Connect with hundreds of tutors like Katie

Who needs tutoring?
What prompted you to seek tutoring?

I am very happy with our experience so far with Varsity Tutors. They matched my daughter with reading specialist Mary and she is wonderful! My 10 year old daughter feels happy after her sessions and believes her tutor has already helped her.

— Allison K

What prompted you to seek tutoring?

Varsity Tutors really helped me understand the concepts during my Calculus 2 class. My tutor has such amazing patience and is open to many questions! Lastly, was always on time and very prompt. Highly suggest Varsity Tutors.

— Joey T

How soon would you like to get started?
Did you know?

Understanding your timeframe helps us to develop a tailor-made learning plan just for you.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:
Did you know?

stars

We have a 4.9/5 average customer satisfaction rating.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

Found me a great Python, C Programming, and MatLab tutor for a Engineering Computation course.

— Charles C

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

The best tutoring service period. The customer service is beyond impeccable. They provide options that are perfectly suited to your needs. They've done such a wonderful job with my daughter in high school, I plan to use their services when she attends college. I highly recommend Varsity Tutors.

— Yvette

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

We know every student is unique. And they deserve a tutoring experience as unique as their needs. With thousands of tutors available, we're confident to find the one best for you.

A photo of Katie, a tutor from Liberty University

Katie

Certified Tutor

Hi! I am a NYS Certified English teacher, grades 7-12, with 15 years classroom teaching experience. I have privately tutored over the years, and I am looking to pick up more clients as I am currently out of the classroom and home with my twin sons! I have a great track record with student success in all areas of ELA. I love helping students gain confidence in their skills in English and realize they can experience success!

I have expertise in writing fundamentals, writing essays, research and thesis papers, college application essays, college prep essays (Freshman Comp), grammar, literature, literary analysis, NYS test prep.

My outside interests include spending time with my family, traveling, outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and when I have the time, I write on my blog.

I would welcome the opportunity to help you achieve success in English!

Connect with a tutor like Katie

Katie’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Liberty University - Bachelors, English with Teaching Cert 7-12

Graduate Degree: Stony Brook University - Masters, Liberal Studies, Concentration in English and Adolescent Ed

Hobbies

Spending time with my husband and sons, writing on my blog, outdoor activities, hiking, biking, kayaking, traveling, missions trips

Tutoring Subjects
American Literature
College English
College Level American Literature
English
English Grammar and Syntax
Essay Editing
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
HSPT Reading
HSPT Verbal
ISEE Prep
ISEE- Lower Level
ISEE- Middle Level
ISEE- Primary
ISEE- Upper Level
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
SSAT Prep
SSAT- Elementary Level
SSAT- Middle Level
SSAT- Upper Level
Test Prep
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in the potential of all students and that anyone can succeed if he or she is willing to put in the work!

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I would spend a little time introducing myself and getting to know the student, creating a comfortable environment for us to work in. I would want the student to tell me what his weaknesses and strengths are, as well as his goals for our sessions and what he wants to accomplish. I would ask the student in what particular ways he would like me to help.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

There would be independent work that the student would need to complete in between sessions. I would have the students try to complete some assignments independently, and then we would go over them together.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Lots of encouragement! I would be a constant reminder of the goals they have set for themselves and what those goals will help them achieve in the long run.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Working on vocabulary is a great way to strengthen reading comprehension. Memorizing definitions of unknown words in context is a good place to start. I would use questioning as we read a passage together to check for understanding and find out where the breakdown in understanding is taking place.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

That depends on the task. Instruction, guided practice, and independent practice really can solidify a skill. Discussion and questioning also is a helpful strategy.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

That can be difficult, especially if a subject is boring to a student. I would try to find an aspect of the subject that might appeal to the student, and I would try to connect it to something that the student likes already. If nothing else, I would try to help the student see how mastering this subject will help them obtain their future goals.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Again, it depends on the subject. Oral questioning, checking written work and/or homework, practice tests, and quizzes, if appropriate.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Praise when a student does something well, and encouragement when he is struggling.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

First, I like to hear what the student perceives he needs from our sessions. As we continue in our sessions, I will assess the work we do to discover what his needs are.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

Once I get to know the student a little bit, I can better ascertain the primary ways the student learns. Once I discover that, I can begin to tailor our sessions to his learning style and how he learns best.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

It depends on what we are working on. If I can include technology (videos, internet, etc.), in addition to traditional materials, I will include that. If the student has a preference, I can incorporate that.