About
At Columbia, I studied psychology and education studies. I have been accepted to multiple universities for Fall 2020, where I will be earning my Masters Degree in Education with Teaching Certification. In addition, growing up, I had the opportunity to attend twelve schools before being accepted to Columbia University. My educational experiences range from Montessori school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to urban public school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parochial school in Leixlip, Ireland. Living in so many places has provided valuable insights as to how geography, culture, and sociopolitical climate influence the way people view, experience, and support education. I have a unique perspective on the value of culturally relevant pedagogy, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and diversity and inclusion in the classroom. These insights have shaped my life, and I have discovered that the best and most effective teachers create safe environments that seek to reflect the communities they serve, as well as engage parents, caregivers, and stakeholders to support the healthy development of all children.
I love having the opportunity to support my student's development; helping them find and explore their strengths as well as discover areas of growth. My interest in tutoring comes as from my years working as an SAT tutor and college prep counselor for underprivileged students from all boroughs of New York. I was inspired by how driven these students were by the desire to learn and grow. They took trains and busses to reach Manhattan, sat through my arduous three-hour-long grammar lessons, and emailed me draft after draft of their personal statements, wanting to get them just right. They wrote about everything from substance abuse and gang involvement, to hunger and homelessness.If Let’s Get Ready! had not been able to fund these students’ SAT prep, they would have been at a significant disadvantage. But seeing them succeed, be accepted into college, and continue to pursue their dreams is incredible fulfilling.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Pavithra S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I place serious emphasis on the value of individualized learning. I always begin by getting to know my students wholistically- learning about their goals and dreams, strengths and weaknesses, and passions outside of academia. As we get to know eachother and establish a cadence, I will tailor my teaching style to suit the individual needs of the student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
(See resumé above)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing varies.
How did you get started teaching?
I discovered that my calling was to be a teacher while working at the Barnard Center for Toddler Development. I was majoring in psychology and considering becoming a psychologist when I enrolled in the toddler development seminar. I was immediately captivated by the literature exploring the complexity and urgency of early childhood development. As much as I loved the research, it was not until I had the opportunity to watch theory unfold in a one-on-one classroom setting that I knew teaching was where I could make the most significant impact.I studied educational policy, with coursework examining contemporary issues in education, and took every related psychology course I could get into. Having the privilege to live in NYC and attend a school like Barnard reinforced my conviction that access to education, especially for young women of color, is transformative.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ages 2-20, of all levels of development.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently represented IBM at the Grace Hopper Celebration, where I was surrounded by 27,000 brilliant women, all committed to the goal of gender equity in STEM by 2025.