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A photo of Sara, a tutor from University of California-Irvine

Sara

Certified Tutor

My passion is helping students succeed in their educational pursuits, whether that be improving grades or getting accepted by the college of their dreams. I have over seven years experience tutoring and teaching, and I pride myself in helping students become proficient and comfortable in English and history-related subjects and testing. I believe my professionalism and friendly approach greatly benefit my students' learning, and my years of living abroad in both Europe and Africa make me very comfortable interacting with people of all backgrounds. I look forward to making lessons interesting and being of service to my students!

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Sara’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: University of California-Irvine - Bachelors, European Studies

Hobbies

World travel, reading, hiking, volunteering at animal shelters, buying for food banks

Tutoring Subjects
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
ACT English
ACT Writing
Adult Literacy
Advanced Placement Prep
AP Art History
AP European History
AP World History
Art History
College English
College Essays
College World History
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing
English
English Grammar and Syntax
ESL/ELL
Essay Editing
European History
High School English
High School World History
High School Writing
Homework Support
Literature
Middle School Reading
Middle School Writing
Other
Phonics
PSAT Writing Skills
Reading
SAT Writing and Language
Social Studies
Test Prep
Vocabulary
World History
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

I try to make sure that students feel invested in and connected to the material they are studying so that they find it both beneficial and interesting.

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

I would be most concerned with assessing the student's current knowledge of the material, and learning how best to communicate with that student in a way that increases his or her receptiveness to the lesson.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

It is essential that a tutor provide every student with independent tools, whether that be appropriate study habits or practical materials for extra study.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students need to be reminded of their progress, so tutors should emphasize the improvements that students have made since the beginning of their learning experience.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would be sure to spend more time honing in on the details of that particular learning skill or concept, making sure that I am not simply assuming the student already understands what is expected.

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

My main objective would be to reinforce vocabulary skills and concepts of theme, then to guide the student through reading passages by asking comprehension questions as the student reads. Students need to get used to thinking as they read rather than waiting to the end of the passage to start understanding its meaning.

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

I find that it's most important to develop a positive relationship with a student, whereby he or she feels comfortable enough to "mess up" and be able to accept my correction. Open and honest communication is always key to a successful tutoring session.

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

I would try to make that student feel positive about the subject in which he or she is struggling, always emphasizing their improvements in that particular area, or sharing my own experience with that subject as a young student.

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

I always like to ask students to explain to me in their own words either what it is that I have just explained, or to use a particular term, style, etc., in a sample question.

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

Students never want to be talked down to, and no one wants to be constantly reminded of their shortcomings. Therefore, I always focus on improvements made and delivering corrections in a positive manner.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I typically understand in which areas a student struggles after understanding her academic challenges as well as her unique personality. It's important to have a clear line of communication with a student so that she feels comfortable explaining to me in which areas she may need help.

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

Some students are very chatty; while others like to get right down to business. It is my job to strike a happy balance whereby lessons remain efficient and helpful but also interesting.

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

I make use of whatever materials I feel would be of most use to a student, whether that be flashcards, professional testing materials, or my own essays and study guides.