Our Tutors

Jennifer J

Teaching Style

I enjoy working with a student one-on-one. We know that every child develops on a different learning curve, which is why the tutoring process is so crucial. Working individually with a child can help them overcome some of the frustration and confusion that comes along with learning in a crowded classroom. I have a great amount of patience and understanding to help the child develop his own learning style and guide him to work through the problems at his own pace to ensure that he truly understands the material. Learning is a step by step process and I know that I can guide each child through the steps they need to take to complete any and all challenges they may face, not just in school, but in life.

Experience Summary

I began tutoring algebra when I was in high school for my boss' kids in the back of the restaurant where I worked. I then went on to get my BA in mathematics at La Salle University, with a minor in Education. While in college, I continued tutoring my fellow students in math and chemistry for a peer tutoring program set up by the school. In addition I observed/student taught at various schools in the Philadelphia area. I have knowledge of a wide range of mathematics, my specialty being algebra and calculus. Due to my experience, I am also proficient in English and can assist in research paper writing.

Nova N

Teaching Style

I love seeing students succeed. I am an excellent teacher because I really care, therefore I put in extra effort to planning and making lessons effective. When possible, I use materials that match student interests. I foster an emotionally safe learning environment so that students feel comfortable. I keep my interactions with students very positive. I believe that emphasizing what a student does right works better than focusing on mistakes.

Experience Summary

I am passionate about helping students learn. My experience includes: • 2 years as a Reading teacher and 2 years as an ESOL teacher. • 8 years as a tutor. • 2 years as a manager and supervisor. • 10 years in technology and business systems I have a Master’s degree in Language Education, and I hold several Florida teaching certifications including Reading Endorsement. I have tutored elementary, middle and high school students, as well as adults. Subjects tutored include Reading and English.

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.

Timothy T

Teaching Style

When I tutor a student, I seek first to understand the student and how he/she thinks. I find it is very important to have good rapport and communication with the student so I understand how he/she views the subject and the difficulties of it. Next I try to make "conceptual bridges" from what they know to what they are having difficulty understanding. This process usually teaches me about seeing the subject from a new point of view. I try to achieve a fine balance between guiding and directing the student’s thoughts on the topic with following the student in their own line of thinking of the subject. The student needs to learn to have confidence in his own thoughts on the subject and in his own ability to master it.

Experience Summary

Over the past four years, I have tutored high school and middle school students in math, algebra, calculus, chemistry, SAT Math, and general study skills. My preference is to tutor math, algebra, calculus, physics, physical science, chemistry, and programming. Math is the subject for which I have the greatest passion. I also participate in the homeschooling of four of my children (13, 11, 8, 6). I have mentored my 13 yr old son in Algebra I & II, Chemistry, Elementary Math, and Middle-school Physical Science, and taught elementary math to my 11, 8, and 6 year olds. Additionally, I read and review history lessons to my kids. I completed my MS in Electrical Engineering in 2006 from The University of Texas at Arlington and my BS in Electrical Engineering and a BA in Philosophy from Rice University. I have recent experience as a student having completed Cellular Biology II at St. Petersburg College in Fall 2011.

Jim J

Teaching Style

I believe that the possibilities of learning are incredible, especially with understanding the tools of both teaching and learning whether that is textbooks, computers, or something else. It is important to ascertain how a student learns, and adjust to them. I’ve discovered in my teaching of children that it is critical to create a foundation of understanding then build upon it through repetition of the basic ideals while adding to what is already established. Children are amazingly open to new ideas, and take on new challenges with excitement, so it is my job as instructor to guide them in their journey. I also feel that early learning is fundamental to the way individuals learn later in life, so helping children learn how to overcome obstacles becomes a way of expanding their educational possibilities.

Experience Summary

Throughout my higher educational career, I’ve been driven to learn as much as possible to help satisfy my enormous curiosity. I have earned a bachelor degree in English Literature, and am currently a MFA candidate in the creative writing program at Arizona State University. As part of my graduate funding, I work as a teaching assistant. The program requires constant training, and I enjoy taking part in understanding the way students learn. In addition to teaching at the university, I work with the Office of Youth Preparation—teaching not only the craft of poetry, but helping 4th and 5th graders develop language skills necessary to do well in school. Although I primarily work with the study of English, I study Spanish and have become proficient with the use of the language.

Ellen E

Teaching Style

I prefer to focus on a child's strengths, even while teaching a subject that may be considered the child's weakest. I believe finding and integrating strengths promotes learning because it creates positive attitudes and a more productive learning environment. While understanding certain systems or theories is necessary, I think it is sometimes easier for a child to grasp challenging material when they see plenty of examples of the theory at work.

Experience Summary

As a recent graduate, with seven years experience writing in a professional environment, I excel at writing and editing because I understand the system of language, and I pay close attention to detail. I have nearly five years experience working with children in a structured environment, in addition to working with children of various ages as a summer camp counselor. I also hold a certificate with significant training in teaching English to non-native speakers.

Redha R

Teaching Style

I teach by example and I am methodical. I show a student how to solve a problem by going very slowly and by following a sequence of steps. I make sure that the student follows understands each step before moving on to the next one. I then ask the student to solve almost the exact same problem (with a slight change in numbers for example)so that the student learns the method and how to solve the problem by herself/himself. I am very patient but expect the student to be willing to learn. I tell students that learning a subject matter is more important than getting an A in a class - this is because 1. if you learn, chances are you won't forget (at least for a long while) and 2. you will get a good grade as a result.

Experience Summary

I have been employed by the IBM corporation for the last 27 years. I held numerous positions in hardware development, software development, telecommunication network development, project management, solution architecture, performance analysis, and others. As much as I enjoy my job, I have passion in Mathematics. I develop new ideas related to my work and expand them into U.S. patents and external technical papers. I informally tutor family and friends attending high school or college. I was a Mathematics teaching assistant at the Univ. of Pittsburgh for 2 years and at the Univ. of Michigan at Ann Arbor for 3 years. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I have published numerous technical papers and hold numerous U.S. patents as well.

Richard R

Teaching Style

I work primarily with late teenagers to adults to the elderly. I am very skilled at finding an effective way to impart information to my students, no matter what their learning style. I am easy going, easy to relate to, and mildly humorous. At OWATC, I received an award from the minority student association as their favorite instructor because of my ability to teach almost anyone and make them enjoy it.

Experience Summary

I have 30 years of experience at all levels of accounting. I have taught the last 11 years at the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (OWATC). OWATC teaching is not lecturing, but is extensive one-on-one work with students answering questions, reviewing assignments and test results, and explaining things. I have worked with all levels of high school and adult learners with skills varying from extremely basic to the advanced. I have also taught English, writing, and all sorts of business software, including extensive work with QuickBooks.