About
Hi! My name is Brenda and I have a degree in Business and a BA in English from the University of Michigan. I am passionate about teaching both college and K-12 students in subjects spanning English, History, ACT prep, AP classes, Business and Spanish (through 2nd year college requirements). I have had pupils go from D's to B's with just one hour a week, and I follow a "fundamentals-first" philosophy that seeks to not just push you through one test or assignment, but to actually build skills that will serve you in more advanced subjects. If you need someone who will listen to your problems in a judgement-free zone and bring some personality to Spanish grammar or Jane Austen-- I'm your tutor!
I am passionate about helping others reach their potential, whether my client is five years old or fifty. I can help you achieve clear goals (raise my F to a B!), or help with general knowledge ("oh, so that's why xyz..."). I like helping others do what they were meant to do. Sometimes, you just need a little push in the right direction to get there.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For a first session, here is what I generally seek to learn about my student:
1. Learn about them as a person
2. Learn about their specific goals
3. Learn about any problem areas or specific struggles
4. Learn about how they learn best
5. Find out what we can do RIGHT NOW to get this student on track and/or progressing forward
6. Set a plan for future sessions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a dual-degree from the University of Michigan. My two degrees are a BBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and a BA in English Literature from the School of LSA. I graduated with honors.
In high school, I was a high-achieving student who earned a 4.0, earned an ACT Scholar Award and Scholarship and a $12,000 scholarship towards my education at UM. I earned a 31 ACT.
How did you get started teaching?
I started in high school when I was approached by our school's guidance counselor about tutoring a couple of students. One was struggling significantly with Algebra at a high-school level, and I helped to bring up her grades from a D to a B so that she could be on-track for graduation with just one hour of tutoring per week.
Another student I worked with was transitioning from middle to high school, and we drilled fundamentals to make sure that she would be prepared for advanced classes moving forward.
In both cases, I loved seeing the results that they were able to achieve by following my "fundamentals first" approach. This approach was drilled into me as a child by my mom, who had two standards for how I learned: To make sure that I could progress by having my fundamentals (addition, subtraction, etc.) solid, and by not taking on too many new things at once (ballet only, vs ballet and tap and jazz...). This approach allowed me to not only be talented in academics, but to create a business, earn first chair flute, and participate in many other prestigious activities throughout my educational years.