Our Tutors

Christine C

Teaching Style

It is a firm belief of mine that every child can learn and succeed, they just need the motivation and positive environment to do so. With that said, I strive to create a learning-rich environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and find answers. I also like to encourage my students to try their hardest and to not be discouraged by challenging material. In addition, I realize that many students do not receive encouragement or learning opportunities at home, so I try to compensate for that by filling the day with multiple academic opportunities and challenges and positive relationships and encouragement. I have a medium control approach where I allow the children's inner motivation to steer the way instead of my external direction. It is my hope that I positively impact each and every child that I come into contact with.

Experience Summary

I am currently an elementary education major at the University of Florida. I will graduate in May 2009 and then stay an additional year for graduate school. In all of my classes, I have been taught a variety of information to use when working with children. Because I am in the ProTeach Program, I have been given a large magnitude of opportunities to work with children all over the Gainesville area from a variety of backgrounds. I have worked in a rural 3rd grade classroom and an urban 3rd and 4th grade classroom. I have also worked at a day care center in Gainesville. I have been a tutor for the Bright Futures Program for a little girl at risk in the second grade. Back home in Jacksonville, I was a private teacher for a 4th grade girl that was home schooled year around.

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.

Dr George D

Teaching Style

My teaching style is unique in that I make sure the student can start with the fundamental basis of all learning. Especially in the Sciences you must make sure that the student has no misunderstood words or nomenclature regarding the subject, give them plenty of mass on the subject via demonstration and visual aids and finally make sure not to skip any gradients in regards to student comprehension. These are screened through class participation, demonstration and word checking.

Experience Summary

I retired from a rewarding field of Chiropractic in 2000. During that time a treated many celebrities and rose to the top of my field. Since then I have enjoyed continuing to work with the public through instructing Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology and other related Sciences in various Massage and Skin Care Institutes. I find the work rewarding and wish to find the setting in which I can continue to make a difference in peoples lives.

Jack J

Teaching Style

Students both in and out of the classroom are nothing more than an untapped source of infinite potential. Each and every student has the inner strength and drive to be the best that they can be, regardless of the circumstances. It’s the job of the educator to motivate and prepare each individual for success in life. My passion is to help kids realize that potential and inspire them to push beyond their limits to achieve that level of accomplishment that was once thought unattainable. Success in life is best achieved in an environment filled with motivation and positive reinforcement. This rewards creativity as well as spurs curiosity. These are priceless qualities that make learning enjoyable versus bothersome.

Experience Summary

What better way to learn, master, and hone your individual skills and talents than to teach someone else? There is no better feeling than to share your own knowledge and experience with another child, and to watch them grow and mature as both a person and a student. That is the exact reason why I chose the path that I did. It first started with a position as a substitute teacher in the state of Florida. There isn’t a more diverse and broad range of personalities anywhere else in the country. However, my desire to teach and help others didn’t stop at the academic level. Soon after graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, I enrolled into medical school. As a practicing physician I will be able to continue with my passion for teaching both children and adults for the rest of my career.

Roberto R

Teaching Style

The thinking and learning processes were always intriguing to me. I am very inquisitive and cannot stop until I understand how things tick. However, patience and comprehension are certainly big parts of me as a person. This is why tutoring is a very fulfilling experience. Being part of how young and/or elder people improve not only their analytical and cognitive skills, but also their self esteem is so satisfying. The latter, is most likely what will help them to face and deal with future academic, and personal problems. Besides, tutoring not only helps people individually, but eventually, it helps to improve society as a whole.

Experience Summary

As my parents always told me, I believe that education is a transcendent part of everybody's lives. I have earned a BS in Biochemical Engineering, and almost a BS in Apply Mathematics, at Rutgers University. Since I was in my native country I had a very clear goal in mind. I wanted to get a broader level of education, than just simply assuring a future professional career. In order to achieve that I decided to pursue my studies in a different country. This came along with a language that I had to learn and a different educational system. I complemented the science core of my bachelors with Philosophy, Cognitive Psychology and Anthropology among others. I always tutored either Math or Spanish while my school years, but when I was senior, the School of Engineering selected me as a tutor for incoming engineering students. Chemistry and Calculus were the main topics, but later I also helped with Physics and Computer Science.

Victoria V

Teaching Style

I truly enjoy teaching. My strategy involves actively engaging the student in the learning process. I always try to develop personalized programs based on each student's strengths and weaknesses.

Experience Summary

In 2006 I graduated from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) with a Master of Science degree. During my Master's program I worked as a teaching assistant in General and Organic Chemistry Laboratories. I was responsible for a brief introduction of the material prior to every lab period. This greatly helped me to learn how to organize material I was to present and explain difficult concepts in a simple manner. At USC as a Ph.D. student, I had a chance to work for the Student Athletes Academic Service where I was a chemistry and math tutor. In addition, during the spring of 2007 I was working as an assistant for the Organic Chemistry Course at LA Trade Tech College, where I was responsible for weekly sessions.

Jon J

Teaching Style

My teaching style begins with understanding the level of each student's knowledge and learning approach. During my college years I participated in many tutorial sessions realizing that it could provide instructional help as well as social interaction with other motivated students. I believe that tutoring helps a student become more involved in his/her studies, creating a greater interest and a more enduring impact. I can teach very detailed, down to the fundamentals, or using simple examples. The best part about teaching is watching as the students "get it."

Experience Summary

At the University of California, Irvine I completed my degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish. Additionally I took the necessary courses for medical school. I have completed Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and several Biology courses. I also took the Medical College Admissions Test. I have tutored students in their homes in areas of mathematics and Biology.

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.