Award-Winning Special Education Tutors
serving Des Moines, IA
Award-Winning
Special Education
Tutors in Des Moines
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
Who needs tutoring?
No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Liz holds a master's in Special Education (Mild to Moderate Disabilities, grades 5–12) from Simmons College and has worked extensively with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional impairments. That clinical training, paired with her hands-on experience teaching and directing tutors at a charter school in Boston, means she knows how to adapt instruction on the fly — whether that's restructuring a math lesson for a student with dyscalculia or building reading fluency strategies for a student with dyslexia. She designs individualized approaches grounded in each student's IEP goals and actual learning profile.

Every learner processes information differently, and Jessica adapts her teaching style accordingly — breaking concepts into smaller steps, using visual organizers, or finding alternative explanations when the standard one doesn't click. Her science and economics training means she can support students across multiple subjects while keeping the focus on building confidence and independence. She's patient, structured, and attentive to what each individual student actually needs to move forward.
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.
Victoria spent three years as a certified classroom teacher through Teach for America, working with first through third graders who had a wide range of learning needs, including IEP-supported students. She adapts lessons to different processing styles and paces, breaking academic content into structured, manageable steps that build genuine understanding rather than frustration.
Every learner processes information differently, and Yan's entire educational philosophy centers on adapting how material is presented until it connects. Her master's in Curriculum and Instruction trained her to design differentiated lessons, and her years in Boston elementary and middle school classrooms gave her hands-on experience modifying content for diverse learning needs — whether that means breaking math problems into visual steps or restructuring reading assignments for accessibility.
Heather's psychology background gives her real insight into how different learners process information — whether a student needs material broken into smaller chunks, presented visually, or reinforced through repetition. She's especially effective with kids who get frustrated easily, building their confidence alongside their skills in reading, math, or writing. Rated 5.0 by families she's worked with.
Every learner processes information differently — some through auditory explanation, some through visual mapping, others through hands-on activity — and Harry builds each session around identifying what actually works for that student. His background in theater and education at Northwestern trained him to read an audience and adapt in real time, a skill that translates directly to adjusting pacing, modality, and complexity for students with diverse learning needs.
A PhD in neuroscience means Elliot understands learning differences at the biological level — how attention, working memory, and processing speed vary across brains and what that means for instruction. He explicitly welcomes learners on the spectrum and tailors pacing, scaffolding, and sensory considerations to each student rather than defaulting to one-size-fits-all methods. His 5.0 rating speaks to that individualized care.
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.
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.
Occupational therapy is fundamentally about adapting tasks so people can succeed despite neurological, developmental, or learning differences — and that's the perspective Alex brings to tutoring. Currently in Washington University's OT Doctorate program with a neuroscience background, Alex understands how conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing challenges affect learning and tailors strategies accordingly, from breaking assignments into smaller steps to using multisensory approaches for retention.
Teaching across dozens of NYC public schools exposed James to students with a wide range of learning differences, from processing delays to attention challenges. He builds individualized approaches — breaking instructions into smaller steps, using multi-sensory reinforcement, and adjusting pacing in real time. His current doctoral work in physical therapy deepens his understanding of how neurological and developmental factors shape the way students learn.
Testimonials
Because the right Special Education tutor makes all the difference.
Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
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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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