Julie: South Holland tutor
Certified Tutor
I believe that the key to learning is in the conversation! Working one-on-one with students gives us both the chance to see what methods will work and what your goals are. I like to brainstorm with my students, working toward a final result together. I have a bachelor's degree in English from Loyola University Chicago, a master's degree in literature from Western Illinois University, and I'm currently getting my PhD in literature at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. I love to read and write, and I have been teaching college composition courses since 2014. I have been helping students of all types with their writing and literacy skills since 2012. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing video games, crafting, baking, and hanging out with my family. I hope to be able to help students achieve their academic goals!
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Undergraduate Degree: Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree: Western Illinois University - Masters, English Literature and Language
- GRE Verbal: 161
Comics, video games, crafting, reading everything I can get my hands on, feminist theory, cooking, animals
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- American Literature
- College Application Essays
- College English
- College Level American Literature
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Verbal
- High School English
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Writing
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Organizational skills are the greatest tools to becoming an independent and dedicated learner. I think finding ways to motivate yourself, stay on track, and break up work so it doesn't feel quite so overwhelming is the best first step to being an independent learner.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Students are all motivated by different things. The best way to know how to help motivate a student is to get to know them and figure out which "carrot" they want to chase. That said, sometimes it's hard not to get bogged down by stress, or just life in general. I think being a support system, someone to talk to, is often the BEST way to motivate someone. Be an advocate for their own effort.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Find a place where you can connect what they like with what you're doing! As an English and writing teacher, there's no shortage in places to meet students where they are. Even if it comes down to thinking of writing as a game, any little connection helps!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would ask the student to summarize or paraphrase the assignment/material in their own words. Essentially, teach ME what it is you're learning. When someone is able to teach a concept coherently, they know the material.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Reinforcing the positive is the best way to build confidence. It's always better to show where you're doing something RIGHT, even if it's not 100%, than to only point out what's wrong.