Award-Winning Special Education Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

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Will
Certified Special Education Tutor
Will
BA Boston University
1+ Years Tutoring

Working as an instructor at Seven Hills Foundation, Will teaches students with diverse learning needs every day — adapting pace, breaking multi-step problems into manageable chunks, and finding the explanation style that clicks for each individual. That hands-on experience with IEP-aligned instruction means he knows how to adjust on the fly rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

SAT Scores
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Ashlin
Certified Special Education Tutor
Ashlin
BA Rice University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am a teacher who is certified in all core subjects for grades 4 through 8, Special Education, and English as a Second Language. I am eager for the opportunity to tutor you or your student, because I feel that small group instruction is the single best tool in increasing understanding. I love lesson design and as your tutor, I will be sure to work with you to create lessons that you find both engaging and effective.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Kate
MS Vanderbilt University • BA Franklin and Marshall College
1+ Years Tutoring

As a certified Special Education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Kate designs instruction around how each learner actually processes information — not around a one-size-fits-all curriculum. She adapts academic content across subjects like reading, math, and writing while building the self-regulation and executive functioning skills that underpin classroom success. Her dual expertise in special education and applied behavior analysis means interventions are both evidence-based and practical.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Ivan
MS Touro College • BA Siena College
1+ Years Tutoring

Ivan holds a master's degree in both General and Special Education for grades 5–9 and has taught in self-contained classrooms, Collaborative Team Teaching settings, and Resource Rooms across New York City. That range means he can adapt pacing, modify assignments, and scaffold reading or writing tasks based on each student's IEP goals and learning profile. Rated 4.8 by families he's worked with.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Marina
BA University of California Los Angeles
1+ Years Tutoring

As a state-certified teacher with special education experience, Marina adapts lessons to match each learner's processing style — whether that means breaking multi-step directions into smaller chunks, using visual supports for abstract concepts, or building in movement breaks that reset focus. Her UCLA background in public health sharpened her understanding of how environment and individual needs shape learning outcomes.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Daniel
BA Virginia Commonwealth University
1+ Years Tutoring

Every learner absorbs material differently, and Daniel's experience tutoring students from pre-K through 12th grade has given him a practical toolkit for adapting explanations on the fly. He breaks concepts into smaller, more concrete steps and uses real-world examples — from superhero storylines to song lyrics — to make abstract ideas tangible. His goal is always to build a student's confidence in finding answers independently, not just following instructions.

SAT Scores
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Certified Special Education Tutor
Mati
BA New York University
9+ Years Tutoring

Mati brings both professional and personal insight to special education — her doctoral work centered on learning disabilities, and as a mother of two children with dyslexia, she's navigated IEP meetings, accommodation plans, and reading interventions from every side of the table. She teaches strategies for decoding, multisensory learning, and self-advocacy that address the specific barriers a student faces. Rated 5.0 by students.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Alan
MS Harvard University • BA New Mexico State University-Main Campus
1+ Years Tutoring

A Master's in Education trained Alan in differentiated instruction, IEP-aligned goal setting, and multisensory teaching methods that reach learners who struggle in traditional classroom environments. He adapts pacing and materials to match each student's processing style, whether the challenge involves reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, or executive function skills. His 4.8 rating speaks to the patience and flexibility he brings to every session.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Maggie
BA Duke University
9+ Years Tutoring

A psychology degree gave Maggie a deep understanding of how learning differences — from ADHD to processing disorders — affect the way students absorb and retain information. She adapts lessons using multi-sensory techniques, scaffolded instructions, and frequent check-ins that keep students engaged without overwhelming them. Her approach is patient and structured, building skills at a pace that respects each learner's needs.

ACT Scores
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SAT Scores
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Certified Special Education Tutor
Emily
MS Washington University in St. Louis • BA Augsburg College
7+ Years Tutoring

As a practicing Special Education Social Worker in Minneapolis, Emily understands IEPs, accommodations, and learning differences from the inside — not just as theory. She adapts her approach to each student's specific needs, whether that means breaking reading passages into smaller chunks, using visual supports for math, or building executive functioning skills like task initiation and self-monitoring.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Lena
MS University of Massachusetts-Boston • BA Cornell University
1+ Years Tutoring

Lena's daily experience as a middle school teacher means she's practiced at adapting lessons on the fly when a student needs a different entry point into material. She breaks tasks into smaller, clearly sequenced steps and uses patient repetition and multi-sensory techniques to reinforce skills in reading, writing, and math. Her approach prioritizes building confidence alongside academic progress.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Molly
MS Northwestern University • BA Columbia University in the City of New York
1+ Years Tutoring

During her years teaching second through fourth grade, Molly worked daily with students who had a wide range of learning needs, from reading intervention to modified math instruction. She pulls from multiple curricula and adapts materials on the fly — adjusting pacing, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using multisensory approaches to make concepts accessible. Her 5.0 rating speaks to how well that individualized approach works.

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Testimonials

Because the right Special Education tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with a Special Education Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

Nearby Special Education Tutors

Frequently Asked Questions

Special education tutoring provides personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to each student's unique learning needs, whether they have an IEP, 504 plan, or other documented learning differences. Tutors work with students on academic skills, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and self-advocacy—all customized to support their specific goals and learning style. This approach complements classroom instruction and helps students build confidence and independence.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand IEP and 504 accommodations and can reinforce the goals outlined in your student's plan. Tutors can work on specific skill areas identified by your school team, practice strategies recommended by specialists, and help students generalize skills across settings. We recommend sharing your student's plan with their tutor so instruction directly supports their documented needs and progress toward IEP goals.

With an average student-teacher ratio of 14.7:1 across Des Moines' 77 schools, many students with learning differences benefit from additional one-on-one support to keep up with grade-level content and build foundational skills. Common challenges include gaps in reading or math fluency, difficulty with executive functioning and organization, challenges with social communication, and anxiety around academic performance. Personalized tutoring addresses these gaps by moving at the student's pace and using evidence-based strategies that work for their learning profile.

In a classroom setting, teachers manage the needs of many students with varying abilities, which can make it difficult to address individual learning gaps. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to focus entirely on your student's strengths and challenges, adjust pacing in real time, use targeted strategies, and provide immediate feedback. This targeted approach helps students build confidence, close skill gaps faster, and develop independence—outcomes that are harder to achieve in a group setting.

The first session is typically a get-to-know-you meeting where the tutor learns about your student's learning style, strengths, challenges, and goals. The tutor may assess current skill levels in key areas like reading, math, or executive functioning to understand where to focus. This foundation helps the tutor design a personalized plan that addresses your student's specific needs and sets realistic, measurable goals for progress.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in special education, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, or related areas. Many have backgrounds in special education teaching, speech-language pathology, educational psychology, or other relevant fields. When you describe your student's needs, we match them with a tutor whose experience and approach align with your student's learning profile and goals.

Tutors work with you to establish clear, measurable goals at the start and regularly check in on progress toward those goals. Progress might be tracked through skill assessments, completion of academic tasks, improved organization and executive functioning, or increased confidence and independence. Regular communication between you, the tutor, and your student's school team helps ensure everyone is aligned and celebrating wins along the way.

Start by telling us about your student's learning needs, grade level, and goals. Varsity Tutors will match you with an experienced tutor who specializes in your student's area of need and can work with your schedule. You can then connect with the tutor to discuss your student's IEP or 504 plan, learning style, and what success looks like—and begin personalized instruction that makes a real difference.

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Top 15 Special Education Tutors Serving Des Moines, IA | Varsity Tutors