Our Tutors

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.

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.

Maria M

Teaching Style

I love tutoring and consider myself to be effective at it. I approach it with enthusiasm. I apply theory to practical applications in my career and life. My approach is one of ease. I consider mathematics to be easy, as long as you accept what I call "the rules of the game"; i.e., there are certain principles that have to be accepted, and not questioned, then everything else falls in place. I believe that all people have the capability of learning, and I love the opportunity to provide a positive experience to students.

Experience Summary

I have been tutoring for more than 5 years. My main focus is mathematics, but I also tutor students in Spanish I through IV. I have tutored Spanish, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus. I have recently helped several students prepare for the SAT math test. I enjoy making a difference in the student’s life.

Elaine E

Teaching Style

Since I have a degree in special education and ESL, I have used many different methods of teaching. As a teacher I see myself as a facilitator. I want my students to be in charge of their learning, not me. I often ask a student “leading questions” instead of just giving them the answer. I also consider the audience when I am teaching. I ask myself...Are they familiar with our customs or not? Do they know our idioms or not?

Experience Summary

I have a MS in Varying Exceptionalities. I also have 18 hrs of ESL. Currently, I am working on 18 hrs of English. I have taught pre-school through adults. I have taught many different kinds of students. I have taught international students, ESL students, and native speakers of English. I have worked in pre-schools, public schools, private schools, language schools, and colleges. I have tutored many different kinds of students from foster children to adults.

Lori L

Teaching Style

I believe that students are wary of mathematics and statistics because they appear clinic and distant, with little to do with the “real” world. To educate I try to create dynamic and above all relevant “uses” for the lessons. My experiences have exposed me to different teaching styles and class formats and allowed me to develop a teaching philosophy that encompasses the best of all these methods. My philosophy is best described with reference to six primary concepts: 1. Knowledge conveyed in a relevant context 2. Interaction with each student and the material 3. Passion for teaching and the subject 4. Adaptability 5. Creativity in teaching methods and 6. Respect between the student and the teacher All students seek knowledge; it’s the teacher’s role to facilitate learning and guide them along the path. A successful lesson is one in which the student comes out seeing the world a little differently.

Experience Summary

During my education and career, the teaching of others has featured prominently in my personal goals and life objectives. While attending high school, I tutored fellow students professionally in subjects ranging from basic algebra to complex calculus. My undergraduate degree was in the field of Mathematics and Statistics with an additional biological statistics certificate and at present I am completing my Masters of Science in statistics. My understandings of these fields lead to my recruit by a number of professors and researchers to provide assistance and advisement on statistical analysis of their projects. In addition to assisting my professors, I was also selected to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and was also selected to conduct "stand alone" courses. I have a strong passion for these subjects and I believe my years of teaching experience have given me the insight, patience and ability to convey the complex world of mathematics and statistics to my students.

Sharon S

Teaching Style

I enjoy teaching, and continue to work at combining different instructional techniques in order to target and motivate my students who are of different cultures and ethnicity. I use a combination of hands-on/lab activities, guest speakers, field trips, multimedia, questioning, discussions, and lectures. I am also passionate about helping students to make real-world connections to help them develop science literacy in order to become science literate adults. As an educator I believe in maintaining order in the classroom so that my students are able to learn in an ordered and caring environment, and I strongly believe in providing timely feedback to students so that they can maximize their learning.

Experience Summary

As a chemistry graduate I gained invaluable experience in the fields of research & development, and forensic chemistry, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry as a medical representative. I later became interested in teaching and completed my master's degree in science education. I have been teaching for the past 3 years. I currently teach high school chemistry, AP chemistry and environmental science, at a charter school. Over the years I have developed my computer skills, and my management capabilities, as well as my ability to work with people of different cultures and ethnicity.

Jared J

Teaching Style

I love to tutor and work with students of all ages. Every student has their own learning style that must be found to help the student efficiently and substantially. I want to provide the best education possible by learning about the student and finding the best way to display topics to them. Every student already possesses the potential to succeed in any academic field; they just need great teachers, good study partners, great learning environments, and many learning experiences. I try to present material in a fashion that will hold the students interest and I also like to use visual aids. Learning must be made fun for the student for them to absorb the greatest amount of knowledge that they can!

Experience Summary

Throughout my education I have been driven to achieve academic excellence by applying myself the best that I can. I have obtained a bachelors degree in science with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry; this has given me an outstanding understanding in many areas of mathematics and the sciences. I have also learned research skills and great biological writing skills from my research, laboratory reports, and various other essays during my studies. During the last two years I have tutored students in physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, and calculus.