Heleina: Brentwood tutor
Certified Tutor
In all the roles that I have played so far in my life, two words sum all my experiences: lifelong learner. As a lifelong learner, I am not only constantly learning about becoming the best teacher I can be, but also the best daughter, sister, partner, friend, etc. I want to be able to encourage others to then overcome obstacles that prevent them from being the best that they can be; sometimes, we all just need another person to talk to in order to process and find a solution for our struggles in life. I want to then help you become a better you!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelors, Teaching of History
Graduate Degree: University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters, Instructional Leadership
I enjoy different forms of exercise, including biking, strength training, and yoga. I also enjoy going to different neighborhoods in the city to explore, enjoy, and appreciate foods from all different cultures. I am also starting to learn how to cook, so I try to use one new recipe a week in order to improve my cooking skills.
- Algebra
- College English
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- ESL/ELL
- High School English
- Homework Support
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Reading
- Special Education
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Summer
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that anyone can learn if they not only put in the effort, but also start at a comfortable level. Students need to work at a comfortable level because they will be able to review and understand material more, leaving fewer gaps in learning. Paired with constant encouragement, students can then continue to grow as learners.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I always check in with my students to see how they are feeling that day and if there are any questions they want to ask me before we begin.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
If I want my student to become an independent learner, I will let them try out a problem on their own. After he/she solves it, we will discuss how he/she attacked the problem so he/she can learn from how they are processing information.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I keep my students motivated by plenty of positive reinforcement. If I notice that my student is having some trouble, I allow for short mental breaks and then looking at the problem again with a better state of mind. I do not believe in pushing a student so hard when he/she is already frustrated, causing lower motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I will take a student a step or two back in order to review an essential concept to the newer skill and then help the student apply what they have just reviewed.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I read out loud with the students and ask them basic questions as we read in the text together. If there is a question at the end of a text we have to answer, we will read the question together first to find out what we have to look for and then read the passage.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I like to get to know my students on a more personal level and allow them to get to know me as well. Making yourself more human to a student means a lot because they are able to then see you as someone they can trust.