Experienced Tutor

I'd like to first get an idea of the student's baseline understanding of the topic in question. This would usually occur through an introductory conversation, in which I learn about the student's goals and expectations with the material. I also get the chance to learn about their study habits and background, using this opportunity to begin to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Once an objective is set, I can work on creating a plan of study with an appropriate timeline. 

Prior to teaching the summer classes I mentioned previously, I shadowed a more experienced teacher who later took on a managerial role in the company. In order to become a Teaching Assistant and/or preceptor at my university, you must undergo the necessary training that is standardized by the school. 

I traditionally charge $40 per hour with a student 1-on-1, in which they will have my undivided attention as we work through an organized lesson plan to meet their goals as efficiently as possible.

I've been teaching grade school students through every summer of high school, and progressed into becoming a preceptor / TA at my university. High school I was more focused on leading test-prep classes, but my focus has since shifted towards teaching at the subject level. I am now in my last year of college and have TA'd courses across 4 previous semesters in cell biology and organic chemistry. 

I've worked with middle schoolers preparing for entrance exams to schools like Thomas Jefferson School for S&T, high schoolers preparing for the SAT, and most recently undergraduate students in both lower and upper-level coursework. I've worked with students with disabilities and from all walks of life. I do not hesitate with anyone and will maintain a professional working relationship with the student, having only their best interests in mind. 

Recently I came back to my hometown in northern Virginia to visit my family. My younger brother is now 17 and is the center on his high school football team. Coming home and seeing him grow into more of a man each time has been a bittersweet experience. Seeing your family age as you no longer have the opportunity to see them everyday has not been easy. that It's been some time since I visited home, so I decided to surprise my family with a spontaneous visit and walk the field with my brother and our parents during senior night before his football game. It was a wonderful weekend that I am truly grateful for.

Most of my college education has been centered around the sciences, more specifically biology and chemistry. Studying biology is more straightforward because it is understanding what has been discovered. For example, if you can grasp how the Krebs cycle works by thinking about the entire process in a general sense and asking a few simple questions like "why does this happen", "what is required", or "what is the end product/result" you will be able to easily fill in the details. Gaining that general understanding through critical thinking followed by the reinforcement with specific information is a strategy that has allowed me to succeed thus far.

Am I truly doing the best I can to succeed in this class?

This, in my opinion, is the question that faces students with the reality of their circumstances. The question leads to an analysis of their current efforts, then a comparison to their perceived potential of themselves. More often then not, they will see a disconnect between their current and ideal work ethics. Bridging that gap is the key to moving forward, it is never a question of intelligence but rather one of effort.