About
Like Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, I am devoted to making my students' academic dreams come true. I consider myself to be not just a tutor, but also a study buddy and accountability partner. To be truly successful, young students typically need more than an academic expert. They also need someone who sends reminders, gives encouragement, and helps to create balanced schedules that incorporate learning, resting, family/friend time, and having fun.
The most enjoyable aspect of what I do happens as students evolve into "student-educators". This term is born from my trademark tutoring strategy which involves roleplay! Students take on my role, regularly attempting to teach me the current topic, which allows us both to quickly pinpoint and rank knowledge gaps based on what is explained least clearly. The student transforms into "student-educator" after successfully teaching the same topic(s) to me later, after we close the gaps. Throughout this process, students find the confidence to participate in their classrooms not only as learners, but also contributers.
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Willy C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Consultations are required opportunities to introduce ourselves and communicate expectations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- BS in Biochemistry from Spelman College
- Summer tutoring partnership with Johns Hopkins (CTY) and Loyola Marymount University
- Independent Contractor through Varsity Tutors and Kadama
- Literacy tutor and mentor to Atlanta Public School Students through Spelman College's SpelReads Program
- Teaching Assistant in Atlanta Public Schools through Atlanta Cares Program
- 1 year of intensive, psychology centered educational training to enhance student learning experience
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Base Hourly Rate: $55 *additional fees to travel more than 15 miles to student*
Cost Breakdown
Location (average cost for private tutor in Baltimore is $47)
High skill and experience levels
Subject Matter Expertise: Pre-Calculus, Calculus, High School Chemistry, College Chemistry 101-102
*Travel Costs
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching began as a personal studying strategy. As a student, I based my comprehension level of various subjects on how well I could explain the concept(s) to teachers and fellow classmates. Later, I was accepted to be a teaching assistant as a college freshman. I enjoyed explaining my thought processes, and adjusting my delivery of information to accomodate different learning styles. I had no idea that my college side-gig would blossom into a full blown career!
What types of students have you worked with?
My clientele includes ages 12-22, various learning styles/speeds, ethnicities, and personalities. I started my career with middle schoolers in Atlanta Public Schools by supporting overworked and outnumbered teachers. APS exposed me to the high demand for one-on-one learning. Teachers rarely had enough time during a class period to accomodate each student's unique learning style and answer all questions. It was my resonsibility to bridge the gaps for however many children I could. This pattern was exacerbated during the pandemic and sparked a vicious cycle where students constantly felt behind on old information, while being bombarded with new, accumulating information. Varsity Tutors and Kadama allowed me to work with students at a national level and witness the pandemic's effects first hand. In response to this "cycle", among other things, an overwhelming number of scholars showed signs of anxiety and depression. However, by recently partnering with universities such as Johns Hopkins and Loyola Marymount to strategically plan educational experiences that address students' strengths and interests, I gained better tools to respond and create opportunities for social/ emotional development, which encourages intellectual flourishment.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, I had the pleasure of supporting a young girl throughout her transition from elementary to middle school (in a new city). What made this experience so special is that she is the daughter of my college Dean of Admissions, who played an integral role in my success during undergrad. My dean was a pillar of support and kindness to me as I underwent a similar transition to her daughter, at an older age. I love full circle moments that allow my work to positively impact loved ones.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise a student looking to hire a teacher in my area of expertise to pick someone who is still an avid learner of something(s). Those teachers tend to be the most empathetic, patient, and flexible.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think through the following questions before talking to teachers about their needs:
1. Have I exhausted my other resources in efforts to understand this topic? (peers, books, youtube, other teachers, etc.)
2. What is my role in learning this?
3. Why is this valuable information to know?
4. What's simple?
5. What's new?
6. How can I use my strengths to learn this?
7. What's being emphasized and why?
8. What is my mind doing?
9. Where do I need discipline, an open mind, enthusiasm, or patience?
10. What is this connected to that I already understand?