Thea's Tutoring
About
I’ve worked as a tutor for five years, and it’s by far the most rewarding job I’ve ever done. I have a BA in English from Grand Canyon University, so reading, writing, and literature are my specialties. I have worked with students from all different age groups, from elementary school to college. I also have experience with ESL students as well as students with learning disabilities. I have discovered that each individual student is different, therefore my approach is always unique. I find out what interests and motivates each of my students so that they are engaged in the lesson, and even have some fun while they’re learning. I also have experience as a tutor for homeschooled children, so if you’re planning on starting up any home-based learning in the fall, I would love to help make that process a little easier for you!
The thing I enjoy the most about tutoring is getting to know my students. Each one is unique, and I love that I get to be creative as I design a program that works for them. I love being able to tutor in reading, and help the students discover books about their favorite subjects so that for the first time, they’re really engaged. I also enjoy doing writing projects with students and teaching them how to research and write about the things that they’re interested in, instead of it simply being a one-size-fits all assignment. It is so incredibly rewarding to see that “ah-ha!” moment when something finally clicks for a student in a subject they’ve previously struggled with, and I know that potential is there for each and every student, no matter what they may be struggling with. I also genuinely enjoy creating curriculums or supplementary curriculums for home-based learning, and I would love to help you navigate this upcoming school year, with all the uncertainty that it holds.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I first talk to the parent, as the person that hired me, I want to know what their goals are for their child during our tutoring sessions. Then, I try my best to get to know the student first-hand. What do they like and dislike? How do they feel about school and the subject we’re working on? Once I have that information, I can begin designing a program specifically for them. Sometimes I pull directly from their homework or school curriculum, other times I design something completely new based on the student’s interests. I like to understand the student’s learning style as well, so that I know whether visual, tactile, auditory, or verbal teaching will work best for them, and then I adjust accordingly. I know that each child needs something a little bit different to help a subject really “click” for them, and my favorite part of the jobs is finding out what that something is.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in English with an Emphasis on Writing, so I've studied all forms of writing- creative, essay, poetry, scientific, etc. I have also studied literature in-depth, and love sharing what I know with my students.
I also have five years of tutoring experience working with students of all ages, as well as experience with ESL students and those with learning disabilities.
I also have some ASL training, and while I am not fluent, I am cabale of using it for basic communication, or even teaching ASL I.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
There are a few things I take into account when sending out a quote: whether or not I need to travel to the student, their age, the number of subjects I'll be tutoring and the frequency and length of the sessions. My median price is around $30/hour, and if you request a quote I'll be more than happy to explain what your price includes.
How did you get started teaching?
I bgan tutoring when I was in highschool. A family friend asked my mom if I would come over and help the two exchange student's she was hosting with their homework. I'll never forget after that first session having the student tell me "I've been going to school here for 3 months, and I've learned more with you in the last few hours than I ever did in my classes!" That was the moment I knew what I was meant to do, and I've continued tutoring off and on ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with elementary, middle and high school aged students attending private or public school who needed additional help with homework.
I've worked with elementary school aged students on the Autism spectrum or with learning disabilities who needed additional support learning certain concepts.
I've been the primary tutor for high school aged homeschool students who had recently moved to the U.S. and were learning English as well as completing grade-appropriate curriculum.
I've also worked with college students who needed additional support researching, formatting, and editing their assignments.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to your potential tutor! There are plenty of experts, but do you feel comfortable working with them? Do they explain things in a way you understand? Do you think your personalities will mesh? Do you feel like they’re someone you can trust to help you and answer your questions, and you think you’ll enjoy working with? You want your tutor to be a good personality fit, not just someone who knows a lot about a certain subject.