Learn With Sydney

👋 About Me

Hi! I’m Sydney — a certified secondary science educator and geoscientist with 7+ years of experience teaching and tutoring learners from elementary through university levels. I specialize in making complex science topics feel intuitive, engaging, and confidence-building for students who need clear explanations and patient, structured support.

I’ve taught everything from 6th Grade Earth Science to undergraduate Mineralogy, and I love helping students strengthen foundational skills, raise grades, and discover that science can feel exciting and doable.

🎓 Why Students Succeed With Me

Because I combine:

✔ Strong teaching experience

Certified Secondary Science Teacher (New Mexico, Grades 6–12)

Taught full-year 6th Grade Earth Science, plus Chemistry & Physics

Built and taught AI & Machine Learning enrichment courses for grades 5–8

Taught 5 different undergraduate Earth Science and Geology courses/labs

✔ Clear, structured lessons

Every session includes:

A warm-up check for understanding

Step-by-step explanation of new concepts

Guided practice

Independent practice

A mini-assessment to ensure mastery

Parents get optional session summaries and progress notes.

✔ Expertise in Earth & Environmental Science

MSc in Earth & Environmental Sciences

Doctoral research experience in geobiology, microbiology, and isotope geochemistry

Extensive hands-on lab and field science background

📚 Subjects I Tutor

Middle & High School

Earth Science

Life Science

Physical Science

Biology

Chemistry (intro & 1st-year HS level)

Environmental Science

Science fair help

Study skills & organization for STEM

College-Level

Intro Earth Science / Geology

Mineralogy

Sedimentology

Critical Zone / Earth Materials

Environmental Science fundamentals

Scientific writing

STEM Enrichment (Grades 4–9)

AI & Machine Learning (beginner-friendly)

Science project coaching

Museum-style hands-on science lessons

Curiosity-driven Earth & space science explorations

🌟 What Makes Me Different

Patient, student-centered teaching style

Skilled with differentiated instruction and supporting diverse learners

Experience in both formal classrooms and informal science education (museums, camps, community outreach)

Emphasis on building confidence, not just completing homework

Able to connect abstract concepts to real-world applications

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Caswell Silver Service Award (UNM) – for exceptional scientific outreach

Most Outstanding First-Year Teaching Assistant – for excellence in undergraduate instruction

Grant recipient for mentoring undergraduate researchers

👩‍🏫 Teaching Philosophy

Science should be:

approachable

hands-on

relevant

empowering

My goal is always to help students say:

“Ohhh, I get it now!” — and truly mean it.

📅 Availability & Format

Online or in-person (Houston)

1:1 tutoring

Small groups available (discounted rates)

Homework support, test prep, project guidance, and grade improvement plans

💬 Let’s Get Started

Whether you’re looking to raise a grade, build STEM confidence, catch up, get ahead, or enrich a growing scientist’s curiosity, I’d love to help.

Send me a message with your goals, and I’ll create a personalized plan for your student.