Andrea
Certified Tutor
Knowledge is the gift that keeps on giving. That is why I choose to tutor. As a lifelong learner and writer, I can attest to the importance of preparing learners of all ages for the rigors of our fast-paced, communication-based society. The internet has largely replaced libraries with lightning-speed delivery of information. I ride this speed wave with my passion for knowledge and self-mastery, a passion that I strive to instill in my students, whether they are taking a standardized test, writing an academic essay, trying to improve their grades, or simply attempting to increase their skill level in a particular subject. Improving one's mental skills is never a wasted endeavor; such skills continue to advance one's life long after tutoring has ceased by fostering new ideas and perspectives, improving interactions with others, stimulating conversations, and promoting on-the-job and daily life problem solving. I became a professional Tutor after several years as an Academic Writing Editor for undergraduate and graduate students. Since I began tutoring with Varsity in December of 2016, I have expanded my expertise to include all pre-school, elementary and junior-high level subjects. My focus remains on writing, reading and literary subjects when teaching high school, higher education, adult learners, and ESL students. The success I have gained as a high-demand, Private Tutor, is evidence of my quality teaching skills and versatility. There is no end to what a curious and dedicated mind can accomplish.
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Undergraduate Degree: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice - Bachelors, Forensic Psychology w/ Minor in Literature
Creative writing, reading, art and theater, hiking, swimming, music, good movies or TV, going for walks and drives, good conversation, being with friends, family, and my cat.
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- American Literature
- Anthropology
- Business
- Business Ethics
- Business Writing
- Clinical Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- College Business
- College Economics
- College English
- College Level American Literature
- College Political Science
- Comparative Literature
- COMPASS Reading
- COMPASS Writing Skills
- Cosmology
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Law
- Economics
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Ethics
- Fiction Writing
- Government
- High School Business
- High School English
- High School Level American Literature
- High School Writing
- HSPT Prep
- HSPT Language Skills
- Human Resources
- Introduction to Fiction
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- ISEE- Middle Level
- ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
- ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- Law
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Philosophical Ethics
- Phonics
- Poetry
- Political Science
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- SHSAT Prep
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- TACHS Prep
- Test Prep
- World Literature
- World Religions
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Be present and prepare beforehand. Learning is serious business, but it should also be fun. A curious mind never goes to waste. I should know, as I am always learning something new. I'd like to convey that curiosity to learn to students, regardless of the topic. A sharp mind is valuable both in and out of the classroom, but keeping the mind sharp requires learning. By highlighting a student's learning strengths, the student is likely to feel more motivated to succeed. This is also true with helping the student improve their weak points in a way that they can see the results.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
We would review the assignment together. I would ask questions and observe the student's learning style to modify my tutoring style and assignments to suit the student's needs and ensure their comfort. I would ask the student where they are struggling and start the tutoring session from there, following introductions and assignment reviews.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
This depends upon the will of the student, but there are ways to reinforce their desire to learn. For one, I can design my lessons to include games, thought-provoking insights, and open discussion so that the student feels heard and the seed of curiosity can grow. I may attempt to relate the topic to the student's life in some way in order to convey the importance of the assignment. As stated in a previous question, learning is serious business, but I would try to make it fun for the student.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
A student's motivation is closely related to their goals. I would ask the student what their goal is in seeking tutoring: what do they want to improve and why? What do they want to achieve? How do they feel about the topic? Etc. Oftentimes, a student needs tutoring on a topic they already struggle with or that they aren't particularly interested in. By addressing the student's goals and interests, I can help keep their "eye on the prize", so to speak, and better tailor my tutoring style to the interests of the student. Also... don't forget to have fun!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would go slower and re-review the materials with the student, while trying to explain it in a different way so that the student may come to grasp the concept. Sometimes it is the way that a concept is explained that is the issue. I could also make practice test questions, draw diagrams, or use another learning resource based off the skill/concept the student is having trouble with. Practice tests and flashcards can help students remember details of a concept and also gauge how well they are absorbing it.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By reading with the student at a measured pace and breaking the reading into digestible pieces. After each piece, I would ask the student to explain what they read. If they are having trouble, I would try to explain using different words while linking it back to the text. That way, the student may better learn to connect the concept of the reading to the writing style. Practice makes perfect, so along with reading with the student during sessions, I may give them reading homework with questions to answer. This will help improve their reading comprehension muscle.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
It's important to develop a professional rapport with the student so that they feel comfortable enough to express their ideas and concerns, and also to trust my guidance. More concretely, I make sure that I know and review the topic/assignment very well before tutoring. I make sure to vary my tutoring style with exercises, diagrams, lecture, discussion, or homework depending upon the topic and the student's learning style.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I believe that it helps to use examples that the student could relate to, and it helps if what the topic relates to is something they are interested in. For example, taking an otherwise dry history lesson and asking the student what they might do in the same situation. I may create a trivia game, take a short break to stay alert, or attempt to present the material in a more interesting or creative way.