Our Tutors

Austin A

Teaching Style

My first step is to gain an assessment of the student by giving a variety of test questions in the subject. After locating strengths and weaknesses, I broadly cover the material, focusing more heavily on areas of deficiency. My teaching method involves teaching the material with much interaction from the students and then giving a variety of problems to solidify the material in their minds. To maintain this information, I periodically offer more practice problems, especially in areas of any difficulty.

Experience Summary

During my undergraduate years I participated in an SAT preparation program for troubled high school students. After graduating with a BA in Economics, I have worked largely in finance and banking. On the side, I set up and volunteered to provide SAT preparation for low-income high school students. I have privately tutored for other standardized tests, including the ACT, GRE, and GMAT. Teaching and tutoring remain a passion of mine and a means to enrich others.

Swati S

Teaching Style

My teaching style is highly interactive. I developed and taught an undergraduate seminar at UCLA that was based on role-playing and critical thinking of historical events through intense discussion among students. As a tutor, I ask my students a lot of questions in order to tease out their knowledge and opinion on the subject. I believe that I do not have any right answers but I do have access to resources that will enable students to find the answers that are right for them. My teaching style leads to measurable results by focusing on the process of learning.

Experience Summary

Due to my strong researching and writing skills, I was able to graduate from UCLA with a double major in three years. I have taught college-level classes at UCLA as well as tutored both high school and college students for the past 3 years in English composition and the writing process. My interest in Political Science and Global Studies allows me to contextualize any subject topic to the current happenings, which provides greater relevancy, and thus motivation, to my students.

Jennifer J

Teaching Style

I enjoy working with a student one-on-one. We know that every child develops on a different learning curve, which is why the tutoring process is so crucial. Working individually with a child can help them overcome some of the frustration and confusion that comes along with learning in a crowded classroom. I have a great amount of patience and understanding to help the child develop his own learning style and guide him to work through the problems at his own pace to ensure that he truly understands the material. Learning is a step by step process and I know that I can guide each child through the steps they need to take to complete any and all challenges they may face, not just in school, but in life.

Experience Summary

I began tutoring algebra when I was in high school for my boss' kids in the back of the restaurant where I worked. I then went on to get my BA in mathematics at La Salle University, with a minor in Education. While in college, I continued tutoring my fellow students in math and chemistry for a peer tutoring program set up by the school. In addition I observed/student taught at various schools in the Philadelphia area. I have knowledge of a wide range of mathematics, my specialty being algebra and calculus. Due to my experience, I am also proficient in English and can assist in research paper writing.

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.

Gregory G

Teaching Style

I believe the true way to teach is to make a connection for each student: relate the material to something the student already knows. A more “hands-on” approach will allow the student to learn faster with greater retention. I feel that every student has the ability to learn, and that it is the teacher’s job to provide each student with the connection. In today’s age, classrooms have become over-crowded thus making it more difficult for the teacher to make that connection. It is the job of the tutor to fill in the gaps. With this theory, I try to use my experience in the work field to relate the subject matter to the student’s surroundings – hence math and science are my forte. I work well with children by making learning fun, but also have the knowledge of complex problems to provide the same environment for high school and college students.

Experience Summary

As a child of an Air Force pilot, I have always loved aviation. I strived hard in school to get the best grades to one day become a “Rocket Scientist” and design the plane of the future. In high school I was known for my good grades, and passed on my knowledge by tutoring my fellow classmates and students in earlier grades. After high school, I graduated from one of the top Aerospace schools in the country, and went on to work for a few companies: two small businesses and a large government contractor. I have completed many diverse programs successfully. When talking with friends about my career endeavors, I found myself giving more of a teaching course on how stuff works (e.g. planes, missiles, GPS, etc). I have since realized my passion for teaching, and that tutoring allows me to obtain both goals in my life: teaching and engineering.

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.

Diana D

Teaching Style

Having a minor in psychology, as well as the wonderful teachers I had been exposed to over the years, has helped me to recognize that each student had a unique learning style. I attempt to discover this style, which usually happens within one lesson, and focus in on proper teaching methods to cater to this style. I am very patient and have worked with various levels of skill and ability to intake information. I love hands on activities where possible (sciences mainly) and have a multitude of visual examples for many subjects. I hope to inspire my students to want to learn a subject they once thought was "pointless" or "boring".

Experience Summary

I began tutoring when I was in middle school. Our school designed a program where honors students were paired with students they believed to be at risk for dropping out of school before they graduated high school. I tutored one specific student for 2 years and continued to mentor him through high school. After this program I realized I loved working one-on-one with people who were truly struggling with education. I have always known education was extremely important to my own success and I wanted to help others gain knowledge towards their own goals. I tutored through college and still continue to do so. My education has given me insight into many levels of math and science as well as recognizing how to write on a scientific level due to laboratory analysis. Due to this ability to express math and science on a basic level it aides in explaining it to others who do not have a firm grasp on the topic at hand. I have tutored the following subjects at a high school level: chemistry (regular through AP), biology (up to the AP level), linear functions, calculus, statistics, physics (up to AP), algebra I & II, and trigonometry. At a college level I have tutored: chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, statistics (at the request of the professor), physics, biomedical physics, public health, anatomy, and trigonometry.

Sandow S

Teaching Style

I begin each lesson with the understanding that different students have different approaches to understanding the same concept. I am therefore always prepared to use different approaches to help students who need extra help. Moreover, since I teach science and mathematics, I use day-to-day illustrations and innovative materials to facilitate students' learning. I am very patient and willing to discuss lessons with students who need extra help after school.

Experience Summary

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with Physics and Chemistry backing. I recently graduated from a doctoral degree program in Environmental Management with focus on hydro-chemical modeling of water resources using multivariate statistical methods and mass balance methods. I have taught Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, Algebra and Geometry for three years at the Passaic County Community College's college and Upward Bound Programs in New Jersey. I have also tutored students of the same program during the three year period. I am therefore confident that I would be able to teach the above mentioned courses without any difficulty.