About
A father of two and retired elementary school science teacher (M.Ed., 33 yrs. teaching in the classroom, and tutoring more than just science), I connect with each student's interests, learning style(s), level of mastery, weaknesses/needs, and strengths. I build self-confidence, use creative methods to enable understanding of concepts and skills, and I have a sense of humor kids love.
I enjoy establishing a positive rapport and seeing each student's enthusiastic reaction to my approach, sensing gratitude through my validation of the student's interests and needs and fostering true progress. I also enjoy devising creative, hands-on methods and sharing a sense of humor with each student, showing that serious learning and achievement can also be a lot of fun!
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Jennifer H.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I talk extensively with the parents and the student to understand the student's needs/difficulties, interests, and reason(s) for tutoring. I then establish a genuine rapport with the student, creating a fun, low-risk learning atmosphere and having a great start making real progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 33 years of professional elementary and middle school teaching experience (retired June 2019), tutoring experience that goes back to peer tutoring Geometry while in high school, a Master's degree in Education, and two kids (one a teenager, one a young adult) whom I helped in many school subjects over the years. I currently tutor six students (age 8 to 12), up from three students just this past September. I have been told I have a keen instinct on how kids learn—something that cannot be taught.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
How did you get started teaching?
I actually started as a 10-year-old teaching neighborhood kids in my opened garage with a chalkboard—all just for fun! The kids kept returning. But I also was a successful summer camp counselor as a teenager, at a highly popular day camp, under the guidance and great positive influence of an enthusiastic male teacher/dad; he was my terrific first mentor in an educational institution. All this was years before I completed my Education training in Graduate School and began my professional teaching career.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students age 6 to 18, public and private school students, mainstream and gifted students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am fond of the process of turning around the difficulties a 3rd grader was experiencing in the writing process, into a triumphantly positive mode, from September 2019 when I started with him, to February 2020 (when I wrote this) and beyond. With self confidence, he is now writing persuasive pieces, narratives, essays, poetry, and research-incorporated pieces. And on his own time, he is writing fiction in blank books.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Well, if you are an older student involved in the hiring process (or a parent for a younger student), hire a teacher who has a knack for truly connecting and assessing the needs of the student, who makes learning fun, and who finds creative ways to promote learning.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think through (ask themselves) what things they are having difficulty doing and what they wish to gain or improve upon through tutoring. If there were a wish about learning, or the school work, that magically would come true, what would it be?