Award-Winning Summer Tutors serving Norfolk, VA

...in 2009 when I signed on to coach (tutor + mentor) struggling freshman engineering students. The success that I helped them achieve was so rewarding that I made it a point to return to tutoring after graduation! My tutoring style is heavily influenced by my problem-solving-oriented engineering background. In school, I learned how to break down problems, analyze each component, and then proceed step-by-step to a solution. This same approach has helped me excel as a...

...and PhD student at Arizona State University studying Evolutionary Biology. My main interests are the evolution and mechanical properties of the insect exoskeleton. I also earned my Master's Degree in Biology at ASU, and I described 10 species of weevil (snout beetle) that were completely new to science. As part of my degree program, I have taught several different science classes. One of my favorite parts of being a doctoral student has been teaching and...

...to pursue this difficult and lengthy path only after facing several challenges along the way. Throughout my childhood and my high school career, test-taking always seemed to be a challenge. I pushed to get the best scores I could, but something was wrong. I had a lack of direction. I needed a mentor. When I had my first mentor, I wasn't sure he would be the right one. We worked together for some time, but...

...While not everything can be taught purely in this fashion, I try to make my lessons focus on principles and processes, creating a deeper understanding of the facts presented in class or in the textbook. I find that this technique works very well with math and physics, where understanding the theory is often the key to being able to see a problem and find the right path to a solution. I also try to apply...

...degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry. During my schooling I was routinely asked to break down big problems, identify the key parts, and then solve them. This same thinking has made me a successful teacher in areas much broader then math and science. By breaking down a problem and identifying key points I believe I can lead any student to academic success. I discovered my love of teaching during my senior year of college. Now...

...School of Education, and more than 6 years teaching experience. I have taught English, Literacy, Humanities and Social Studies/History at the Middle School/Secondary Level. Some of my strengths are getting to know my students, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and leveraging their interests in order to motivate them and build confidence. I hold very high expectations, but I always take the time to figure out what kinds of strategies and supports students need to be...

...currently a postdoctoral associate at Yale University conducing research in genetics/neuroscience. Throughout the years I have had many opportunities to interact with and train students. Specifically, as a graduate student I have had experience as a teaching assistant for general biology and advanced genetics lab courses, and have also tutored high school students in AP chemistry. Hopefully as a tutor for VT I can make STEM courses more approachable and rewarding for high school and...

...and understand. I love learning new things myself, but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and purpose that comes with helping others do the same. I take great pride in developing individualized tutoring programs for my students based on their specific needs and goals. I previously taught high school for several years and also have tutoring experience in a wide variety of subject areas. At this time, I focus almost exclusively on assisting students...

...students who were struggling in their classes. Initially, I found this difficult; it was a challenge determining exactly where a student's understanding of a topic was faulty. Over time, however, I developed a keener sense for the hurdles that students sometimes face when learning, as well as the most efficient ways to overcome them. I also developed more patience and empathy through tutoring - I often remembered feeling the same confusion about a topic that...

...when they find confidence in the material they're studying. I tutor a variety of subjects, including essay writing, grammar, and Italian; however, my favorite is Algebra. Many students come in hating numbers, and it's always a thrill to see that attitude change. My interactive tutoring style encourages not only learning comprehension, but also confidence in the material and the student's skills. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, and making art.... My teaching philosophy focuses...