Our Tutors

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.

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.

Alfred A

Teaching Style

I am a firm believer in the saying that "every child is gifted". I also believe that no two children are equal. These principles have guided me throughout my teaching experiences. Therefore, I patiently work with students by first assessing their situations and then designing plans to help them out. I am easy going and that helps me communicate effectively with my students.

Experience Summary

I have always loved teaching, so I worked as a teacher's aide at an elementary school directly after graduating from high school. I obtained my BS in physical science with a major in chemistry and a diploma in education. I also obtained my MS in analytical chemistry working in the study of the kinetics of metals in reducing environments. I used these acquired physical sciences as tools in my analysis. This has given me great understanding of these subjects. I have also tutored a lot of students through my graduate studies.

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.

Parth P

Teaching Style

In my own studies I have learned the importance of gaining a firm grasp of fundamental knowledge in order to apply it to situations that one has never encountered. This style of learning is at the forefront of science and mathematics. During tutoring, I make sure that the students have properly attained the fundamental knowledge and avoid teaching only how to solve specific problems or answer specific homework/test questions. By tutoring in this manner, students have had great success in solving problems or answering questions on midterms and final exams. Assisting students achieve mastery in applying basic concepts to unfamiliar situations is crucial in unlocking their potential as they do not have to "memorize" their way through college, especially when it comes to science and math courses.

Experience Summary

Having graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar from UNC-Chapel Hill, I have always achieved a level of excellence in education. I have earned two bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees in Biology and Chemistry. As a result of achieving mastery in these areas, I have tutored students in subjects such as Genetics, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. Through tutoring, I have learned that it helps me enrich my own knowledge about the subject matter thus, allowing me to approach concepts/problems in different ways.

Jim J

Teaching Style

Educational goals are comprised of two major types: short term - typically course oriented and long term - typically life oriented. I believe that everyone can learn almost any subject matter if it is presented in a meaningful manner - conceptual and tangible. I utilize my broad-based educational and life experiences to identify and then address a person's learning opportunities so that they not only succeed in the short term goals but also incorporate their new knowledge in a manner supporting their goals of life long education. Education and the ability to think is a gift - I am committed to supporting a person's efforts to receive this gift.

Experience Summary

I am a graduate of the University of California, Irvine. I originally studied Chemistry and Biological Sciences for the first 3 years maintaining a high GPA. I became allergic to many base reagents used in synthesis that precluded me from completing this educational path. I completed my education in business receiving degrees in economics and business administration. I went to work with a global consulting firm implementing financial systems. Since college I have continued to tutor mathematics, chemistry, biological science and physics. I have tutored for over 20 years intermittently. Many of my students completed their educations at universities including the University of California, Notre Dame, Syracuse, CSULB, etc.

Janette J

Teaching Style

I firmly believe in Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences. Each and every child has the ability to excel, but the most gains can be made if a teacher is aware of each individual child's learning style. I always strive to find the way in which each child learns best and then develop my plan of action to deliver instruction in the way they will benefit most.

Experience Summary

As a graduate of the University of New Mexico I hold both a B.S in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Language Arts and a M.A in Elementary Education. I have been employed in the capacity of classroom teacher for the past 8 years. I have taught both Kindergarten and 3rd Grade. My endorsement area is language arts. I hold a level II K-8 teaching license.

Shannon S

Teaching Style

My teaching style is very adaptive and enthusiastic, stemming from a genuine love of the material. I enjoy getting students excited about science and the endless potentials that may be found within the sciences, looking at the world around them in new and exciting manners. I believe that each person has their own way of learning and understanding material and it is the responsibility of the instructor or tutor to strive to find what works best for each individual student. An efficient and astute teacher continually strives to modify material, to expand their way of thinking and to challenge their methods of instruction to adapt to the ever-changing world around us.

Experience Summary

I have a wide variety of experience and an innate desire to learn more about the world around me. I began my undergraduate degree in Political Science, but after taking a Biology course in California, became rather excited about the sciences. I have worked in a variety of laboratory settings, as well as in the field, applying the science that I have learned to real life situations and truly gaining a better understanding of the dynamic nature of the sciences. This is what I love. From reading the latest National Geographic to listening to Science Friday on NPR, the never-ending potential of science today excites me and certainly makes me a more dynamic, animated instructor.