Our Elementary Tutors

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.

Darlene D

Teaching Style

Much of my job includes mentoring new employees. Although I enjoy working with adults, I find it much more interesting to work with younger people. I would like the opportunity to tutor another student who is struggling with math. I have found that most students I have helped just needed some individual attention, and a safe place to ask questions that they would not ask in the classroom setting.

Experience Summary

I have worked in the Computer Science field since 1985 when I first started working for the US Space Program. During that time, I earned my BS and MS degrees, and am currently working on the Doctorate in Business with Applied Computer Science. During the last four years, I have tutored a student in mathematics, ranging from basic Algebra to College Calculus. During that time, the student received all A's. Since this student is moving on to a University out of the area, I will no longer be working with him; therefore I am looking forward to helping other students.

Kim K

Teaching Style

My teaching approach begins with the idea that economics is a way of thinking. My primary objective is to provide students with a set of tools that helps them attain academic success and growth, to build and expand their knowledge and critical thinking skills, and to develop as individuals. My approach encourages students to "learn by doing" through classroom activities, visual guides, interactive lessons, real world application and hypothetical situations. I also incorporate active learning through a lecture style that encourages student discussion. A good instructor motivates students to want to learn and retain the material. Stellar students benefit when instructors challenge them to move towards higher level applications of the material. Struggling students need someone who can see beyond their mistake and into their thought process. I strive to convince students they are developing valuable skills for their lives by regularly connecting the material to their everyday lives. My teaching techniques have improved with each experience I have endured. I continue to look for new ideas and technologies that can improve my teaching effectiveness. In the end, I want to share my passion for economics and learning, leaving them excited about using the skills in their own lives. My goal is to meet students where they are and take them where they need to go.

Experience Summary

I have been a passionate tutor since my high school years. I continued tutoring in undergraduate and graduate school in subject areas from chemistry to calculus. My strengths are being able to communicate concepts clearly and in a way students can relate to.

Suzanne S

Teaching Style

I am extremely sensitive to the individual needs of each child. At first, I work with my students at their success level so they start to build self-confidence and a sense of mastery. Then, I will begin to challenge my students, without frustrating them but stimulating them, so they want to learn more and more. This helps them to become more independent learners. I utilize all modalities to stimulate my students five senses. I also encourage them to use abstract thinking to find their own solutions and think ' out of the box '.

Experience Summary

I recently retired from the NYC Dept. of Education. I was a Special Education Teacher for the past 25 years. I graduated with Departmental Honors in Psychology, as well as receiving a license for teaching both Elementary and Special Education. My dual educational background has enabled me to work on emotional/learning issues with children(eg-self esteem, behavior modification, attention deficit disorders, etc.), as well as all academic subjects. I am well versed in writing I.E.P.'s, case studies, behavioral programs, lesson plans, long and short term learning objectives and progress reports. I worked in a psychoeducational setting and am well practiced in communicating with students, parents, administrators, therapists and other educators. I feel that open communication is extremely important among all involved with each child, in order to give the child a feeling of security and consistency. Each child is an individual with different learning needs and styles. It is up to the educator and team, to help them reach their full learning potential.

Alfred A

Teaching Style

I am a firm believer in the saying that "every child is gifted". I also believe that no two children are equal. These principles have guided me throughout my teaching experiences. Therefore, I patiently work with students by first assessing their situations and then designing plans to help them out. I am easy going and that helps me communicate effectively with my students.

Experience Summary

I have always loved teaching, so I worked as a teacher's aide at an elementary school directly after graduating from high school. I obtained my BS in physical science with a major in chemistry and a diploma in education. I also obtained my MS in analytical chemistry working in the study of the kinetics of metals in reducing environments. I used these acquired physical sciences as tools in my analysis. This has given me great understanding of these subjects. I have also tutored a lot of students through my graduate studies.

Olayinka O

Teaching Style

I love teaching and working with all levels of students. I believe all children can learn, but each in different ways. I am available to help your child find academic success. I am patient, easy going, and considerate. My goal is to provide the best education possible. I am a firm believer in teaching through discovery and in providing a constructivist approach to learning. I believe all children can meet their potential if they are given the appropriate surroundings and learning experiences. A few good educators can make a world of difference to a child's education. I strive to make a difference in all of my students' lives.

Experience Summary

As a college graduate, I was very much driven to achieve a level of excellence in education. I have earned a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, and completed my thesis leading to a Master's degree in Economic Policy. These have enabled me to gain an understanding in many areas of math and science. In addition, I have learned extensive grammatical skills due to writing research papers and laboratory reports, along with essays in many various areas of study. During the last 13 years I have tutored students (all levels) in Mathematics, Sciences, and Economics and English. For two years I taught as the MCAS Math Instructor, Roxbury Community College, where I taught math concepts and methods to high-school students in preparation for statewide assessment tests. This involved developing and implemented unit plans and assessments, the assessment of individual learning styles and adapted teaching methods to fit. I am proud to say I created a classroom environment that engaged student interest, leadership and stimulated learning.

Justin J

Teaching Style

I am a very enthusiastic tutor and, as I stated in the previous section, believe teaching in such a way that the student gains a true mastery of the given subject. In a sense, I believe in each student understanding a particular concept in their own unique way that is consistent with their unique thinking processes. I strive to do this by relating a given concept analogously to something the student already fundamentally understands. I also create new problems to solve that probe the students’ progress and comprehension. I try to make these problems as realistic as possible to make them interesting to the student.

Experience Summary

Being a Ph.D. candidate and appointed research assistant, I very much realize the importance of true comprehension of a subject. Not only do I hold two B.S. degrees in Applied Mathematics and Chemical Engineering but I also carry credits to the equivalent of a Non-Thesis Masters in Applied Mathematics and am one course shy of a minor in Chemistry. I have tutored groups of students for Sylvan Learning Centers, conducted one-on-one sessions with Educational Enrichment and independently, and prepared and delivered lectures for advanced undergraduate chemical engineering courses. I am capable and experienced in tutoring all levels of mathematics, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics and materials science.

Nathan N

Teaching Style

I believe in completing an individual needs assessment and designing a study approach around that assessment. I believe in constant reinforcement and reassessment. I also believe it is useful to utilize as many and as varied forms of instruction as possible (written, audio-visual, demonstration, etc.) to solidify a concept. Promoting thorough understanding rather than route memory and recognition skills is paramount.

Experience Summary

Over the years (as undergrad and graduate), I have tutored middle school and elementary age students in various subjects. I have also been a resource for undergrad and graduate health science students while serving as a graduate assistant (public health master's program). I proctored exams and held tutoring and review sessions prior to testing. I have two master's degrees, three undergraduate degrees, and experience as a paramedic, nurse, and substitute teacher.