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Certified Tutor
5+ years
Tiffany
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
University of Chicago
Juris Doctor, Legal Studies

Certified Tutor
Molly
I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with an...
Northwestern University
Master of Science in Education
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor in Arts, History

Certified Tutor
Andrew
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 2012. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies. Since graduation, I have continued to live in Chicago. I am a founding member of First Floor Theater, a Chicago storefront theater com...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies

Certified Tutor
4+ years
Nathan
I am currently a student at Rice University studying both History and Neuroscience. Being the oldest of five kids, working with younger students has always been a part of my life. I can tutor a wide variety of subjects, but I specialize in writing, public speaking, and test taking. My goal for every...
Rice University
Bachelor in Arts, History

Certified Tutor
Zach
I am a Yale University Berkeley College graduate of the Yale Class of 2012 with an Intensive B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Eager for tutoring opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Certified Tutor
Allan
I'm a big Boston Celtics fan and I speak three languages. I can get you the test results you need to succeed because I went through the exams myself and performed well. The first time I took the SAT I actually wasn't satisfied with my score, so I spent 2 months working hard to get my score to where ...
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Biological Sciences

Certified Tutor
Rebecca
I am a graduate of Northwestern University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I wan...
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

Certified Tutor
I'm a recent graduate of Northwestern University, a native New Yorker, and a recent addition to Varsity Tutors. I grew up in Westchester County, where I volunteered as an assistant creative writing teacher in high school. After high school, I moved to Evanston, Illinois for school. I studied a wide ...
Northwestern University
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
Jacob
I am eager to help students thrive because I'm still very much a student myself, and will be for the foreseeable future. Though I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student in Literature, and learned quite a bit during my time at Vanderbilt, there's still more work to be done. I am working towards ...
Vanderbilt University
Bachelors in Literature

Certified Tutor
I'm an actor, writer and musician living in New York City. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN (by way of Palo Alto, California). I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014, with a B.A. in Theatre, and a minor in American History.
Northwestern University
Bachelors, Theatre
Top 20 English Subjects
Meet Our Expert Tutors
Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.
Ruth
1st Grade math Tutor • +47 Subjects
I am a high school English teacher, currently working primarily with 10th grade students. I have previously worked at middle and elementary schools as well. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities, including teaching, and I find that the best way for students to learn is to have fun and engage them. Hobbies: music, dancing, singing, art, books, reading, writing
Gary
Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am a graduate of Brigham Young University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with an emphasis in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic. As part of my coursework, I studied Arabic for three years and spent a semester in Amman, Jordan. After graduating, I worked on a U.S. Senate campaign, then interned at a think tank and congressional office in Washington, DC. While at the think tank, I co-authored an article that was published in US News and World Report. I am currently pursuing my juris doctorate (JD) at the University of Georgia School of Law.
Jean
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +57 Subjects
I am a fourth year student at Harvard Medical School, and will start working as a pediatrician in July of 2016. However, if I had not decided to become a physician, I would have strongly considered becoming a teacher. Teaching is one of the most enjoyable activities I do, and I have taught in some capacity every year for the past ten years. I have taught subjects ranging from English to algebra, from physics to dance, and have taught students ranging in age from toddlers to adults. I have also provided advice on application essays, resumes, and interview strategies for Harvard College students applying to highly competitive scholarships. Each of these experiences has taught me how to communicate concepts in clear and engaging ways. For instance, while tutoring adolescents enrolled in the Boston-based Artists for Humanity program, I would often teach students whom I had never worked with before, and thus became adept at quickly discovering and implementing the strategies that worked best for a particular student (e.g., visual/tactile examples, analogies, and breaking down complex problems into smaller parts). While tutoring a janitorial staff member in preparation for the mathematics portion of her GED high school equivalency exam, I learned how to quickly identify the highest yield topics for a standardized exam and focus our efforts on those. Each of these experiences has been incredibly rewarding, and has inspired me to teach in some capacity throughout my career as a doctor.
Meghan
Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects
I am a 2015 graduate of Northwestern University, with an undergraduate journalism major/Spanish minor and a graduate degree in journalism. During my time at NU, I spent a semester at Madrid's top-ranked university, taking upper-level history and literature courses with Spanish students. I now work at a trade magazine in Midtown covering real estate.
Natalie
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects
I'm a second-year student at Rice University majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology as well as in English. My unusual double major is a result of my inability to choose a favorite subject--I love literature and science! This love of learning translates naturally to my role as a tutor. Because I love learning, I look for ways to transmit my passions to others by teaching them. Another reason I enjoy tutoring lies in my own experience as a student. I had to work very hard for the grades it took to get to college, so I understand the problems of the struggling student, and I try my best to relate the methods I personally used to overcome those obstacles. Hobbies: reading, writing, books, music, yoga, art
Valerie
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago majoring in Classics and Theatre. However, my college uses the core curriculum and as a result, I've had a well-rounded, eclectic education covering everything from math to fine arts. I've won awards in community service, dance, and film, but most notably, 20 writing prizes before I reached eighteen. I was a National Merit Semi-Finalist in high school and I've had a passion for education and the art of learning since I was a child. I hope to instill in my students the love of amassing knowledge, excelling in your studies, and walking out of a test feeling like you rocked it. I especially had a passion for the Critical Reading and the Writing portions of the SAT's and the SAT 2 in Literature. I have teaching experience with everything from stand-up comedy to Emergency Medical Services to tap dancing, and I've been told that I am unmatched in my enthusiasm. In my free time, I like to perform sketch and improv comedy, dance, play the banjo, and volunteer in my local hospital.
Jacob
Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects
I am an experienced and well-qualified essay coach, and a tutor in language arts and German. I also tutor students who are preparing for the SAT. I earned my B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an M.A. in German from UC Berkeley, where I taught college German and received training in foreign language pedagogy. I love to learn, I am drawn to travel, and the experiences I have had enrich my work as a tutor. For me, tutoring is about more than making the grade or getting the right score; I always strive to foster insights and new skills that will help my students take charge of their own education.
Claire
Arithmetic Tutor • +47 Subjects
I am an experienced and dynamic language instructor with a background in literature, history, and math. I have taught students in Spanish, French, and English as a Second-Language, using highly visual and interactive techniques to engage students in the fun and challenge of learning a language. I have lived in Spain, France, and Chile, as well as various parts of the United States, so I bring cultural insight into each lesson. Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music
Issa
Calculus Tutor • +19 Subjects
I am an aspiring character artist for games and currently work as a prop artist. I received my studio art bachelors in 2018 and a 3D modeling diploma in 2020. I tutor for drawing, digital painting, digital sculpting, 3D modeling and texturing for games. I believe in student-centered learning and prioritize building observational skills and fostering creativity. I think the best way for a student to learn is through discovery led by careful guidance.
Jason
College Algebra Tutor • +50 Subjects
I'm a fourth year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania who is applying to pediatrics residency programs. I graduated in 2006 from Yale University with a bachelors degree in History. I subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate program at Bryn Mawr College to complete the premedical course work and matriculated into Penn's medical school. I took a year off from medical school between my third and fourth year to get a masters degree in education focusing on medical education but also learning a tremendous amount about K-12 education as well. Hobbies: art, outdoors, books, writing, reading, music
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading comprehension challenges often stem from a few key areas: decoding fluency, vocabulary gaps, or difficulty with inference and critical thinking. Personalized tutoring targets the specific barrier your student faces. A tutor can break down complex texts, teach active reading strategies like annotation and questioning, and build foundational skills through scaffolded practice. With 1-on-1 instruction, your student gets immediate feedback and can work at their own pace—something that's harder in a classroom setting.
Strong literary analysis requires both close reading skills and clear writing. Tutors teach students how to identify themes, analyze character development, and support interpretations with textual evidence. They then help organize these ideas into well-structured essays with strong thesis statements and coherent arguments. Since tutoring is personalized, students receive direct feedback on their writing, revision suggestions, and guidance on how to strengthen their analytical voice—skills that transfer across all subjects.
Vocabulary grows fastest when students encounter words in context and use them repeatedly. Rather than drilling word lists, effective tutoring embeds vocabulary instruction into authentic reading experiences. Tutors help students learn word roots, use context clues, and apply new words in their own writing and speech. Research on spaced repetition shows that revisiting words across multiple sessions and contexts leads to stronger retention than one-time memorization.
Yes. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who have experience supporting readers at all levels, including those with reading gaps, dyslexia, or English as a second language. These tutors use research-backed strategies like multisensory approaches, decoding instruction, and high-interest texts to build confidence and fluency. They also understand how to adapt pacing and materials to match a student's needs, which is critical for readers who have fallen behind.
Absolutely. Reading sections on tests like the SAT, ACT, and standardized state assessments require specific strategies beyond general comprehension—like time management, identifying question types, and navigating dense passages under pressure. Tutors teach test-specific techniques while building the underlying reading skills that matter most. They can also provide targeted practice with past test passages and help students understand why they miss questions, rather than just providing correct answers.
Look for tutors with strong backgrounds in English, education, or a related field, as well as demonstrated experience teaching reading across grade levels. It's helpful if they understand reading science—phonics, fluency, comprehension strategies—and can explain why they're using certain approaches. Beyond credentials, the best tutors are skilled listeners who can identify what's actually holding a student back (is it decoding? vocabulary? comprehension? engagement?) and adjust accordingly. They should also be encouraging and patient, especially with struggling readers.
Progress depends on the starting point and frequency of tutoring. Many students notice better comprehension and confidence within 4-6 weeks of consistent 1-on-1 instruction, especially when tutoring is paired with practice at home. For deeper gains—like improved fluency or stronger analytical skills—expect 2-3 months of regular sessions. The key is consistency; weekly tutoring with targeted skill-building and feedback typically yields faster results than sporadic sessions. Your tutor can set specific, measurable goals early on and track progress along the way.
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