Nicole: Santa Fe tutor
Certified Tutor
As a doctoral student at Capella University, I am most passionate about understanding how people learn. I am a college professor in upstate New York where I teach history, political science, philosophy and psychology. I am an assessment and online learning specialist. As a graduate of the College of Saint Rose with my Masters degree in adolescent education, I taught high school prior to moving through the ranks to Assistant Professor. I am passionate about teaching and literacy. I love reading, and writing. I have written a children's book about two cows named Mona and Lisa. Working one on one with students, and helping them achieve their goals aligns perfectly with my drive to make learning fun and approachable. Test-taking is that much easier when you have a game-plan. I will help you build and execute strategies that will deliver. I am a highly experienced educator but when I am not teaching or learning, I enjoy spending time with my rescued animals including horses, chickens, cows and rabbits.
Connect with a tutor like Nicole
Undergraduate Degree: College of Saint Rose - Bachelors, History Education
Graduate Degree: Capella University - PHD, Professional Studies in Education
riding horses, caring for my rescued farm animals, hiking with the dogs and spinning wool harvested from my goats and rabbits
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Adult Literacy
- African-American History
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- AP European History
- AP Psychology
- AP Research
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- AP World History
- Business
- Civics
- College Economics
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- College World History
- COMPASS Reading
- COMPASS Writing Skills
- Earth Science
- Economics
- English
- European History
- GED Prep
- GED Social Studies
- Geography
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- High School World History
- History
- Other
- Philosophy
- PSAT Prep
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- PSAT Writing Skills
- REGENTS Prep
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Subject Test in World History
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Science
- Social Studies
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
- World Civilization
- World History
- World Religions
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
The impact of your teaching is as strong as your weakest learner's understanding.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Icebreaker! And discuss interests related to our subject.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I provide them the tools, all the tools needed, as well as a learning recipe... In other words, a roadmap toward their success.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
No worries, we will take our time, repeat as needed, and figure it out another way. There are no roadblocks here.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
You don't have to remember everything you read. We will work with what we know and learn skills to build on from there until the whole passage makes sense and we can relate to it easily.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Our work begins with a goal in mind. We will then work together and customize a plan to help you arrive at that goal in a fun and relaxed, yet engaging and efficient way. I do not believe in wasting time. We get right to work.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
This is an area of my expertise. Everyone has interests, passions, and personal experiences no matter their age. We make the information relatable to you!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
It’s all about practice. Understanding the material means learning to use the information, to think about it from multiple angles, and to repeat until it becomes natural.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Lots of practice! It is like muscle memory for your mind. The more you practice, the more natural everything becomes.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
First, we draft a list of goals. Putting pen to paper helps us visualize what ought to be our goals. Next, we discuss personal strengths, weaknesses, and areas among our favorite. From this information, we can make an educated decision regarding needs.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
My tutoring sessions are highly personalized. It is all about the learner. In all cases, I will share best-practices that are suited to the student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I often use test prep books or online resources. Sometimes a video link, word documents, and helpful handouts, such as timelines or charts. Although I like to keep it as simple as possible, materials certainly support learning.