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Award-Winning Speed Reading Tutors

Elizabeth

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elizabeth

Masters in Education, Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Elizabeth's other Tutor Subjects
K-8th Grade Reading
Elementary School
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math

Experienced Elementary and Special Education Teacher for over thirteen years with high expectations and a creative approach to learning. Certified Wilson Reading Instructor with a strong ability to assess and meet the needs of all students.

Education

Lesley University

Masters in Education, Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs

Boston University

Bachelor in Arts, French

Shabana

Certified Tutor

Shabana

Master of Science, Sociology
Shabana's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade Reading
10th-12th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
AP US History

I am a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where I graduated with a BA in Political Science. I will begin graduate school this fall at Virginia Commonwealth University and will begin a position as a teaching assistant in the sociology department. During my undergraduate career, I ha...

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

Master of Science, Sociology

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Meredith

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Meredith

Masters, Law
Meredith's other Tutor Subjects
Graduate Test Prep
Languages
LSAT Analytical Reasoning
Spanish

I am a licensed Attorney with a background in Geology and Spanish. Education is one of my core values. I believe that knowledge gives us the power as individuals to expand our own reality and perceptions of truth. Collectively, I think that the pursuit of knowledge pushes the boundaries of what is k...

Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Masters, Law

College of Wooster

Bachelors, Geology

Test Scores
LSAT
165
Lauren

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Lauren

Current Grad Student, Medicine
Lauren's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I am a fourth year medical student at UTHSC, and I recently completed all of my required clinical rotations and coursework. I have a lot of free time until graduation, and I would love to tutor to fill the time. I have over seven years of tutoring experience. I have tutored everything from first gra...

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelors, Health Policy

UTHSC College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, Medicine

Danya

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Danya

Bachelor in Arts, English
Danya's other Tutor Subjects
AP Art History
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
English

I am a current Junior at Columbia University, working towards my BA in English and Psychology. For the past eight years, I have been tutoring individuals and groups of all ages, specializing in English as a Second Language students. I have tutored in a variety of subjects but have had the most exper...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Angela

Certified Tutor

Angela

Masters, English
Angela's other Tutor Subjects
College English
College Essays
Comparative Literature
English

Don't you just love English? I know most people will say "no". But, I do love writing, reading, and all things literature. I earned my B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Northern Colorado. I tutored at the high schools, my university, and at our community college.I taught English Litera...

Education

University of Northern Colorado

Masters, English

University of Northern Colorado

Bachelors, English

Fiona

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Fiona

Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry
Fiona's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Cantonese
Geometry
Languages

I value the opportunity to receive high quality education afforded to me very much as, in my view, education is the only means that helped me achieve independence. I am an independent and contributing citizen who has financial independence. That is the primary drive behind my passion for teaching. B...

Education

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Bachelor of Chemistry, Chemistry

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry

Aerin

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Aerin

Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineer, Aerospace Engineering
Aerin's other Tutor Subjects
Aerospace Engineering
Algebra
Algebra 2
AP Calculus AB

I am a current student at the University of Florida studying aerospace engineering with an avid love of mathematics and physics and a passion for teaching students and inspiring them to thrive in STEM classes.

Education

University of Florida

Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineer, Aerospace Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
35
Simone

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Simone

Masters in Education, Counselor Education
Simone's other Tutor Subjects
Academic Coaching
Algebra
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading

I have tutored K-12 students since 2006. I love to empower students and help them with their academic challenges. I have had the privilege of tutoring students in Chicago, Washington DC, Newark, NJ and Baton Rouge. As a former History, Algebra 1 and Physics teacher for secondary students, I have bee...

Education

Louisiana State University and Agricultural Mechanical College

Masters in Education, Counselor Education

Howard University

Bachelor of Science, History

Curran

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Curran

Bachelor in Arts, History
Curran's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER Prep
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
ACT Prep

As a professional educator with over a decade of experience, I specialize in delivering personalized, high-impact instruction across the humanities, test preparation, and college readiness. I've taught everything from early literacy and middle school ELA to AP-level history, civics, and economicsand...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
ACT
32

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

MonaLisa

Cantonese Tutor • +24 Subjects

I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA. I have a BA in Rhetorical Communication from University of Pittsburgh, and I will return to Pitt in August 2016 to pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA). My day job is Patient Advocate for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, but my evening job is teaching Cantonese. I have taught Cantonese since 2014.Teaching Cantonese is very important to me because I love sharing my language and culture with others, and I feel very fulfilled from helping students learn a new language. I have two philosophies when teaching Cantonese: 1) practice makes perfect, 2) listen and watch. I believe Cantonese students become successful when they use these two philosophies to learn the tones, unique sounds, and complex phrases.My interests are in public health and hospital administration. I am more than happy to share or give advice about working in the health field. Outside of work, I am the Children's Ministries leader at my church and a Red Cross disaster services volunteer. In terms of hobbies, I like to play the piano and read superhero comic books.

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John

College English Tutor • +5 Subjects

Education should be alive. My object as a writing tutor is to help my clients harness the power of language and reason in their assignments. I aim to stimulate independent critical thought and to help my clients produce clear, organized, and well-informed writing. By supporting students in the writing process, I assist them in discovering and refining their own ideas, and then developing, organizing, and structuring them properly according to the assignment. I'm a creative writing student and a passionate reader. I look forward to helping students grow as writers and produce high-quality projects.

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Keith

Abstract Algebra Tutor • +85 Subjects

An Engineering Senior Manager by profession, I previously received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. My passion for learning continues as I am currently pursuing a PhD in Systems and Engineering Management. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Mathematics, Computers, Business, and Continuous Improvement initiatives. In my experience, helping share my knowledge with others has been very rewarding. I am a firm believer in self-improvement, with education leading to an improved quality of life. I aim to challenge and share this passion with my students as they learn concepts, with both formal scheduled tutoring or supporting immediate tutoring needs. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities, domestic and international travel, and time with family/friends.

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Nicholas

Advanced Placement Prep Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am a professional writer and media analyst who excels in finding innovative strategies to enhance learning. I am especially skilled at identifying problem areas in understanding and helping students achieve full comprehension of key material during their sessions.

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Rita

Academic Coaching Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am a professor of color committed to inclusive, intersectional learning. I have worked in higher education since 2015 and am beginning my tenure track position at Worcester State University this fall. I specialize in working with neurodiverse students and BIPOC, but all are warmly invited to study with me. My critical work has been featured in the Routledge Companion of Literature and Food, the Bloomsbury Handbook to Literary and Cultural Theory, and the Bloomsbury Handbook of Twenty-First Century Feminist Theory. I am also a published poet and an editor of Honey Literary, Sundress Publications, and Split Lip Magazine. My sessions are never boring, and you can count on me to keep it real and help you shine.

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Stephany

ACT English Tutor • +27 Subjects

Hello there! I am an English, reading, and writing tutor for K-12 students and adult learners. I have experience working as a tutor for high school and middle school students and I also have childcare experience from working as a nanny (two children, aged 3 and 10) as well as from my role as a before and after school care site assistant for K-7 students. In addition to helping students achieve academic success, I love helping students develop independent learning skills and confidence. My approach is flexible, patient, and student-minded, and I take care to consider the student's learning style and goals during our sessions.Currently, I am pursuing an online BA in English (concentration in comparative literature) with a minor in technical communications at Arizona State University. I also have college credit from the time I spent studying at American University in Washington, DC.When I'm not tutoring I'm most likely working on my latest creative writing project or reading something, anything!

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Ayana

Elementary Reading and Phonics Class Tutor • +11 Subjects

Educators use their skills to change the world.I hope to encourage and promote the gaining of knowledge and perfection of personal development.

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Sarah

Academic Coaching Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am currently pursuing my master's in education at the University of Oregon. I am a student teacher for mid/high school social studies and English.

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Hope

Elementary School Math Tutor • +10 Subjects

After graduating Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, OH in 2016, I am currently a sophomore at Lipscomb University. I am working towards getting my Bachelor's degree in social work, with plans to obtain a Master's in school counseling.For a year and a half, I spent two days a week with a middle school-aged student. I helped her complete homework and study for tests of various subjects, including math and Spanish. My favorite subject to tutor is definitely Spanish because it has always been my favorite subject in school. It was something that I always enjoyed, and I loved to learn more about the language.With tutoring, I like to give the student a chance to show me what he or she knows first, so I can get an idea of what level the student is working at. If they are struggling in specific areas, I will work closely with them until it seems like they are starting to understand the content. If they just need a push in the right direction, I will be there to do that, but if they need content retaught to them, then I will provide that help as well.I don't know if I have any "hobbies," per se, but I enjoy baking, playing board games with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling and becoming familiar with new places. I was raised to love baseball, and it's on my bucket list to visit every MLB park in America!I would describe myself as patient, and laid-back. I am simply here to help students where they're struggling, I am not here to get frustrated when someone may not understand the material! I am hopeful and confident that anyone can learn, but we just all learn differently.

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Alyssa

Elementary School Tutor • +16 Subjects

I am a certified elementary teacher and have worked in education for more than 25 years. I've tutored and taught students in all subjects from grades K - 7 and have worked with students with various learning disabilities. I've worked in public and private schools as a teacher and a tutor and have helped many students improve their grades by 1 - 2 levels. I currently work as a reading instructor at RPS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many students believe speed and comprehension are opposites, but they're actually connected. Poor reading habits like subvocalization (saying words in your head) and regression (rereading passages) slow you down without helping understanding. A tutor can teach you to eliminate these habits while building active reading strategies—like previewing text structure, identifying key ideas, and asking yourself questions as you read—that actually strengthen comprehension. The goal is efficient reading, not just fast reading.

Reading speed is crucial on timed tests. The SAT allows roughly 8-9 minutes per passage with questions, while the ACT is even tighter. Students who read slowly often run out of time or skip questions entirely. Speed reading techniques—like strategic skimming, recognizing question types in advance, and focusing on main ideas rather than every detail—help you manage time more effectively. A tutor can show you which techniques work best for different passage types and how to balance speed with the accuracy needed for strong scores.

Reading faster doesn't mean forgetting more—in fact, focused speed reading often improves retention. The key is moving from passive to active reading. Techniques like chunking (reading groups of words instead of single words), identifying text structure before diving in, and connecting new information to what you already know all help information stick. A tutor can guide you through these strategies and help you practice them until they become automatic, so you're retaining key information even when you're moving quickly.

Absolutely. Reading a novel requires different pacing than reading a science textbook or news article. A literary analysis might need slower, more careful reading to catch themes and tone, while scanning a math problem set for key information benefits from strategic skimming. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can teach you to adjust your approach based on your purpose—whether you're reading for pleasure, studying for an exam, or gathering information. This flexibility is what real speed reading is about.

Yes. Faster, more focused reading exposes you to more diverse writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures—all of which influence your own writing. When you read actively and efficiently, you're also analyzing how writers organize ideas and develop arguments, which directly applies to your own essay writing. Additionally, reading more broadly helps you build stronger research skills and find better sources for papers. A tutor can help you connect your reading improvements to your writing development.

No. While some people think speed reading is purely a visual skill, it's actually about how your brain processes information. Eye movement is just one small piece. The real work involves eliminating mental habits that slow you down—like subvocalization—and building cognitive strategies like recognizing patterns, previewing structure, and maintaining focus. A tutor won't just teach you where to look; they'll help retrain how you think about reading, which is what creates lasting improvement.

It depends on your current speed and what you're reading for. Average adult readers move at 200-250 words per minute with decent comprehension. Many students can reach 400-600 wpm with strong comprehension through focused training. Some advanced readers reach 800+ wpm, though extremely high speeds typically trade some comprehension for coverage. Rather than chasing a specific number, a tutor will help you set goals based on your needs—whether that's tackling thick textbooks faster, speeding through test passages, or simply reading more in less time.

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