Our Tutors

Nigel N

Teaching Style

I believe that every child is capable of learning and that every child has their own style of learning. As a teacher, I believe in differentiated instruction that allows all students an equal opportunity to learn. I believe in teaching through student exploration. Once a child is able to discover a concept on their own, they are able to better understand and remember it. My approach to teaching is to expose students to practical problems. Once these problems are understood, I introduce a mathematical concept that should allow them to discover a solution to the problem. Throughout this approach, I’m always encouraging and patient. I always stress the importance of making an attempt at solving a problem, as in my favorite quote, “Without struggle, there is no progress.”

Experience Summary

During completion of my undergraduate degree in math, I always strived to achieve excellence in education and to pass on my love for learning. Throughout my college career, I’ve tutored at the undergraduate, the middle and the high school levels. Such exposure allowed me to determine the concepts students have the most difficulty in understanding, and I’m able to prepare accordingly. Upon completion of my degree, I accepted an analyst position with an HR Consulting firm. During these four years, I gained vital experience that allows me to transfer mathematical concepts into real world examples. Such experience has proven to be critical in helping students visualize practical examples of what they learn. I have since left the Consulting firm and entered into teaching. I’m finally doing what I enjoy the most, teaching and passing on a love for learning.

Carla C

Teaching Style

I believe each student has a unique way of learning, and that my job is to discover and support that learning style. Every writer has his or her own voice, and I work to empower writers to express their thoughts as clearly and powerfully as possible. My goal is not to impose information but to guide students in discovery, to support critical thinking and foster new perspectives. Writing is an intensely personal and creative act; I believe in providing a framework within which writing students can comfortably and confidently learn the strategies to speak easily on the page.

Experience Summary

I've spent most of my life helping people learn, starting as a peer tutor in high school! I began teaching professionally as a teaching assistant in college, and since then I've taught in a wide variety of settings, including government training programs, workplace and vocational education, university, high school and community college classes, and private language schools. As a published writer, I mentor and coach writing students in fiction, nonfiction and college composition, and I've designed and developed many classes and programs to support writing students of all levels. I was a tutor for three years at the International School of Languages in Beverly Hills, working with foreign students to improve their command of English. With a BA and MA in Russian studies and a minor in English and journalism, as well as certification in adult literacy, GED and basic education and a community college credential, I have a wide range of experience in language education and writing competency.

Heidi H

Teaching Style

Our children today need to be encouraged and given the opportunity to develop. Some students aren't able to get the attention they need in a classroom setting with all of the other students. All they may need is one on one time to help explain the concept in a way they understand. I'm a very "hands on" tutor and like developing fun, creative ways for the students to learn. I am attentive, encouraging, patient, and considerate and will be available to help the children succeed. My goal is to make a positive difference in each students life.

Experience Summary

As a graduate of Pfeiffer University's Pre Medical program, I feel that I am qualified to tutor students in the fields of math and science. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and finished in the top ten in my class. With a double major in Pre-Med and Biology, and a minor in Chemistry, I have gained understanding of these areas and can help other students learn and understand the concepts presented in these particular subjects. In high school, I tutored Geometry and Algebra. In college, I tutored Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. Currently, I’m working with my church on Tuesday afternoons where my mother developed a community outreach program with Central Elementary School where we tutor five K-2 graders in math and reading. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of our children one student at a time.

Robert R

Teaching Style

I’ve always been interested in the application of math and science to the solution of real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. Therefore my approach to teaching is very application oriented. I like to relate the subject to problems that the students will encounter in real life situations. I've generally only worked with older students; high school or college age or older mature adults who have returned to school to get advance training or learn a new trade.

Experience Summary

I’ve always been interested in math and science; especially in their application to solving real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. I have a BS in electrical engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and an MS in electrical engineering from Marquette University. I am a registered professional engineer in Illinois. I have over 30 years of experience in the application, development, and sales/field support of electrical/electronic controls for industrial, aerospace, and automotive applications. I’m currently doing consulting work at Hamilton-Sundstrand, Delta Power Company, and MTE Hydraulics in Rockford. I also have college teaching and industrial training experience. I have taught several courses at Rock Valley College in Electronic Technology, mathematics, and in the Continuing Education area. I’ve done industrial technical training for Sundstrand, Barber Colman, and others. I’ve also taught math courses at Rasmussen College and Ellis College (online course). I’ve also been certified as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for math and physics courses. I've tutored my own sons in home study programs. I'm currently tutoring a home schooled student in math using Saxon Math. I hope to do more teaching/tutoring in the future as I transition into retirement.

Veronica V

Teaching Style

I love teaching and the reward that it brings. I am a step-by-step oriented teacher. I've had many students return saying how my style of teaching continues to help them in their current studies. In my 14 years of experience, I've learned that many students learn with many different styles. I believe that every child can learn; however, the teacher must reach them at their level. If I have a good understanding of where the student is academically, I can help them to grow academically.

Experience Summary

I've taught middle school for 14 years. My goal in becoming a teacher was to reach those students who had, somehow, fallen through the cracks of education. I taught at a drop-out-prevention school for 7 years. During those years, my student scores continuously rose. I taught 7th and 9th grade at this school. I transferred to a different middle school where I taught 6th & 7th grade for two years and the remaining five years, I taught Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. I began to tutor after school during my first year to struggling students. I was also listed on the school boards list of tutors. I also worked at an after-school program. During these years, I tutored second graders and up to mathematical levels of geometry, Algebra 1 and Algebra II.

Gary G

Teaching Style

My teaching style has been, for the most part, dictated by student response. I am comfortable teaching in a traditional lecture format, in a format that uses a cooperative learning approach exclusively, or in a hybrid format. The goal is for effective learning to take place, and I believe my strongest quality is to be able to adapt in such a way that best helps students reach their academic goals.

Experience Summary

For eight years, I taught freshman and sophomore-level mathematics courses at Arizona State University. These courses included College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Finite Mathematics, and Elementary Mathematics Theory. Additionally, I have tutored students in these courses both in the Mathematics Department Tutor Center, and on my own personal time.

Luketan L

Teaching Style

I have experience tutoring as well as serving the role as a teacher's assistant for an Accounting Information System Class at UofO. As I learn from past experience, I am very approachable and open to helping every student find academic success. I can accommodate to different styles of learning and aim to emphasize my teachings around areas where each individual student struggles the most. I am very relaxed and open to what each student needs.

Experience Summary

I graduated from the University of Oregon Honors Business Program with a B.A in Accounting and Economics in 2007 with a 3.8 GPA along with earning Magna Cum Laude recognition at graduation. I have completed my CPA exam and currently being certified for the State of Oregon. My prior career experience in Accounting includes an internship and a career with two Big 4 Public Accounting Firms: KPMG as an internal audit intern in San Jose, Ca as well as an associate at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Portland, OR. I recently switched over to private industry accounting in June 2008 and now work as an Accounting Analyst at Portland General Electric.

Janette J

Teaching Style

I believe each child in unique, therefore each child has their unique learning style. Therefore, I tend to provide a variety of learning methods. If one method isn't understood, I move on to another one. I think learning should be fun, so I will occasionally play learning games where students feel relaxed while learning. I always provide rewards and incentives to encourage participation and increase self-esteem. One of the most important things I believe children need to succeed is a positive sense of self. When a child feels frustrated or hopeless they are less likely to want to improve. I begin praising at the students current level of acheivement and then continue throughout the entire tutoring process!

Experience Summary

I am currently a tutor for a public school system. I tutor students who are at or below their current grade level. I hold a license in Early Childhood Education- K to 3rd grades. My reading tutoring involves phonemic awareness, sightwords, word attack strategies, comprehension and fluency. When I tutor math I use a variety of math concepts, manipulative, flashcards, worksheets. I am willing to collaborate with teachers to enhance classroom learning and homework skills. I have many years of experience educating children in private Preschool and Kindergarten settings. I have also earned a bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Studies with a concentration in Child Development.