A photo of DJ, a tutor from University of Georgia

DJ

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I graduated from the University of Georgia having studied Latin, Sociology, and Political Science. Though my B.A. was in Latin, I became a science teacher because that was what was needed at the low-income school where I began teaching. With my mother and grandmother both having been teachers and my commitment to helping the world, it was not surprising that I tutored my own students frequently, developed ways to help them through state and standardized tests in my classroom, and always loved it. For adolescents, I find that reclaiming their academic experiences through reflection was just as important on drilling them in the facts when it came to ACT, SAT, and AP preparation. A few opportunities to help the parents of my students reinvigorated me as I helped adults get their GED, pass required college courses for their degree, and prove to themselves that anything is possible with hard work!

DJ’s Qualifications

Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: University of Georgia - Bachelors, Latin

Test Scores

SAT Math: 780

SAT Verbal: 730

SAT Writing: 750

GRE Quantitative: 161

SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M: 780

GRE Verbal Reasoning: 163

Hobbies

reading, volleyball, biking, politics, cooking

Tutoring Subjects

Advanced Placement Prep

AP Latin

Foreign Language

Graduate Test Prep

GRE

GRE Analytical Writing

GRE Quantitative

GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

GRE Subject Test in Biology

GRE Subject Tests

Latin 1

Latin 3

Latin 4

PSAT Prep

PSAT Critical Reading

SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M

SAT Subject Test in Chemistry

SAT Subject Test in Latin

SAT Subject Tests Prep

SAT Writing and Language

SSAT Prep

SSAT- Upper Level

Test Prep

Q & A

What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is assets-based and concept-focused. I deeply believe that any subject is within a learner's grasp; however, teachers must be flexible to leverage a student's strengths. It builds confidence and helps the student learn how they best learn. Teachers should also focus on bigger-picture concepts rather than discrete skills and facts alone. When students understand why and how to think critically, they become independent learners more quickly and successfully.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

The first goal is always to check in about goals -- if we don't know what the student is driving towards, I cannot develop a plan to get there. We may share some personal details to get to know each other, but then, it is time to get to work! I like doing a lesson to figure out each other's style--diagnostics can be left as homework or for the next session. Authentic interaction is important!