About
I have been a personal tutor since 2003, and I have experience teaching all levels from 1st grade through Graduate School. I began working with younger students while still in high school, and went on to work at the University of Texas Undergraduate Writing Center. Since then, I have worked with Austin students from LASA, Waldorf, AISD schools, Home School, Whole Life Learning Center, One Day Academy, etc. I work as a supplement to existing curriculums, as well as crafting curriculums for students who have difficulty in a traditional education environment. I am not dogmatic in my approach, except on the point that I believe attention is the most valuable currency. I adapt to each of my student's learning style and personality so that I can best serve them.
I love the feeling of making a breakthrough with a student. If we can reach a new level of understanding, develop confidence, or ace a test, I feel ecstatic! I believe that young people need to experience success so that they develop an appetite for it, and so that they can accept and appreciate the hard work that precedes any successful venture. I think that helping students become their best selves will play a part in making the world a better place.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will typically speak with the parent or student (depending on the student's age) before a lesson to learn about their history, habits, and hangups around a subject. Upon first meeting in person, I will ask them about their school or their friends or their hobbies. My main goal is to create rapport from the start. From there, I will often have a few problems ready for a student to solve so that I can gauge their proficiency and automaticity of a concept. I will then ask them to teach me a concept. Old tests and homework are very helpful, especially on a first meeting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been trained specifically as a tutor to work at the University of Texas Undergraduate Writing Center. The training consisted of a semseter-long course and internship detailing teaching and communication strategies. I also have over 15 years of tutoring experience to draw from, as well as familiarity with many curriculums and teachers in the Austin area.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My price is $60/hour, reduced to $50/hour when families purchase at least four lessons in advance.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started as a tutor in high school when my mother, an engineer and actual rocket scientist, began tutoring students in my school district. She gave me opportunities to teach my peers when her workload became to great.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with many types of students including:
Neurotypical
Advanced Placement/IB
Autistic
Dyslexic
Struggling
Thriving
All Ages and Most Subjects
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I'm always so proud of my students when they achieve their goals. One of my recent students just graduated and got accepted into St. Edwards University. I was honored to help walk her through the school selection and application process--I even toured the University with her. I feel so thankful when I have an opportunity to make a difference in one of my student's lives.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who is capable of listening and being quiet. Their body language should show they are paying attention; their hips, shoulders, eyes and ears should be fixated on you. They should let you struggle a bit and find an answer for yourself rather than spoon-feeding you. They should support your developing mastery rather than show off their own.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before asking for help:
Think back to other sections of your course, or even other courses you've taken--you might have the right skills at your disposal if you take the time to remember them.
Ask yourself: What is the next logical step?
If something is uncomfortable that can be changed with a simple request or a quick adjustment, make the change--you will be able to focus more clearly as a result.