Verified Tutor

Mercedes

Bachelors, English and Secondary Education

10+ years of tutoring

Lasell College

Western Connecticut State University

As a passionate and dedicated educator, I am thrilled to be a part of the Varsity Tutors team. I am certified to teach English grades 7-12 in CT, I have my master's degree in English Literature, and my bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in secondary education. I have tutored and taught in college, high school, and middle school environments. Most recently, I held high school teaching positions teaching 9th and 11th grade English. In my freshman classes, we focused on composition, and finding a voice in writing. We worked with different mentor texts to refine our writing skills, as well as read an array of literature including classics like The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet, and more modern texts including the graphic novel, A Monster Calls. I also have teaching experience at the middle school level, teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. From this position, I have experience in SBAC exam preparation. I also am a scorer for the PARCC and SAT exams, making me an expert in their layout and content. When I teach and tutor, I foster an environment that is rigorous, well-supported, and comfortable. I look forward to adding to my love of teaching English by tutoring students as well!

Q&A with Mercedes

I believe that in order for children to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially, they need a learning environment that is comfortable and invigorating. As an educator, I want to help my students reach their full potential by establishing a sense of community in the classroom, balancing different teaching and learning styles, and supporting risk-taking. Teaching is also an opportunity for educators to learn and grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. As an educator, one of my hopes is to inspire students to choose who they wish to become, whether it be a leader or not. I do not wish to mold my students into my own vision, but rather influence students to find the potential within themselves to learn and grow. As a teacher of English and Language Arts, I hope to instill my knowledge and love of books and writing into all of my students. While they do not need to fall in love with reading and writing, I would like them to understand the importance of literacy and knowledge in today's society and use that understanding to continue to impact society.