Our Tutors

Paul P

Teaching Style

For various reasons, we all learn in different ways. Often times this is difficult to address in a classroom setting, forcing teachers to address skills by giving particular instructions (how to write a paper, how to solve an equation, etc.) thereby making education a project of memorization more so than understanding. I believe it is important for students to grasp the broad concepts of their subject manner, through their particular learning style, then applying these to specific objects as opposed to the other way around. This not only allows for students to achieve in various exercises, but creates a context by which students can relate to their subject, thus internalizing it and creating a solid foundation to move forward from.

Experience Summary

Educationally, I have a BA in Mathematics from Vassar College, a school where I achieved a high level of success graduating with high honors both generally and within my major. While this gives me the mastery necessary to approach all levels of math up to the graduate level, my teaching experience makes it possible for me to convey those subjects to my students. I began working one on one with students while teaching guitar in high school and since then have continued to facilitate students' learning at various levels. Most recently I've pursued experiential education working with kids on farms, backpacking trips, and canoe expeditions. I apply this hands on approach to education in the classroom as well, one that I found successful while teaching Linear Algebra to college freshmen my senior year.

Jahmel J

Teaching Style

My students never doubted my love for them. They know that I am a serious instructor who knows when it's time for laughter and play. I have been known to expect so much from my students. That's because I recognize each and every one of their abilities and capabilities. I believe children have the ability to soar if someone just tries to see their potential and allow them to reach it. My philosophy is quite simple...in my classroom I maintain firmness, fairness, and consistency. This philosophy has always worked extremely well in the classroom with my students and I. They know the role I play and what I expect, and likewise my students know what to expect of me. I believe as an instructor that I have the ability to make a remarkable change out of the lives of many, but if I can reach at least one student--then, I have done a job well done. My students can honestly say I am striving to make them successful, productive citizens of society. I expect nothing less!

Experience Summary

My experience as a teacher is varied. My first experience working with children started in 1997 as a tutor for the College Reach-Out Program (CROP) on Santa Fe Community College's campus. I maintained that position for three years until I went into the teaching profession. The moment I entered the field of education, I began substituting. I was offered my first assignment as a long-term substitute teaching Intensive Reading to 9th graders. Shortly after, my long-term position turned into a permanent position where I taught 9-12 graders intensive reading instruction. The following year I was appointed a Dean of Students at my high school. I have taught Exceptional Student Education to 9-12 graders, Advanced and Regular Language Arts and Reading to 7th graders. This past year I taught in Pinellas County as a 7th grade reading teacher. Each year I have taught in the public school system I have always facilitated or assisted with ELP tutoring programs or CROP.

Davorin D

Teaching Style

From my tutoring experience, I have noticed that students have trouble understanding the meaning of numbers and symbols on paper simply because no one has taught them how to visualize and interpret them in a real world situation. They also don't realize that they have plethora of resources and tools available to them to help them, yet they rarely utilize them. I try to give hints and clues to my students and let them obtain the right answers on their own instead of simply solving the problem for them. I believe this gives them a much better understand of the material.

Experience Summary

Having recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree, I am continuing my education to obtain my Master's degree in mathematics. Number Theory will be my focus, as I intend to get involved in the encryption field. During my senior year as undergraduate, I have worked on campus as a teacher's assistant and at home as an online tutor for UNCG's iSchool program. I have privately tutored undergraduates needing help in pre-calculus and calculus. I enjoyed helping the students and showing them some of my own tricks and ways when it comes to solving the problems.

Julie J

Teaching Style

Teaching college students has been very rewarding. I encourage active participation in discussion and groups. Each class is started with a question and answer period about any nutrition issue they might have. Most assignments have an aspect of self discovery so that each student can learn something about their nutrition status. Late work is not allowed and attendance is not taken; rather random "reflection" responses are asked to reward those that attend and to ascertain their understanding of the concepts discussed. Each student can excel when the effort is made.

Experience Summary

As an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University Idaho since 1995 (it was then Ricks College), I have taught human nutrition, nutrition and the young child, introduction to foods, nutrition for the culinary arts majors, and various classes for the dietetic technician program. I earned my Dietetics degree in 1985 and have practiced as a Registered Dietitian since then. I have worked in clinical settings including hospitals, long term care, assisted living homes and fitness centers. I am a partner in the Idaho Plate Method LLC business, which created a diabetes education tool sold throughout the United States.

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.

Sam S

Teaching Style

I find a great deal of personal satisfaction in imparting knowledge to others. I am patient, open-minded and respect the individuality of those with whom I work. At the same time I am dedicated to the progress of those I teach and keep focused on the ultimate educational goal. Nothing is more important, to an individual's happiness and well-being than learning. Learning opens up doors heretofore closed. I recognize and respect the impact a teacher can have on a student's life. A person's education reverberates down through all the years of one's life.

Experience Summary

In my business career one of my most important tasks was to train individuals and groups in the use of computer software. I found it most rewarding to see individuals become more knowledgeable and thus, be able to perform their jobs more efficiently. Another task I performed was as a liaison or translator between technical people and business system users. I was charged with explaining the needs of business users to the technical staff. This required patience and interpersonal skill, so that, all parties became sufficiently knowledgeable to enable a successful result. Both my children had learning disabilities. This necessitated that I insure that homework assignments were completed. I also tutored my children in a wide variety of subjects (spelling, English, math) to supplement the efforts of their teachers. This required a commitment to the learning process and accommodation to their individual learning styles.

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.

Jennifer J

Teaching Style

As an elementary and middle school Language Arts teacher I believe instruction should be tailored to the needs of the individual learner and to the needs of the community. I have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of settings and ability levels. Students confidently excel when they are in a learning environment that is tailored to their abilities and needs. I strive to build a relationship of respect with each student. I am focused, student-centered, and knowledgeable of subject matter. I can create and foster an environment that motivates students and helps them to learn.

Experience Summary

I have earned a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education, a Reading and Literacy minor, and an endorsement in Middle School Education. As a teacher my students succeeded in reading literacy/comprehension, and improved their overall writing skills by several grade levels. After a successful teaching experience in Language Arts, theater, and journalism at the middle school level, I sought a master of arts degree in Educational Administration. Working in school leadership enabled me to focus on creating a real-world language arts curriculum, and improving student motivation and achievement.