Award-Winning PRAXIS Science Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

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Award-Winning PRAXIS Science Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

Jarrod

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jarrod

PhD
Jarrod's other Tutor Subjects
AP Environmental Science
AP Biology
Physical Science
Genetics

I am a graduate of Princeton University and Louisiana State University (LSU). I received an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton and a Ph.D. in Biology from LSU. As part of my doctoral work, I completed all coursework for a Ph.D. minor in Experimental Statistics. ...

Education

Princeton University

PhD

Kiara

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Kiara

Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership
Kiara's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

Passing the Praxis Science exam means demonstrating breadth across life science, physical science, and earth/space science while also showing you can interpret experimental design and data. Kiara structures review around the content categories where each candidate loses the most points, then layers ...

Education

Loyola Marymount University

Master of Arts, Urban Education and Leadership

Rice University

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology

Ashley

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Ashley

MED
Ashley's other Tutor Subjects
Nutrition
Environmental Science
Earth Science
Middle School Science

I am an educator of the sciences. I have taught Life Science, Biology, Physical and Earth Sciences for fourteen years in grades 7-12. I trained with the Keystone Science School of Denver, Colorado, the LSU Coastal Roots Program and have earned over six hundred hours in science literacy training in m...

Education

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

MED

Leann

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Leann

MED
Leann's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Competition Math
Geometry
Algebra

Education has always been at the center of my life. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, then went on to study Mathematics at the graduate level at the University of South Florida. Later, I completed a degree in Educational Leadership, which allowed me to combin...

Education

University of South Florida-Main Campus

MED

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

MED

Jason

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jason

EDU
Jason's other Tutor Subjects
Environmental Science
Physics
Chemistry
IB Physics

I love teaching science. My experience ranges from early elementary to college physics instructor. I follow a constructivist instruction philosophy where learning is built upon models and not focused on memorization or formula recall. I believe a solid conceptual foundation is essential for true and...

Education

Grand Valley State University

EDU

Rachel

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Rachel

Master's/Graduate
Rachel's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary School Math
AP Biology
Biology

As a passionate educator with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, I am excited to bring my extensive experience to support students in their academic journeys. I have over 5 years of teaching and tutoring experience, specializing in Biology and English, as well as te...

Education

Cornell University

Master's/Graduate

Cornell University

Bachelor's

Jai

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Jai

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Jai's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Electrical Engineering
ACT Writing

I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1590
ACT
35
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

PHD, Medicine
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Honors Chemistry

I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...

Education

Nova Southeastern University

PHD, Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, History

University of Pennsylvania

undergraduate

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Jeffrey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Jeffrey

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Jeffrey's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Science

Rice University

Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
34

Frequently Asked Questions

The PRAXIS Science exam is a standardized test required for teacher certification in science education across most states, including Iowa. It assesses your knowledge of life science, physical science, earth and space science, and science practices. If you're pursuing a teaching credential in Iowa or planning to teach science in Des Moines schools, passing this exam is typically a requirement for licensure.

Many test-takers struggle with integrating knowledge across multiple science disciplines—the exam doesn't test each subject in isolation but rather expects you to apply concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science together. Additionally, the science practices section requires understanding experimental design and data interpretation, which differs significantly from memorizing facts. Time management is another frequent challenge, as the exam covers a broad range of content that can feel overwhelming without a focused study strategy.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific knowledge gaps—whether that's struggling with chemistry concepts, experimental design, or test-taking strategy—and focus exclusively on those areas rather than reviewing material you've already mastered. A tutor can also adapt to your learning style, use practice problems that mirror the actual exam format, and provide immediate feedback to help you build confidence. This targeted approach is far more efficient than generic study guides and helps you make measurable progress in less time.

PRAXIS Science covers life science (cells, genetics, evolution, ecology), physical science (matter, energy, forces, waves), earth and space science (geology, weather, astronomy), and science practices (inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, and communication). The exam also emphasizes how these disciplines interconnect and how to teach science effectively. A tutor can help you build a comprehensive understanding of each area and learn how to make connections between topics, which is critical for success on the exam.

Your first session typically involves an assessment to determine your current knowledge level, identify which content areas need the most work, and understand your learning goals and timeline. The tutor will ask about your science background, any previous exam attempts, and your preferred learning style. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your specific weak areas and builds toward exam readiness.

Preparation time varies based on your starting knowledge level and how frequently you meet with a tutor, but most candidates benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent study with weekly tutoring sessions. If you're already strong in science but need to refine test-taking strategy and fill specific gaps, you might need less time. A tutor can give you a more accurate timeline after assessing your current level and understanding your target test date.

Practice tests are essential—they help you become familiar with the exam format, timing, and question types while revealing which content areas need more review. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also builds test-taking stamina and helps reduce anxiety on exam day. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, identify patterns in your mistakes, and adjust your study plan accordingly to maximize improvement.

Look for tutors with strong science backgrounds—ideally someone with a degree in science or science education, teaching experience, and familiarity with the PRAXIS exam specifically. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven knowledge of the content and experience helping test-takers succeed. During your first session, don't hesitate to ask about their background, teaching approach, and success rate with PRAXIS Science students.

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