About
Currently available online only!
I have been teaching middle, high school and college students for nearly 17 years in top public and private schools in Florida, California and Alabama. I have a Master's degree in Life Sciences from Auburn University. I was a Teaching Assistant throughout graduate school as well.
My secret recipe is: I freaking love science and I love sharing this excitement for the natural world with others! My students describe my teaching style as enthusiastic, fun, and it gets them excited to learn more than they ever thought they wanted to know. I have a YouTube channel with instructional videos for students from middle school through AP Biology and college level, for teachers, and fun nature videos from my travels around the continent.
Whether you are looking for long-term one-on-one help or need to just need to cram for a test, I am here to help. I can break information down simple enough for a middle schooler and address topics covered in graduate school life science courses as well.
Check out my profile for my personal YouTube Channel and Twitter accounts!
Specialties
Grade level
Subject
Photos and videos
Reviews
Michelle S.
Rachael T.
Nick S.
Jeanna
Sandy P.
Debra B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After getting to know each other and determining your strengths and areas of growth, I will work with you by meeting you where you are. I won't talk over your head. While I won't do your work for you, we will set goals, break them down into doable pieces, and take steps together to achieve those goals at your pace until you achieve success!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Masters in Education - Secondary Science Education: Life Science from Auburn University.
Bachelors of Science - Horticulture from Auburn University
Earned my certification to teach grades 6-12 in Alabama
Taught myself using the McCammon Method how to make flipped classroom videos and use them for effective teaching and learning via YouTube.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hr
How did you get started teaching?
Becoming a teacher was a winding road for me. I started my college career as a theater major, then transferred schools and majors to study organic farming at Auburn. Teaching was supposed to just be a trade that filled in the year while I spent the summers gaining experience on real farms before starting my own. I chose teaching because it is in my nature to share the things I am excited about with with everyone around me. Teaching called to me and was automatically built in. So I finished my Horticulture degree and started a masters in Secondary Science Education. What I thought would be a few years of a filler job has now become my passion, my calling, and my career.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked diverse groups of middle and high school students in public and private schools for nearly 17 years. I've worked with students with a variety of learning differencess and styles and know how to meet them where they are to ensure they reach their academic goals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As an avid birder, I was thrilled to take my toddler to the beach this weekend. It's the end of nesting season for some shore birds and the beginning of fall migration for others. We had so much fun looking at the fluffy baby birds, and I was stoked to get a photo of a black-bellied plover that had migrated all the way from the artic to Florida for my iNaturalist.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Consider the following:
Be sure that you can articulate what you need to know or be able to do. Science topics can interconnect and overlap. If you want to make the most of your hour, be sure you can communicate that with your tutor.
Also, know what you need from your tutor. Do you need help understanding the topic, or do you get it but need help applying that knowledge to answer questions?
In my personal experience as a student, whether I did well in a science class completely depended on the teacher. Are you seeking tutoring because you just need a different teacher to communicate with you or is it the content that has you stumped?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you comfortable sharing any learning differences you may have with your tutor? Some, like me, are certified teachers and have training in how to facilitate the learning of students with particular needs.
Again, reflect beforehand and know what you actually need from your tutor. Do you need help understanding the content, or do you get it but need help applying that knowledge to answer questions?
Consider what learning style fits you best. Are you more visual or auditory? Do you need to move around or make something to better understand a concept. Knowing this will help your tutor help you.