Jenna: Downey tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a recently certified Teacher in secondary sciences through the University of Colorado Boulder. I graduated with my Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Education with honors distinction and on the Deans List in December 2015 after completing my student teaching semester in a 7th grade life science classroom. I also graduated with honors from The University of Vermont, earning my BS in Environmental Science in 2011.
As an undergraduate at the University of Vermont I was a Teaching Assistant for a public speaking course in which I ran a weekly class of freshmen students; guiding them in the college transition and how to succeed through public speaking. I have also worked with two young students (2nd grade and 6th grade) on their online homeschooling, motivating them to complete assignments and aiding them in successfully progressing through their coursework. While completing my education training at the University of Colorado Boulder I had the opportunity to work with students ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade. Overall my range of experience is extremely wide, from 2nd grade to college freshmen, and I truly love working with all ages and types of students.
I believe that one of my strengths as an educator is how well I cater my teaching to each individual student. I enjoy working with everyone from special needs to gifted and talented students. Once I know my students I can quickly determine the level of modifications or extensions necessary to challenge them to succeed. I also like to ground my teaching in the real world, thus enhancing motivation. If students understand the real world applications and significance of the content they are learning I believe they will find a deeper meaning in the material and develop a life long connection to it.
Aside from my passion for education and science, I enjoys everything outdoors. I can frequently be found snowboarding, hiking, camping, scuba diving, playing volleyball, and any adventure my dog can accompany me on. I am also a huge fan of live music and take up every opportunity to travel. I have lived abroad in Iceland, traveled to almost all of the states, and many other countries.
I look forward to meeting you and working with your family to reach academic goals!
Connect with a tutor like Jenna
Undergraduate Degree: University of Vermont - Bachelors, Environmental Science
Graduate Degree: University of Colorado Boulder - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education: Science
Snowboarding, camping, hiking, scuba diving, volleyball, music, traveling.
- AP Biology
- AP Environmental Science
- Astronomy
- Biology
- College Biology
- College English
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- English
- Environmental Science
- High School Biology
- High School English
- Homework Support
- Honors Chemistry
- Life Sciences
- Other
- Physical Science
- Public Speaking
- Science
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
What is your teaching philosophy?
I have a student-centered teaching philosophy. I think that with careful reflective questioning students can be lead to "discover" knowledge and learn content material at a depth that will last them a lifetime. I believe that all teaching should be catered to each individual students needs and that all students can be successful in their education.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session with a student I would discuss with them their strengths, weaknesses, and goals. I would then administer a pre-evaluation to determine the students current understanding, then develop with the student and parents a reasonable plan to reach mutually agreed upon goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I help my students become independent learners by teaching them the tools to succeed on their own and through providing them with confidence in themselves.