Award-Winning Elementary Reading and Phonics Tutors

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning Elementary Reading and Phonics Tutors

Sheena

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Sheena

Masters in Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence
Sheena's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade math
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

Early readers need someone who can make phonemic awareness feel like a game rather than a chore — blending sounds, decoding unfamiliar words, building sight-word fluency. Sheena started tutoring younger students at Kumon and developed a knack for keeping kids engaged through the repetition that phon...

Education

Cornell University

Masters in Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Nicholas

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Nicholas

Bachelor in Arts, English
Nicholas's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays

Phonics instruction works best when it's systematic and joyful at the same time — blending sounds into words, segmenting words back into sounds, and building the automaticity that turns decoding into real reading. Nicholas has guided early readers through this progression in small-group settings, co...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Grace

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Grace

Bachelor's
Grace's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Calculus
Algebra
ACT English

Early readers need someone who can make the leap from sounding out C-A-T to reading a full sentence feel exciting rather than exhausting. Grace teaches phonemic awareness and decoding through structured phonics routines — blending drills, sight-word practice, and short decodable readers — paced to e...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
ACT
33
Mona

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Mona

Master of Science, Epidemiology
Mona's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
Elementary Statistics

Blending consonant clusters, recognizing sight words, and sounding out vowel teams are the building blocks that turn a hesitant reader into a confident one. Mona pairs systematic phonics drills with actual storybook reading so children practice decoding in context. Her background teaching across age...

Education

Alexandria university

Master of Science, Epidemiology

Alexandria university

Bachelor of Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Maansi

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Maansi

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Maansi's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
ACT Writing

For early readers still working on sounding out words, Maansi breaks phonics into manageable chunks — blending consonant clusters, recognizing long and short vowel patterns, and building sight-word fluency through repetition that doesn't feel tedious. She pairs decoding drills with simple read-aloud...

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Test Scores
ACT
33
Amos

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Amos

Master of Arts, Music Performance
Amos's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACCUPLACER ESL
ACCUPLACER WritePlacer

Phonemic awareness, letter-sound correspondence, and blending are the building blocks that everything else in reading depends on. Amos brings patience and creativity to these foundational skills, using rhythm and repetition — tools he knows well from his music performance background — to help early ...

Education

The Juilliard School

Master of Arts, Music Performance

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor in Arts

Brianna

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Brianna

Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Brianna's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Teaching young children to read requires knowing exactly where a student is in the progression from letter recognition to blending to fluent decoding — and Brianna assesses and teaches at each of these stages every single day. Her full-time role as a literacy interventionist gives her a deep toolkit...

Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching

Heather

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Heather

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Heather's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

Early readers need someone who can tell the difference between a child who's guessing from picture clues and one who's genuinely decoding — and then adjust the lesson on the spot. Heather's Childhood Education certification and tenured classroom experience mean she's diagnosed hundreds of young read...

Education

Adelphi University

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching

Siena College

Bachelor of Science, Marketing

Esther

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Esther

Bachelor's
Esther's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Phonics is the engine behind early literacy, and the difference between a child who struggles and one who takes off often comes down to how systematically letter-sound relationships are taught. Esther walks young readers through blending, segmenting, and sight-word recognition at a pace that builds ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Natasha

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Natasha

Master of Arts Teaching, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Natasha's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SSAT- Middle Level
SAT Subject Test in Japanese with Listening

Teaching phonics effectively means understanding how sounds map to letters — and how young readers internalize those patterns differently. Natasha's NYU master's in TESOL gave her deep training in phonemic awareness, decoding strategies, and building fluency, skills she's applied across elementary c...

Education

New York University

Master of Arts Teaching, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)

Tufts University

Bachelor in Arts, Asian Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1520

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Allison

Middle School Math Tutor • +29 Subjects

Hobbies: books, music, hiking, art, reading, writing

View Profile

Ayesha

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am extremely proficient in math subjects including geometry, algebra, pre-calculus - I've been in AP classes/ Honors classes my entire life and have excelled most in math.

View Profile

Ben

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +144 Subjects

I have an undergraduate degree from Brown University where I double majored in International Relations and History of Art and Architecture. I also have a certification in teaching English as a foreign language. My favorite subjects to tutor are Russian, Japanese, and English, but I also am available to tutor in math (elementary to calculus), science, and SAT/ACT/AP prep. I have over five years of experience in both in-person and online tutoring, and I am passionate about helping students reach their academic and personal goals. I lead students to success by sparking their interest and making the subject fun to learn.

View Profile

Aaron

Middle School Math Tutor • +46 Subjects

I am a recent college graduate with an A.B. in Education Studies from Brown University (Providence, RI). I have worked as a remote tutor for other online platforms throughout 2021. I am most passionate about English, especially literary analysis and essay writing. When I am not tutoring, I enjoy exercising with my dog.

View Profile

Tori

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +87 Subjects

My name is Tori and I am excited to support and guide you while you rock your way to meeting your learning goals! I have a degree in English and I am a certified English teacher as well, and I am fluent in Spanish, too! My journey helping others started more than 10 years ago... I started tutoring when I was in college and I soon realized I loved helping classmates find their aha! moment. It was priceless! After this, I decided my career path was in Education, and I worked towards getting a certification. I have worked in a classroom setting in person and online for about 5 years! Having struggled with some subjects, like Chemistry, while I was a freshman, also gives me a fresh perspective to tutoring. I needed help and I appreciate the experts who helped me succeed. Because of this, I'm aware that students will need help with content, but also building their confidence with the subject, and working through the anxiety or fear they may have by the time they connect with a tutor. But don't worry: I am here to support you in the way that fits best your learning style, prior knowledge, and timelines! I currently tutor full time and love every minute of it! While I have worked with students from Elementary School level to College students, I thoroughly enjoy, and I'm an expert working with students in Middle School and High School. I can meet with students individually, or in a group setting. My favorite subjects are Literature and Conversational Spanish. I also have extensive experience working with struggling students in organizational skills, test taking strategies and executive functioning. I look forward to supporting you in your learning journey: your goals are my #1 priority!

View Profile

Camille

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a graduate of Brown University with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Yale University with a Masters in Public Health. I also hold a Level 5 certification in TEFL. I am passionate about working with children and students of all ages to assist them in achieving their highest potential. My favorite subjects to teach are phonics, reading, science and math. My approach is to meet the students where they are at in their studies and make their learning experience fun, interactive, engaging and exciting. Outside of teaching, I enjoy traveling around the world, rowing, spending time with family and friends and gourmet cooking,

View Profile

Angela

ACT Writing Tutor • +35 Subjects

My goal as a tutor is to help a student assess their strengths, identify their areas of need, formulate a plan to address these areas and assist them in achieving mastery in their desired subject. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Memphis, Tennessee. I have been working in education for over 15 years. In addition, I have spent over 2 years teaching English as a Second Language online. I have also spent time tutoring students in English and Math, as well as helping to prepare for Standardized Tests, such as the Graduate Exit Exam and the ACT.

View Profile

Mary

PSAT Writing Skills Tutor • +117 Subjects

Hello! I am Mrs. Mary Grace and I am happy to help you get on the road to academic success. I love going above and beyond to give you the knowledge you need due to my high level of expertise. I have a Master's in English as well as a B.A. in Writing and a B.A. in Media Studies. I also hold a California Teaching Credential and have taught gifted and talented students (GATE) for 7 years in the California public school system. I was an English professor for 2 years at Westwood College and I currently work full-time as an online ESL Teacher for VIPKid. I also tutored SAT prep, PSAT prep, AP English, Honors English, Writing, Grammar, ACT English, TOEFL, CBEST and CSET as well as general homework help for grades Kindergarten through College. I also helped edit essays and papers and helped students write their college application essays. I hope to see you soon online in the classroom!

View Profile

Vitoria

Middle School Math Tutor • +67 Subjects

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from St. Francis Xavier University, and I have over four years of tutoring experience across a diverse age range, from kindergarteners to adults. My expertise includes teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), French as a Second Language (FSL), and various subjects such as math and literacy. I believe that effective tutoring is dynamic and tailored to each student's unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where learning is both enjoyable and productive. My approach incorporates interactive materials and games, particularly for younger students, while maintaining a structured and rigorous methodology for older learners. I am passionate about empowering students to achieve tangible progress, as I understand the challenges of language acquisition and the importance of strong communication skills in all areas of life. Additionally, my experience working with students with learning disabilities has reinforced my commitment to adapting my teaching strategies to ensure every learner can succeed.

View Profile

Elizabeth

Elementary School Math Tutor • +59 Subjects

I am an Educator with 22 years of experience working with students of all ages, ability levels, and subject areas. I received my Masters of Education from Slippery Rock and my Bachelors of Art in Sociology with a focus on Secondary Teaching from Geneva College. I've taught in a variety of academic settings; private, public, alternative education, and online. Subjects taught include; Social Studies, Reading, English Language Arts, Math, Science, Biology, AP Psychology, Health, and Study Skills. I hold a Level II Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in the following areas: Special Education N-12, Social Studies, Mid-Level Math, and English. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Writing, Biology, Social Studies and Social Sciences. When working with students, whether in the classroom or in tutoring sessions, my mission is to assist them in reaching their maximum potential by using research based and innovative teaching methods. I aim to promote success and accomplishment for all students and look forward to working with you!

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Many elementary readers struggle with consonant blends (like 'str' or 'bl'), digraphs (such as 'ch', 'sh', 'th'), and vowel patterns—especially long vowel sounds and r-controlled vowels. Students often confuse similar letter combinations or have difficulty applying phonetic rules consistently across different words. A tutor can identify exactly where a student's decoding breaks down and use targeted, multisensory approaches to build automaticity with these tricky patterns.

When students decode words slowly or inaccurately, they use up mental energy on sounding out letters rather than understanding meaning. Fluency—reading at an appropriate pace with proper expression—frees up cognitive resources for comprehension. A tutor helps build fluency through repeated exposure to decodable texts, sight word practice, and guided oral reading, which directly improves a student's ability to understand and retain what they read.

Irregular words like 'the,' 'said,' 'of,' and 'was' don't follow standard phonetic patterns, so students can't decode them by applying phonics rules alone. These high-frequency words must be learned by sight to build reading fluency—students encounter them constantly in texts. A tutor uses spaced repetition and engaging practice activities to help students automatize sight words so they can focus on decoding the phonetically regular words around them.

Look for improvements in decoding unfamiliar words, increased reading speed without sacrificing accuracy, and growing confidence with multi-syllabic words. A tutor will track progress through running records, phonemic awareness assessments, and decoding fluency checks—concrete measures that show which phonetic patterns a student has mastered and where additional support is needed. Regular progress monitoring helps adjust instruction to keep your child challenged but not frustrated.

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in words—like recognizing that 'cat' has three sounds or that 'bat' and 'cat' rhyme. Phonics is the connection between those sounds and their written letter symbols. Both are essential: students need strong phonemic awareness before phonics instruction is effective. A tutor assesses both skills and may use activities like sound sequencing, blending, and segmentation to build the foundation phonics requires.

Struggling readers often have gaps in foundational phonetic knowledge that compound over time. A tutor uses diagnostic assessment to pinpoint exactly which phonics skills are missing, then provides intensive, systematic instruction with immediate feedback and plenty of practice with decodable texts. This personalized approach accelerates progress because instruction targets the specific gaps holding a student back, rather than moving through a generic curriculum at a pace that doesn't match their needs.

Multisensory techniques engage multiple learning pathways—sight, sound, touch, and movement—to reinforce letter-sound connections. Examples include tracing letters while saying sounds, using textured letter tiles, or acting out phonetic patterns. Research shows these approaches are particularly effective for students with dyslexia or phonological processing difficulties because they create stronger neural pathways for sound-symbol associations. A tutor trained in multisensory methods can adapt techniques to match how your child learns best.

Ask your tutor for specific decodable books and word lists matched to the phonics skills being taught—reading these together reinforces what your child is learning in sessions. Practice brief, playful activities like sound hunts (finding words that start with a target sound) or making rhyming lists. Avoid correcting your child harshly; instead, model correct pronunciation and celebrate effort. Your tutor can provide a home practice plan that takes just 10-15 minutes daily and complements their personalized instruction.

Connect with Elementary Reading and Phonics Tutors

Get matched with expert tutors in your subject