Danielle: Summit tutor

Certified Tutor

Why are you passionate about helping students?
I enjoy the process of finding new ways to explain concepts, especially for students who don't grasp things right away. Everyone is capable of learning with a growth mindset and consistent practice, both in and out of sessions. My role as a teacher is to break concepts down into relatable, bite-sized pieces while encouraging students to celebrate progress, no matter how small. It's rewarding to see confidence grow as understanding builds.

Describe your experience working with students.
I've been teaching for 14 years across a variety of roles and age groups. I began in after-school programs, teaching step dance classes, then transitioned into summer school and substitute teaching. I've taught high school Spanish, 3rd grade math, and middle school Spanish. My favorite part of classroom teaching is creating structured routines that give students autonomy and encourage efficient collaboration. In tutoring, I often use a "gradual release" approach: I start by modeling a think-aloud strategy, then slowly hand over control to the student until they can work independently while I observe and support as needed.

Where did you get your education?
I earned my Bachelor's degree from New York University in Sociology and Romance Languages (Spanish and French). I'm certified to teach all elementary subjects, and I'm also qualified to teach beginner-level Spanish and French. Currently, I'm pursuing a Master's degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

What subjects do you tutor?
I tutor elementary-level subjects across the board, including math and reading, as well as beginner and intermediate Spanish and French. I also support middle and high school students in Spanish, with an emphasis on building vocabulary, grammar confidence, and conversational skills.

What is your favorite subject(s) to tutor, and why?
I especially enjoy tutoring Spanish and math. With Spanish, I love seeing students connect language learning to culture and real-life communication. It's fun, dynamic, and empowering. Math, on the other hand, allows me to guide students toward problem-solving strategies and help them build confidence through step-by-step logic. Both subjects offer great opportunities for students to have "aha" moments, which are the most satisfying part of tutoring.

How would you describe your teaching philosophy and your tutoring style?
My teaching philosophy centers around empowerment, clarity, and patience. I believe in building student confidence by providing clear models, relatable examples, and lots of encouragement. I use a "gradual release" modelstarting with guided instruction and slowly shifting responsibility to the student as they grow more confident. My tutoring style is warm, structured, and responsive to each student's pace and learning style. I also incorporate routines that give students a sense of control and momentum in their learning.