Our Tutors

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.

Latha L

Teaching Style

I love to teach children mathematics. Many students are afraid of mathematics since they were not given the right approach towards the subject. The key is to be strong in the fundamentals and add a little bit of practice.

Experience Summary

I am a double graduate in science subjects. I myself am a student and I always like to learn. I am always in a teaching environment. Recently I was involved in research in physics. This is helping me to develop a more scientific approach. I have been tutoring for 4 years.

Miriam M

Teaching Style

I like to figure out whether a student learns best by words, diagrams and pictures, or analogy. I enjoy finding ways to simplify things and help someone else learn. In addition to all the teaching I've done at the graduate level, I've also helped my two children with homework when needed for the past 20 years.

Experience Summary

I have been teaching and doing research in chemistry, biology, and genetics for many years. I am an avid tutor and teacher for all sciences. As with all laboratory sciences I have written many research papers; therefore, I am confident I can also assist students with writing papers and essays.

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.

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.

Melissa M

Teaching Style

My teaching style is very hands on. I believe in using lots of manipulatives so the children can discover on their own what is being done. I believe that children learn best when lessons or activities are about something they are interested in. I try to get to know my students and plan lessons that they will be engaged in and enjoy doing. I never give up on my students and know they can learn anything when given the right environment.

Experience Summary

I graduated from Kent State University in December of 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Along with my course work I was placed in 4 very different, semester long, student teaching/field experience settings. In doing so I was able to put the theories and information I was learning in my class work to practice. Since graduation I worked in a child care center, working with toddlers for 6 months, an assistant director of a summer camp for 3 months during the summer (which was my fifth year working there), and am currently substitute teaching. I started out substitute teaching at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year going to various elementary classrooms throughout the district of Akron Public Schools. Currently I am a long term substitute for a fifth grade classroom at Voris Elementary for the remainder of the school year.

Shelly S

Teaching Style

Because science is a "hands-on" subject, I feel it is extremely important to use demonstrations, examples that are relevant to every-day life, experiments and anything else that will help students understand the world around them. I have been told that I have an "out-of-the-box" approach to learning, but have found it to be successful with the majority of students. Classroom discussions are utilized more often then lectures, because when a student plays an active role in their education, they learn more.

Experience Summary

Over the past 12 years, I have worked in both the private and public sectors of the education community. I have taught grades 7-12 in all areas of science. I have also been the director of a learning center, where I started as a tutor. The years of experience have taught me a great deal about children of all ages and abilities. With each new year, I learn something new about myself and my style.

Lori L

Teaching Style

I love helping students learn and discover new interests. I understand that people learn in different ways and I am capable of adjusting to each child's style. I am personally a visual and tactile learner so that is where I typically start and then adjust to each child.

Experience Summary

During my time at UCF, I was a teaching assistant for Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and a tutor for Ecology. I have also published research in invasion plant biology and have spent time performing underwater research in Roatan, Honduras. I have a strong understanding of biology and the related fields and good written or oral communication skills.