Award-Winning Tutors from Macalester College

My interest in tutoring stems from my passion for learning, planning, and optimizing productivity. I graduated from Macalester College with a Psychology major and a Mathematics minor. Since graduation in 2013, I have taken a great interest in practicing strategies to increase productivity. I have found that the most simple planning and a devotion to a small set of strategies can help a person accomplish in a day what they typically do in a week, without burning out! I believe these strategies are the most powerful in the hands of students by allowing learning to be engaging and genuinely enjoyable. The future will be shaped by motivated, fearless, efficient learners.

Hello! My name is Julia. I just graduated from Macalester College with a degree in Studio Art and a minor in English. I would love to tutor you in writing and reading and/or Spanish. I have experience with a wide range of age groups and subjects. At Project for Pride in Living, I volunteered as a tutor, helping middle schoolers improve their literacy skills after school. As a GED classroom assistant at Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, I helped adult learners study for the RLA (reasoning through language arts) portion of the exam. I have taken numerous advanced Spanish classes in high school and college and have studied abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico last year for a semester. There, I lived with a Mexican family and took all of my classes exclusively in Spanish. I believe that learning one-on-one is a great way to improve a skill, form a personal connection, and really excel in a given subject! Hope you will consider working with me!

I'm dedicated to critical thought and careful, clear writing. In my independent written work, I focus on issues of political economy, critical theory, and the social and political impacts of technology. I recently also have begun to work on a science fiction novel. In tutoring, I hope to encourage students to approach writing and language with ease and technical competence. I have extensive experience in many academic areas, and can help develop skills for large research projects, short essays, standardized test taking, and everything in between. Nothing is too complex to be broken down clearly and mastered!

As a passionate educator with a Ph.D. from the Center for Research and Higher Education in Anthropology in Mexico and a MA degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, I have over 18 years of tutoring and teaching experience at the college level. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and have training in teaching second languages, including English. I am familiar with accents and slang from a variety of Latin American countries as well as Spain and Portugal and I can help you learn the cultural norms that accompany speaking in a new language and culture. I will help you get started on your path toward learning a new language or discipline on day one in a way that is easy and fun! I aim to create a supportive learning environment that engages students through active learning exercises. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet each student's unique interests and strengths, helping them connect their personal experiences with the subject matter. This holistic methodology not only fosters academic success but also ignites a genuine passion for learning. Learning new things should be fun and empowering and I will make sure you have a positive experience and meet all your learning goals and more!

I am a current Senior at Macalester College majoring in Economics with a minor in Geography. I started tutoring in high school through the honors society. Since I've moved to the Twin Cities I have tutored many students in helping them to achieve state standards. I also enjoy tutoring for standardized tests, specifically the ACTs. I think that having a great tutor can make such a difference in someone's life. Education is so important and having a tutor there to assist you in all your learning goals can make such a difference for a scholar. Outside of tutoring, I love to play soccer, run, play cricket, cook and learn about urban history. I make our tutoring sessions personal and fun to make sure that the scholar is interested in learning and, more importantly, enjoying learning.

I am a Creative Writing (English) major at Macalester College with a passion for writing, books, and hockey. I also have a minor in Classical Languages (Latin) and plan to attend law school after graduation. I am a captain on Macalester's club hockey team and enjoy being involved in the team and in helping players who are new to the sport learn to love it as I do. I hope to apply that same passion to helping students achieve their academic goals.

Hi! I'm Danny, I live in and from Evanston and I'm a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. I majored in Philosophy and minored in Statistics, so my interests and skills vary highly. I'm most comfortable teaching high schoolers and middle schoolers humanities courses, specifically related to English, Philosophy, and creative writing, but my history is pretty sharp as well!

I love to learn through exploration and inquiry. I'm originally from Boston, but I've resided in Minnesota for the past four years, after graduating from Macalester College with a B.A. in Religious Studies. Interests of mine include cultural exchange, cooking and eating, sports and dance. Throughout my college and work career I've spent time learning with kids and young adults. I have taught in classrooms, facilitated youth retreats, and managed after school programs. I have a deep passion for teaching writing and communication, which has been enhanced through travel. I've traveled through Southeast Asia and South America, all the while writing about my experiences and teaching. I believe that students learn best when they are enjoying the process and feel capable of breaching the social and academic challenges that come up. Moreover, students must feel a sense of trust and confidence in the adults who guide them. I look forward to working with you and opening a door to the world through shared study.

Hi! My name is Charlie Stanton. For the last two years, I taught kindergarten and first grade on the South Side of Chicago. I served as a Teach for America Corps Member. I earned a master's of teaching at Dominican University in Illinois and graduated with a B.A in Geography and Urban Studies from Macalester College. I currently am taking a break as a classroom teacher and am working on a political campaign in Minneapolis. In my free time, I love watching and playing sports, playing the saxophone, reading, and writing.

I’m a proud alumna of Macalester College where I graduated with a degree in English and a prospective student of Princeton Theological Seminary where I hope to pursue graduate degrees in Divinity and Youth Ministry. I have extensive experience tutoring and teaching English in a variety of settings: college classrooms, private homes, churches, SAT schools, and even abroad in places like Cuba and China. I am most comfortable teaching the SAT Reading/Writing and helping youths with their personal statements. Furthermore, my one-year experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA for PeaceJam Foundation – an award-winning organization that promotes service learning and peacekeeping through the combined efforts of Nobel Peace Laureates and young people – has instilled in me a deep reverence and hope for our youths today. I strongly believe in our youths’ limitless potential to pursue their dreams and become agents of positive social change and know I will be an excellent mentor/coach through their journey.

I graduated from Macalester College, with a degree in music and Spanish. I have a passion for learning, and I love helping my students achieve their academic goals! I tailor my lessons to my students' interests and preferred learning methods, and I always keep sessions fun and productive. I encourage my students to think critically and creatively about the material they are studying. I especially like tutoring math, reading, Spanish, and music. I am communicative, compassionate, and helpful, and I'm excited to begin working with you!

I received my BA in English Literature from Macalester College, a private, liberal arts institution in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2012. This May, I completed my Masters in English Literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder. While at CU, I was hired as an English and Writing tutor for college student-athletes in the Herbst Academic Center. I met with students every week, not only gaining experience tutoring in numerous different English courses and writing classes across disciplines, but also building relationships with my students, acting as a mentor, and learning how to adjust to different students learning styles and interests. I also had two semesters of teaching experience at CU, as a Teaching Assistant for an upper-level course, Modern and Contemporary Literature for non-majors, and as a graduate teacher for an introductory level course, Writing about Literature and Literature about Writing. In these roles, I was responsible for teaching my own recitation sections, creating and grading assignments, leading discussions, teaching writing, and meeting with students one-on-one and in small groups during office hours. Additionally, I acted as a liason between the students and the professor, communicating effectively to ensure the accomplishment of learning objectives. In addition to tutoring all kinds of English, literature, and writing courses, and although those subjects are my favorites, I am also available to tutor for GRE verbal, SAT and ACT reading and writing, and AP test prep. Additionally, I have professional experience tutoring elementary and middle school students in phonics, reading, writing, and all aspects of literacy. After graduating from college, I served for one year as an AmeriCorps Literacy VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) in a low-income after-school program. During that service year, I created and implemented grade-level literacy assessments and a tutoring program for which I recruited, trained, and supervised several volunteers. The following year, I continued my work as a member of the community centers full-time staff and took on larger teaching, tutoring, and classroom management roles. My teaching philosophy is, most importantly, student-centered. As a teacher of English in particular, I am a believer that there is no one right answer in a text, but rather several valuable lessons to be learned and several possible approaches for reaching those lessons. The innumerable possibilities literature opens up for readers are what make me so passionate about it, both in and out of the classroom. Teaching in a flipped classroom, I have seen firsthand that when students are given choice, ownership, and the freedom to be creative in their learning, they take away much more than I could teach them in a one-way flow of information. Furthermore, I have had many students come away from my classes or lessons saying that they enjoyed reading more than they ever had, and that the skills they learned from me helped them in other classes. I get to know each of my students personalities and goals, and give each individual responsibilities to contribute to the learning community. I consider myself a leader, responsible for guiding each student to his or her highest potential, but also a member of the team, rather than a higher authority. During my Masters, my area of expertise was 19th Century American literature, and I am particularly interested in the American Westfrom literature, to film, to television. Even outside of academia, I read for fun all the time and like to write. I love being outdoorshiking, biking, backpacking, and skiing. I enjoy playing with my dog, cooking, and watching baseball. I played college softball, so I also coach softball and like to stay involved in the game however I can. I consider myself a lifelong learner in everything I do, and coaching and tutoring will be passions of mine no matter what other career I pursue.

I am an English and essay writing tutor available to help with English and language arts assignments, grammar, essay writing, literary analysis, and ACT and SAT writing and reading. In 2011, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macalester College in English language and Literature. Before tutoring with Varsity Tutors, I tutored for another private company. I am an excellent tutor because I remember distinctly what it was like to be a student and can both empathize with their frustrations and help them to move past those blocks and toward a greater understanding of the material. I believe in my students and genuinely care about their success, which shows in my work. My patience and willingness to adjust my approach to help different learning styles has also been a useful asset in the past.

I have a BA in Classics from Macalester College and an MA in Classics from Johns Hopkins University. I have highly certified in the state of Arizona for the following subjects: Latin,Language Arts, Chemistry and general science. I have been teaching for 9 years.IBM, the computer based company used to have a motto. It was "THINK". My philosophy of teaching is based on a belief that learning needs to be student centered and that students need to be equal partners in the learning process. My role involves using my expertise to put the necessary resources in the hands of the students or more likely to be sure that my students are well equipped to find and evaluate the resources they need to answer their questions. Just like IBM, I want to help develop my students' thinking skills and acquisition of knowledge.My general hobbies are golf and swimming. I am not the best golfer, but I find it fun.

I believe in the potential of every student to be successful if they are provided with the spark and passion of a good teacher. I am a retired Professor of Economics from Western Illinois University. I have a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. I currently tutor student-athletes at the University of Minnesota in Economics and Statistics. However, I am passionate about helping younger students in Middle School and High School excel in Math. It is wonderful to see those "Ah..hah" moments when students get it. So I am very interested in assignments involving Algebra, high school Stats, etc. People tell me that I am patient, caring, and explain concepts well. I hope to demonstrate that consistently in my tutoring sessions.

I am currently working on a PhD in the humanities field, and when I’m not reading and writing on my own, I love helping students gain some of those same skills. I have been a writing and Italian tutor for the past three years, and I work with a wide range of students with a variety of goals. I can help students with essays, personal statements, applications, grammar, verbal and writing standardized tests, and Italian grammar and conversation. As a tutor, I’ve learned how to adapt to different learning styles and individuals. I personalize my tutoring sessions by listening to what students want help with, gauging their needs based on their writing or language ability, and understanding their teachers’ (or exams’) expectations. When I tutor, I enjoy being able to teach students as I assist them with their writing and language. My goal is not just to help students edit their work, but rather to give them the tools to improve their current piece of writing and their writing in the future, their overall language fluency, and their critical understanding of the subject more broadly. I aim to help students succeed in the classroom and on their continued path through education.Learning to speak Italian has been one of my most enjoyable experiences. I studied the language for seven years before college, where I continued to take Italian courses and spend a semester abroad in an intensive language program. Because I had to learn Italian myself, I am familiar with instructors’ teaching strategies and all of the grammar rules. I am most excited about teaching beginning and intermediate levels of Italian.

I'm a graduate of Macalester College, class of 2008, with BAs in Japanese and linguistics. While languages and language itself are my first love, I enjoy working in a variety of other subjects as well.As a student and a teacher, I prefer working from the fundamentals to memorizing facts; I feel that understanding how and why something works is a more interesting and effective method, and helps nurture critical thinking, an essential life skill.I look forward to helping students work towards reaching their full potential. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Few things are harder to dislodge than the hazy, ill-begotten philosophical certitudes of an adolescent. I was fifteen years old, and as unsure as I was about politics, or international affairs, or the best way to impress a girl, I held on to one belief unshakably: free will is an illusion. In a world that could be ultimately reduced to the cue-ball ricochets of atoms and the ironclad logic of cause and effect, nothing was accidental. Everything was preordained. To suggest otherwise was to peddle in a self-congratulatory myth, a myth that gratuitously comforted the successful and the prosperous, and that unfairly multiplied the degradations of the poor.Peter, my dad's best friend, is a Londoner, a psychiatrist, and a hugely successful scholar. He is a brilliant man. He is also kind, gracious and gentle. Since the early nineties, he has made frequent visits to the states, staying at my parent's house as often as his schedule allowed. When I was growing up, Peter would always give a hearing to my latest idiosyncratic notions. Inevitably, our discussions turned to the subject of free will. And Peter would listen, and question, and probe. He would locate a seam in my belief system, a loose thread that I hadn't quite considered or secured. And gently, he would pull. What followed was a gradual unraveling of my certitude, an opening up to the mysteries of freedom and moral responsibility and choice. I wouldn't say I have a firmer grasp of those concepts today than I did when I was fifteen. But my understanding has become infinitely more nuanced, more variegated, and more rich.Why am I telling this story? Is it to demonstrate that young minds can in fact be cured of their philosophical errors? Possibly. But mainly, I wanted to illustrate an example of what I consider to be the ideal form of mentorship. Peter didn't command, or cajole, or coerce. He didn't dictate or declare from on high. Instead, he treated me like an intellectual equal, even though, of course, I was far from matching him wit for wit.His is an example that I keep before me today whenever I have a lesson to teach, or a concept to explain, or a problem to collaboratively solve. I believe that teaching, in its ideal form, is a meeting of the minds. It works best when the teacher and the student are engaged in a shared enterprise, a partnership. When I teach, I like to think that my student and I are, however briefly, occupying the same mind-space. Being successful requires a sympathetic understanding of the student's faculty to understand. You have to know where a student is coming from to help them get where they're going.I received my bachelor's in English from Macalester College, and my Master's in political science from The University of Chicago. I plan to pursue a PhD in political science starting next fall, in the hope of eventually becoming a professor. I love politics, which is, after all, nothing more or less than the space or arena where we contest basic moral values. I love writing, and philosophy, and I'm fairly good at math. I love art and music and movies and make sure to spare some time for a good TV show once in a while. I'm plenty mature, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for cartoons. Learning and teaching are my lifelong passions, and it is this passion that I hope to impart to my students; I want to infect my students with the intellectual enthusiasm that has brought so many rewards to my own life.

I graduated from Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN with a BA in History and Classical Civilizations. During my junior year of college, I studied abroad at Oxford University where I focused on Medieval British history. While in College, I taught a group of 9th grade students at a local synagogue. My class focused on the role of women in some of the most pivotal stories in the bible. This experience gave me first hand experience in tailoring subjects to the learning styles of my students and also taught me how to bring subjects, often viewed as boring, to life for them. I really enjoy working with students on History and English, as well as Critical Reading and Writing test prep. I hope that my students come away from our sessions with both the factual foundation that will they need to succeed, and a broader understanding of the subject's importance. In my free time, I love, reading, creative writing, riding horses, playing with my dogs and spending as much time as possible outside.

During my time in college and after graduation, I have spent vast amounts of time either tutoring or being tutored in the basic sciences. As a Biology major with a pre-med emphasis, I have developed a strong background in the basic sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) that has been enhanced by tutoring Human Physiology while in college and high school Biology through Horizons for Youth. While having performed well in the basic sciences in college, I have managed to gain an even more thorough mastery of the material through MCAT preparation.Part of what makes a great tutor is not only having a strong knowledge foundation, but an ability to listen to the tutee and convey that information in a way that makes sense to them. My tutoring philosophy revolves around the Socratic method: namely, I try to help the student discover the subject for themselves versus me simply giving them the answers. I believe that (guided) personal discovery leads not only to greater understanding, but greater knowledge retention as well.Additionally, as someone who played Division III basketball in college, I have also been doing private basketball lessons where many of the same concepts, albeit in a different context, of tutoring school subjects apply.In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, researching genealogy, and studying improvisation through Second City.

My name is Charley! I'm a graduate student with specializations in English Literature and Creative Writing. I'm available as a writing tutor at any level, in any genre, from middle and high school papers, to college application essays, to college-level writing! I have experience in instructive creative writing and professional editing. I have also studied French for ten years and can tutor at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.

I approach each tutoring job with the question, “What needs to happen for this particular student to understand this material.” Having taught undergraduates at U.C. Berkeley and middle- and high-school students at the Treasure Island Boys and Girls Club in San Francisco, I have experience working with students from a variety of backgrounds and I know that every one is unique. Further, my goal as a tutor is not merely to impart information, but to guide the student through the learning process so that they can master the subject matter themselves. This requires a highly personalized approach. First, I identify the specific areas where the student needs help, then I craft exercises tailored to the student’s particular learning style. I also find multiple modes – oral, written, kinetic, etc. – through which the student can engage the material and deepen their understanding.

I have always been passionate about physics and mathematics, and I have always been passionate about teaching. Students of all varieties deserve a quality education in these subjects, whether or not they intend to pursue careers in science.I have done some degree of teaching and tutoring for over a decade, though I began to do so regularly in college. From 2007 to 2009, I tutored and occasionally taught math classes at the Minnesota Internship Center, a charter school in Minneapolis, MN that primarily serves Somali immigrants. During this time, I was also a tutor for the Macalester College Department of Physics and Astronomy, where I obtained my B.A. in physics and mathematics in May 2009. In 2009, I was a private tutor in calculus for two different students.From September 2010 through December 2011, I was a teaching assistant in introductory physics courses at Boston University, where I obtained my Ph.D in physics in May 2016. This teaching encompassed typical introductory material (Newtonian mechanics and basic electromagnetism) for a variety of skill and interest levels, both calculus and non-calculus based. From January 2014 to June 2015, I was a volunteer tutor at Beacon Academy, mainly for algebra, for motivated students attempting to enter competitive high schools who did not have the financial means to do so without scholarships.As I've mentioned, I obtained a B.A. in physics and mathematics from Macalester College in May 2009, and I obtained my Ph.D in physics from Boston University this past May. I will soon be entering another degree program at Boston University, this time for a masters degree in teaching. Teaching and tutoring are not a side interest to me - I aim to be a career high school teacher.I am qualified to tutor physics up through the GRE level, in addition to all the required mathematics needed for such physics. My favorite subject to tutor is probably calculus, at virtually any level. I love the way it combines basic ideas - the derivative is the slope of a function at any given point, the integral is the area underneath a curve - with real mathematical rigor, and seeing students connect to these concepts is a delight. Calculus is essentially what got me interested in physics in the first place, and applying it to basic concepts such as the relationship between position, velocity and acceleration is another great way to test students' understandings.My basic teaching philosophy is to let the students figure it out for themselves as much as possible. Physics in particular must be learned through constant practice and interactivity. I am happy to provide hints and steer students in the right direction, but only in such a way that they eventually arrive at the answer themselves.Outside of academics, I have pretty typical interests. I enjoy playing guitar, listening to music both live and recorded, going for long walks, and reading for pleasure (although even these books tend to be academic - just not in physics!).

I am a recent graduate of Macalester College. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in Critical Theory, while also pursuing the pre-medical track. Given my background in both STEM and the Humanities, I tutor many subjects, but I am probably most passionate about Chemistry, Math, and English. It is particularly rewarding when some complex chemistry problem suddenly snaps into clarity. As for my approach to education, well it can be summed up in the words of Mark Twain: "I have never let schooling get in the way of my education." School can be really hard, and things aren't always taught in a way that make sense to every student. But just because one approach to teaching hasn't worked for you, doesn't mean you are unteachable. There are many paths to the summit, let's find yours.

Hello! I am a mathematics and statistics student with a strong foundation in probability, statistical theory, and quantitative problem solving. My academic work has emphasized not only technical proficiency, but also clear reasoning and the ability to communicate complex ideas in an intuitive way. Through my coursework and independent study, I have developed a deep understanding of subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. More importantly, I have learned how to break down difficult concepts into manageable stepsan approach I bring directly into my tutoring. I focus on helping students understand the "why" behind the material, not just memorize procedures, so they can apply what they learn with confidence. My tutoring style is patient, structured, and adaptable to each student's needs. Whether a student is struggling with foundational concepts or aiming to excel at a high level, I work to meet them where they are and build their skills systematically. I also emphasize problem-solving strategies, exam preparation, and developing long-term academic independence. I am committed to creating a supportive and effective learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging deeply with the material. My goal is not only to improve grades, but to help students develop lasting confidence in mathematics and analytical thinking.

I am originally from Whitefish Bay, WI, and moved to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester College. I double majored in Educational Studies and Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies. During my time at Macalester College, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I took university classes with Argentinians and immersed myself in the bustling city life. Since then, I have travelled several times to Ecuador to visit my husband's family.After graduating Macalester College, I gained years of experience working in the Minneapolis Public School district. I worked at a Spanish Immersion School for five years, and have worked in various capacities in different schools tutoring students in reading and math. Most recently, I have been working with adults as an instructor and facilitator for professional development opportunities.I recently moved back to the Milwaukee area and am looking for tutoring opportunities for learners of all ages. I look forward to sharing my wealth of knowledge, my test-prep tips, and my patient, fun tutoring style with you! (En español, también!)

I graduated from Macalester College, where I double majored in Linguistics and Hispanic Studies. I love reading and writing and talking- anything that involves language, I'm in! I am available to tutor reading, writing of all kinds, elementary math, public speaking, and Spanish. My favorite subject to tutor is definitely Spanish. I was a Spanish tutor at my college my Senior year, and I love helping other people figure out the intricacies of such a beautiful language. I believe that everyone is capable of learning, and if someone is having difficulties, then we just haven't found the right approach yet, but given time, we certainly can! In my spare time I enjoy backpacking with my family and playing video games.

My name is Kean and I'm a Biology major graduate from Macalester College. My studies focused primarily on Biology/Environmental Studies as well as studies in English creative writing and literature studies. My passion is in wildlife conservation/animal behavioral studies but more broadly ecology in general. Other passions of mine include essay/paper writing and academic organizational skills. I'm currently in the process of working towards getting into a graduate program in wildlife conservation/animal behavioral research with the goal of earning a PhD so education remains very near and dear to my heart. I have considerable tutoring/education experience in the past beginning from my time in High School and I'm excited to get to know and be able to tutor new people! Academia is meant to be challenging but my philosophies with tutoring are centered around adaptability and creative engagement.