Online Tutoring
About
I have 2 years experience tutoring in a professional environment. However, tutoring has been my passion since I was in high school. I tutor at Learning Power Academics LLC currently. I tutor students of all ages and in all subjects. I am primarily the STEM tutor for middle school and high school students. I work with students to develop study skills and plans. My job entails checking students grades and planners when they come in and making sure they have assignments for the week written down. I have experience working with kids of all backgrounds. Some students have learning disabilities, other struggle with certain subjects, some are in summer school every year, and others are super studious and want extra homework. I have also gained experience prepping students for the math and science portions of the ACTs, as well as helping kids write college entrance essays. During the COVID-19 pandemic I gained experience working at home tutoring students through zoom.
Learning Power Academics is a small, privately owned business. It is me, my boss, and one other coworker. It takes communication and teamwork to help solve problems pertaining to a student’s success. It requires that we have clear and concise communication with parents and the students. We must keep track of student’s changing schedules and make sure we communicate that so we can edit the weekly schedule. Organization is important, as we must keep track of our student’s curriculum and special accommodations. Thus, if your student has a hectic schedule, I am quick to reply to emails, and will do everything to accomodate them.
I most enjoy the confidence my students gain when they see the end result of their hard work. This is especially rewarding when students who had little to no drive for school, were in summer school every year, or were not taught to value education begin to succeed. Every student is different and requires their own approach. By tailoring my methods to each student I begin to see their interests grow and flourish. A student who hated the idea of biology might tell me, after a semester of science, that they would like to study biology in college! Another student who thought they would be in lower level math forever might try out honors math the next year. However, success is not always the big changes. Sometimes it is small. Instead of getting an F on your math test, you get a C-? That is a win in my book and it's exciting to see their faces when they tell me their scores.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We get to work right away, however I do like to take the first half hour of a new session to get to know your student. What grade, school, interests, hobbies, sports clubs, college ambitions, work ambitions, etc. I like to get an idea of their attitude towards school as well. I can usually tell in the first few minutes how a student feels about homework, their teachers, school in general, etc. I can then adjust how I tutor them. If a student is not used to doing homework and puts in minimal effort, its silly to think they will start doing hours of homework every night or sit through an hour of tutoring. I would create a homework plan with that student and compromise on amount of time doing work. I may implement 5min break during the session. Other students love school and can't get enough homework. For those students I send them home with extra practice worksheets, we add and hour to their session, or schedule more days to tutor.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 2 years work experience in a professional setting. It is a privately owned business that is well known throughout the Twin Cities (MN) metro. I am designated as the STEM tutor, however I have helped students in all subjects.
For my formal education, I graduated from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities with a degree in Biology and a minor in Astrophysics. I have had around 1.5 years of experience in research and lab. I have recently decided to go back to school for a 2nd undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin: La Crosse. I plan to obtain a degree in Archaeology and do research in Bioarchaeology/Osteoarchaeology.
My course work for my first degree range from liberal arts (philosophy, mythology, language, gender studies, etc) to advanced math, physics, chemistry, and biology courses. The goal at the UofM is to have well rounded scientists. That experience with the liberal arts allowed me to tutor students in almost every subject. I have tutored students in Shakespeare, music history, etc. I have even tutored a student for his drivers permit test. I took AP and honors courses throughout highschool so I am familiar with what is expected of students in those courses.
I also had experience doing online tutoring through zoom during the pandemic. I found that I did really well at that as well. I gained a lot of practice with zoom's tools, such as the whiteboard, screensharing, editing, etc. I have worked with Webex as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally, my rate is $24 per session. I would prefer if parents give me a 24 hour notice if they need to cancel. If not, I would charge that session.
I have experience tutoring 2 students at once virtually. If parents wish to add another student I would increase the amount per hour. That is something we can discuss.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages in all different subjects. I have tutored groups of 4 kids at once to one-on-one sessions. I have also worked with kids from all backgrounds. Some students simply want to pass high school to get into the work field and others have college aspirations. I also have experience working with kids who have learning disabilities. Every student is different and I adjust my methods to accomodate that.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a tutor that is fun and cares to know about your aspirations in life. A tutor that simply wants to get your homework done and send you on your way will not inspire you. They will not spark your interest to learn and may even push you away from a subject you used to love.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
One thing you should as yourself is "am I willing to put in as much effort as they are?" Many people forget tutoring/learnign is a two way street. A tutor/teacher can give you the tools you need but you have to apply them. Students who see success are the ones who put in the time even if it's gradual. As long as you are always trying to do better week by week.