Our Tutors

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.

Kristi K

Teaching Style

My style is very unlike most educators, but that is why I believe I have such a high success rate. I believe that each student should have fair and equal educational access and that each child has the ability to learn. I believe in having the highest expectations for EVERY student. I also believe in making sure that curriculum and lessons are relevant to the child's surroundings, and I practice the strategies of modeling and practicing the concepts or assignments with the student.

Experience Summary

For the past four years, I have spent much of my teaching career working with ESE children and those from low income backgrounds with significant learning barriers. I have been incredibly successful in making learning gains and working toward successful high school completion and college enrollment. I have also tutored students after school and during the summer for the past four years in all core subject areas.

Andrew A

Teaching Style

I believe in making subject matter relevant to your child's life and strive to transform dry or abstract theory into an area of enlivened academic interest. One's ability to learn is directly proportional to the interest that can be mustered for the subject and it is not subjects, but the presentation of subjects, that fluctuate in their level of stimulation. My goal is to take an active interest in my pupil's life and through that to frame the presentation of material to their interests. I have the competency and diligence to master material and to mold it into a context that will empower your child to his/her potential.

Experience Summary

I am a firm believer in a well rounded education and that excellence in one subject complements excellence in another. Although I majored in Economics and minored in history, I took an abundance of science courses in order to satisfy prerequisites for dental school (not to mention my course load in dental school). Pursuing the liberal arts has enabled me to have a broad perspective and approach to all subject areas and equipped me to be proficient in tutoring Chemistry, Biology, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, and most other disciplines.

Marquice M

Teaching Style

In the beginning being a doctor was all that I desired. Helping others, tending to their wounds and etc was my dream. It wasn't until I had the honor of tutoring others that I realized, my passion to teach was equally as strong as my passion for medicine. I feel no child is incapable of learning. As long as one remembers that everyone is different, and that each person brings a different amount of prior knowledge with them. By bearing that in mind it allows you the ability to adjust and when working with children a teacher must know how to adjust so that each child is reached. I love education, and I love assisting others in reaching their potential.

Experience Summary

During my time as an undergraduate I was blessed with the opportunity of tutoring others. I have earned one bachelor degree, BS in Biology with and emphasis in genetics. Along with my bachelors I have obtained two minors as well, one chemistry and the other in sociology. Due to this background I was able to excel in teaching others the fundamentals of biology. Partaking in research, working on lab reports and spending numerous nights in the lab have benefited me in that I am well versed in all aspects of the life sciences.

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.

Tammy T

Teaching Style

I love teaching in an environment where the student is made to feel comfortable and that their efforts are rewarded and appreciated. I like to provide my students with as many tools as possible to make sure they get the most thorough understanding of a particular concept. Often times I use hands-on materials, one-on-one settings, and technology based instruction. One person at a time helping one student at a time can make the difference.

Experience Summary

I began tutoring before I began teaching. I have always had a passion for seeing students become successful math students. In the last three years I have tutored over 20 students privately in the areas of reading for grades K-5 and in mathematics from kindergarten to Algebra through Trigonometry. In addition to my tutoring experience I have branched into teaching basic math courses at the college level. I feel that my experience working in community based tutoring groups and structured programs are a great asset.

Patti P

Teaching Style

Education is the most valuable asset we can provide to our children. Each student is unique and needs to be taught in a manner that brings out their strengths to conquer weaknesses. Every student has the opportunity and ability to learn, though tapping into how each student learns may be a challenge. I believe students at any age are inquisitive by nature and should be able to follow a staircase of "why's" until all the "why's" are answered. Constructive feedback through encouragement is a great way to keep a child inquisitive and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Experience Summary

Working in the field of public safety as a supervisor, I have written numerous training manuals and taught adults in report writing, field training, National Incident Management Systems, Incident Command Systems, Taser Weapons Technology, and Basic Security classes. I have been employed for 10 years with the county and recently graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. My long term goals are to teach at a university and I am currently working to earn an MBA. While in college, I have tutored students in all areas of the degrees I was seeking, including Statistics, various levels of Math, Finance, and College Writing. I often edit student papers for grammar, spelling, and formatting issues for their final drafts.

Robert R

Teaching Style

My approach to tutoring was to start from the beginning of the subject being taught and determine where the students had a problem and what the weaknesses were. With accounting and finance, I found the best method of teaching was the repetitive completion of problems with the student doing the work with minimal direction, with my help only when needed. This built confidence, which often was the major problem, and helped them learn and understand the subject matter.

Experience Summary

As a graduate student at Hofstra University, I had the opportunity to tutor undergraduate students full-time in accounting and finance while earning my degree. Being older than those I instructed, I was also able to provide career advice when needed. Having extensive experience, and being an above average performer, the program director entrusted me with a heavier workload than the others. My passion and enthusiasm was evident to those I taught and enabled me to excel.