Our College Tutors

Dara D

Teaching Style

I believe in my students and their abilities to learn and synthesize their experiences. My students learn their subjects because I provide a variety of techniques to command their attention. I believe teaching is not just about giving students information but about reaching students who might "get lost" in the system without a guide and friend to help them along.

Experience Summary

I have taught for over ten years in the public school system and learned how to "connect" with students. I have taught physics, chemistry, and mathematics at the high school level, and I have a wide range of teaching experiences in those fields. I have taught AP, honors, and standard classes. Using interesting movies followed by a lab to reinforce the concept is one of the ways I have used to reach students and make a difference in their lives.

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.

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.

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.

John J

Teaching Style

I enjoy teaching and coaching. Why am I effective? I talk to - not at my pupils. My non-threatening and non-intimidating persona allows me to quickly develop a healthy rapport. By listening to my students' thought processes, I work within their frame of reference and then offer suggestions to guide them to a more appropriate path. Finally, I always encourage and am highly adept at objectively critiquing without offending.

Experience Summary

My professional career began at Kaplan Test Prep in Manhattan. As a Test Prep Specialist, I lectured to hundreds of students the concepts tested and test-taking strategies required for the GMAT, LSAT, GRE & SAT standardized exams. My ability garnered me Instructor of the Year for three consecutive years. In addition, I have private tutored in a variety of subject areas. Even during my MBA studies at Duquesne University, I was active in the school's PACT Tutoring Program, worked as a Mathematics Aid at Schenley High School, and delivered an LSAT training curriculum sponsored by the university's School of Leadership.

Katherine K

Teaching Style

Throughout my teaching experience I have encountered students of all ages and abilities, from high school students with learning differences to adult learners of ESL. I believe each student is unique and brings their own set of experiences and strengths to the material to be learned, necessitating an adaptable teaching style. I am experienced in the communicative approach and believe each students learns best through discovery and by utilizing their particular intelligence. I am patient, relaxed and treat each student with respect. I think students learn best when they are having fun and have a trusting relationship with their teacher.

Experience Summary

While working towards my bachelors degree in English (with a minor in Political Science), I worked as a substitute teacher in the public school system for a year and a half, in order to ascertain my affinity for many different levels and subjects. My writing and grammatical skills are excellent; in 2004 I was awarded First Place in Undergraduate Writing at the University of North Florida. My first professional teaching experience complemented my areas of expertise perfectly: I taught English as a Foreign Language to business professionals in Argentina for six months, using the communicative approach. During this time I learned much about South American politics and culture, as well as the Spanish language. Upon return I taught English to high school students for one year at a private school for students with learning disabilities and emotional/ behavioral problems. This summer, I have again taught international students at a Berlitz ESL program, ELS Language Center. Throughout the years I have also tutored and worked with students one on one many times, specifically with rudimentary reading and writing.

Jade J

Teaching Style

I enjoy tutoring students of all ages. When a student reaches the moment of understanding and a smile comes across his or her face, my heart is filled with a certain level of satisfaction that is indescribable. My hope is to facilitate this process of understanding the best that I can. Thus, my teaching style is relatively lax and often humorous in nature in order to mitigate any intimidation that may accompany learning. I try different approaches to explain a concept, often referring to common everyday examples to simplify more technical ideas. I understand that not every student learns in the same manner or at the same rate, so I will cater my teaching style to the individual student.

Experience Summary

As a pre-dental student from Seattle University, I have created my own goals for a successful education. I am on track for earning two degrees, a BS in Mathematics and a BS in General Science. My greatest strength is in mathematics, as I have undergone extensive outside coursework in this field from an early age. I have tutored mathematics for four years, from middle school and high school students in after school tutoring programs to college-aged students and adults who are returning to college in my school’s Math Lab, an educational center designed to provide math help to those enrolled in math classes. My experience as a resident assistant has facilitated my ability to work with a diverse student population. With regards to my French ability, I was enrolled in a French Immersion program for the first four years of elementary school and had taken four years in high school.

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.