significant experience in science subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, organic chemistry, and biochemistry as well.I love to help students use their logic and problem-solving skills in order to advance their learning ability to a higher degree more efficiently. While learning how to apply these skills in real life situations using both math and science topics, respectively. I like to tailor lesson plans and study strategies to that particular student (as we are all unique) to ensure each student understands the concepts completely.I love to help any and all students ranging from the inquisitive mind to a struggling student trying to achieve an A+ in class!

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Levon

Art Tutor • +14 Subjects

I spent 15 years in education teaching students engineering, design, and technical skills. I have a passion for technology and engineering. I have 3 degrees, a bachelor's from Ohio State in Technology/Engineering/STEM Education, a master's in Technology from Full Sail University, and a master's from Penn State in Additive Manufacturing and Design.I love to design parts in Inventor and Fusion360 and use my 3D printers to see my ideas come alive. I use engineering principles and critical thinking in my day-to-day life. I live by "Work Smarter not Harder". If I can design and make something to better my life or work more efficiently I go for it.

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Catharine

Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

I grew up in Decatur, Georgia attending some of the best Atlanta public schools. After graduating from the University of Georgia's business school, I worked in benefits consulting for the first three years after college. Through a volunteer organization called Junior Achievement, I had the opportunity to teach personal finance classes in Atlanta public high schools, and in the classroom I found my true calling. While I enjoyed my experience in Corporate America, my passion is teaching mathematics and economics to our youth and helping them find their own paths and passions. I will graduate this May with my Master of Arts in Teaching degree. In my free time, you can find me cooking, running, traveling, and reading.

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Vanessa

6th Grade AP Language Composition Tutor • +50 Subjects

Growing up in Miami, Florida it was hard to find someone to help me with school, as many people that live there are non-native English speakers. I saw this gap in education in many first-generation American students like myself. Therefore, I took it upon myself to create a mentoring program where I had my first tutoring experience. I had students from elementary to high school and was able to tutor them on various topics, especially science, which is my passion! I was able to discover my own learning style and it allowed me to thrive in medical school. My goal is to help my students learn their own learning style and become independent learners. As a new doctor, teaching is fundamental in our growth as practitioners, as we are always teaching patients about their diseases and management.I am passionate about helping students because I know how it feels when someone tries to teach me something but doesn't take the time to explain it. Memorizing things is easy, however, once you truly understand something, you know it forever.I took this passion with me all the way to medical school and was hand selected by the pathology professor to become the teaching assistant at my medical school. As a teaching assistant, I was able to hold both full-class and one-on-one tutoring sessions. Pathology is notoriously the most difficult class in medical school, so I was honored to be selected as the tutor as the professor selects the two highest performing students in her class. I am looking forward to starting medical residency next year, because as a physician, I will always be a lifelong learner and teacher.Science is my favorite subject to learn and tutor because there is a lot of reasoning involved. People often think that science is solely memorization however this is a misconception. Science is highly organized, and works in systems. Once one understands a specific system or concept that is being studied, it makes the rest of the work so much more fun.Outside of medical school, I love to cook, go for a long bike ride, head to the beach or catch the latest musical (pre-covid of course). I work hard in my studies but always make some time for friends, family and myself. I'm looking forward to getting to know you as a student and your learning style to meet your academic goals!

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Kendalle

College English Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am a lifelong learner with a Masters from Columbia University in Organizational Psychology and a BA from University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior with an emphasis on K-12 education. I have worked with a range of students throughout my academic career as a peer counselor, tutor and and career development coach. Additionally, I have worked in HR (specifically recruitment and engagement) for over 5 years, coached a young soccer team in my hometown and volunteered at the UN in NYC before becoming an independent consultant.The diversity of the people I have worked with has provided me with ways to make my approach useful and flexible in many different environments. With these varying experiences, backed up by theories and studies about learning styles, teambuilding skills, personality assessments; I have found a sweet spot in tutoring and coaching students to become confident and independent in the work they do. I appreciate the individualized approach that Varsity Tutors provides to its clients and am excited to give back to the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

8th grade social studies introduces more complex historical analysis, requiring students to understand cause-and-effect relationships, evaluate multiple perspectives, and synthesize information from various sources. Many students struggle with:

  • Analyzing primary and secondary sources critically
  • Writing evidence-based essays and argumentative papers
  • Connecting historical events to their broader context and modern relevance
  • Memorizing timelines and facts while also developing deeper understanding
  • Balancing geography, civics, and history concepts across different units

Personalized tutoring addresses these challenges by breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps and allowing students to practice skills at their own pace.

In a classroom setting, teachers must move at a pace that accommodates 20-30+ students with varying needs. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors can identify exactly where a student is struggling—whether it's reading comprehension, critical thinking, or essay structure—and focus entirely on those gaps.

Tutors can also tailor their teaching approach to how your student learns best, use examples relevant to their interests, and spend extra time on challenging topics like analyzing bias in sources or understanding geopolitical conflicts. This targeted approach typically leads to faster skill development and stronger conceptual understanding.

An effective 8th grade social studies tutor should have:

  • Strong knowledge of middle school social studies curriculum and state standards
  • Ability to explain complex historical events and concepts clearly and engagingly
  • Experience helping students develop critical thinking and source analysis skills
  • Skill in teaching essay writing and argumentation with historical evidence
  • Patience with students who need extra time to process information
  • Ability to connect historical content to real-world issues that interest your student

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in 8th grade social studies and proven success helping students develop both content knowledge and analytical skills.

Social studies essays require students to make arguments supported by historical evidence, something many 8th graders find challenging. A tutor can work with your student on the entire writing process: developing a clear thesis, selecting relevant evidence from primary and secondary sources, organizing ideas logically, and revising for clarity and persuasiveness.

With personalized instruction, tutors can model the writing process, provide feedback on drafts, and help students practice until they feel confident. Over time, students develop stronger analytical writing skills that apply across all their social studies assignments and standardized tests.

By the end of 8th grade, students should be able to:

  • Analyze primary and secondary sources for perspective, bias, and reliability
  • Identify cause-and-effect relationships in historical events
  • Explain how geography influences culture, economics, and conflict
  • Understand basic civics concepts like government structure, rights, and responsibilities
  • Write evidence-based essays that support claims with historical facts
  • Compare different time periods and civilizations across key dimensions
  • Think critically about how past events shape the modern world

If your student is struggling with any of these areas, tutoring can help build the foundational skills and confidence needed to succeed in high school social studies.

The timeline depends on your student's specific challenges and starting point. Students working on essay writing or source analysis often see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially if they're actively applying what they learn in class assignments. For broader conceptual understanding or catching up in a fast-paced curriculum, progress may take 8-12 weeks.

Most students benefit from regular sessions—typically 1-2 times per week—combined with practice between sessions. The key is consistency and clear focus on targeted skill development.

Tutors use proven study strategies tailored to how social studies is typically assessed: identifying key concepts and vocabulary, creating study guides that organize information chronologically or thematically, practicing with past exam questions, and helping students distinguish between memorization and deeper understanding.

For essays and document-based questions, tutors can provide sample prompts and help students practice analyzing sources and crafting arguments under timed conditions. They also help students identify weak areas early, so there's time to review and strengthen understanding before major assessments.

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