Daniella: Clarkstown tutor
Certified Tutor
I hold a BA in political science from Texas A&M University and my MA and PhD in political science from the University of Houston. I am currently employed as a professorial lecturer at American University in Washington DC. My major concentration is political theory and my minor is comparative politics. I have done research into punishment theory and its applications to prisons. Subsequently, my political science background has been applied to justice, law and society so I currently teach classes at American University on justice, law, and criminology. I have a vast knowledge of political science ranging from the philosophy of politics to state and local government. I spent the summer of 2012 in various countries in Europe studying the European Union which was an invaluable immersion experience. Because of my research interests, I have vast knowledge of the judicial and legal system to supplement my political knowledge and I have presented my research at numerous conferences. I have taken seminars on classroom best practices at University of Houston in summer 2017. Additionally, I attended the first American Political Science Association teaching and learning symposium on classroom education in November 2018. This background in political science and law and society has equipped me for tutoring in a number of areas - specifically government, political science, philosophy, and US constitutionalism. I am also well equipped for essay editing, grammar, and English comprehension as writing is integral to my studies as a legal researcher and legal research professor. I'm very interested in tutoring students as education is a deep personal passion of mine! I'm lucky to have encountered passionate teachers and professors who inspired me, and I hope to deliver that same passion to my clients. I utilize patience and encouragement until a student is confident in the subject matter and in themselves.
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Undergraduate Degree: Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Graduate Degree: University of Houston - PHD, Political Science and Government
When I'm not focusing on academia, I spend my time training as a competitive powerlifter, reading poetry, and listening to true crime podcasts.
- College Level American History
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Government
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- US Constitutional History
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
It is important to understand the stumbling blocks a student encounters. In order to properly instruct, I must know why a student does not understand a subject. Using the student's perspective will allow greater retention of material. This way a student will not simply be repeating material, but comprehending the material.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I would like to understand a student's strengths and weaknesses in a subject. This way I know which material to focus on and which material the student has already mastered. Then I would like to construct a way to deal with problematic material in a manner appropriate for the student's retention.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Independent learning is done by comprehension instead of recitation. I will answer all questions of "why?" in order to achieve this level of understanding. If a student is familiar with the mechanics of a subject, they can apply them to vast areas of learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Students can stay motivated by reminding themselves of the areas they have already mastered. I can show a student what they have already accomplished in order to motivate them and give them encouragement to accomplish more.