Je'Helm Academic Assistance & Advising
About
I have several years of education experience, both at the collegiate and K-12 levels, in introductory math & sciences, Social Studies/Sciences (history, sociology, geography, etc), English composition & literature, and modern foreign languages (Spanish). I approach each subject that a student needs assistance in with an interdisciplinary approach, especially with regards to the Social Sciences, and provide context for what they are learning rather than relying on routine memorization - this helps the information "stick" for that AP or final project presentation.
I have assisted with ACT testing and can provide college application essay help, as well. I am an award winning participant in music, drama/speech, and Quiz Bowl (academic decathalon-esque) competitions, and can provide encouragement with Public Speaking, too.
I have real life experience working in state legislature and city positions (Civics & Government), have traveled abroad fairly extensively (Art/History, World Civilization), and have copy edited & written for a few of the nonprofits I have interned or volunteered at over my own years of academic pursuits (English Composition, Creative Writing, Public Service, Business/Management).
I believe that giving a student the tools and training to succeed is just as importance to their academic & personal careers as the content they are learning.
I enjoy constantly learning, challenging myself to acquire new skills or read about topics that I was previously unfamiliar with (or did not get to read about in college). Seeing the moments where things "click" for a student, that they are able to carry on their own or connect two concepts together, gives me joy. I stress context over content - what is the point of learning something if you do not know why?
As much as possible, I feel that experiential learning is vital to retention of information and that is why I advocate for self-guided field trips (or possibly one day, studying abroad) to have students engage with "edutainment": real life applications of what they are learning - instead of traditional classroom settings for learning. This takes students' heads out of their textbooks and puts the paragraphs or footnotes into personal perspective, giving students the skills of analysis & critical thinking.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to meet with a student to discuss which subject(s) they have concerns or obstacles with learning. At this first informal meeting, I would like to ask what it is that they do or do not like about the subject to best approach the teaching methods to use. For example, I myself do not have much of an interest for advanced mathematics as much as I do for Social Studies or Humanities courses, so my enthusiasm is different. As such, my fervor for finishing homework or engaging with the material is different.
After deciding what the student likes and dislikes about the subject(s) at hand, we would then work together to determine how much extra tutoring time is needed to accomplish whatever goals are set out for them. Then, we would look at their schoolwork-life balance to schedule the appropriate amount of time to help them advance academically.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have worked with a mix of students, both in the K-12 and Higher Education systems. I have experience with adult learners recently arrived to the United States and nontraditional students in my Graduate Assistant classrooms at Minnesota State University. I have previous experience working with tutoring at Iowa Lakes Community College, as well as other work as a substitute teacher and classroom aide after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
With research, preparation and review services offered along with my tutoring sessions, I would charge $20/hour.
I prefer to work in public libraries or coffee shops, and am mobile within a 10 mile radius of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in the Twin Cities. This includes online or email responses for tutoring help if that is needed by the student between sessions, as well.
I would offer a curated study session each appointment and discussion of course content with the student. If needed, we would find areas of improvement and I would offer suggestions or tips on how to improve or opportunities for real life application of learning.
I also provide proofreading & editing of essays or longer length writing assignments for $15/assignment, and I would offer constructive feedback that I would go over with them before the student would submit these projects for teacher or instructor review (approximately 2-3 days to do Take Home Review).