About
I focus on teaching students how to learn, utilizing a variety of styles and strategies they can take beyond the classes I tutor. I have worked as a professional tutor at the university level for three years at Iowa State University, and have also been volunteering as a high school tutor before that.
I have Bachelor's of Science double majoring in Environmental Science and Biology with a minor in Agronomy, and am a member of the National Tutoring Association.
You can view my LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-handel-75aa71166/
Highlights
Reviews
Antonio R.
Mariah K.
Omri J.
Josie K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Whether it be college or highschool level, I always like to gauge the interest a student has in a class before we begin. Not everyone will love every subject, but it's nice to know where we stand starting off.
Additonally I set expectations we have for each other, learning preferences, and interests they have outside of the class. This not only helps me to set analogies that work, but helps me get to know the student a little bit better!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Science, and Biology with a minor in Agronomy. I have worked for ISU's Academic Success Center as a tutor for the past three years, private and group sessions both in person and via video chat. I am also a member of the National Tutoring Association.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Prices are negotiable but start at around $20 / hour for highschool level classes and $30 / hour for college level.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching in highschool when I volunteered to tutor biology as a member of the National Honor Society, and absolutely loved it. It took a bit to gain confidence, but now teaching has always been one of my favorite jobs (or parts of other jobs)!
What types of students have you worked with?
Historically I have worked with highschool and college aged students who are struggling with a class or who would otherwise benefit from better structure when studying for said class. These students have ranged from a variety of backgrounds and academic inclinations.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This last summer in New Mexico I was explaining basic comparitive anatomy of mammilian skulls to a group of highschool students, and a parent from the back told me that "if [they] had a science teacher like me growing up, [they] probably would have ended up on a different career path". That was really kind of them to say - and empowering to hear.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who can make it interesting for you. Scientists have failed society historically by not communicating well. That's on us. It's easy to find someone who knows the information, but don't settle unless that can break it down in meaningful, relatable ways.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what what you've been trying already, and what you don't know.
Ask yourselves what you know you can do well and why you think you may be good at it.
If you don't know what you don't know, start with a list of what you DO know!