Award-Winning Elementary School Reading Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

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Award-Winning Elementary School Reading Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

Michaela

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Michaela

Current Undergrad Student, Biology, General
Michaela's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

Learning to read confidently means more than sounding out words — it means understanding what a story is actually saying, making predictions, and connecting ideas across a page. Michaela breaks down skills like main idea identification, sequencing, and context clues into small, concrete steps that y...

Education

University at Buffalo

Current Undergrad Student, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
31
Tess

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Tess

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Tess's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading and Writing
ACT English

From her early work as a literacy advocate in Washington, DC to running a K–8 afterschool program in Buffalo, Tess has spent years sitting beside young readers and figuring out what clicks. She builds sight-word recognition, decoding strategies, and comprehension skills through engaging texts matche...

Education

American University

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

Certified Tutor

Caroline

Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
Caroline's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra

Phonics, sight words, fluency, comprehension — elementary reading has a lot of moving parts, and each child hits different stumbling blocks. Caroline identifies where a young reader is getting stuck and uses targeted, engaging practice to build genuine confidence with text. Her 4.9 rating speaks to ...

Education

College of the Holy Cross

Bachelor in Arts, English Literature

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Aaron

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Reid

PHD, Education
Reid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...

Education

Harvard University

PHD, Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Liz

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Liz's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...

Education

Simmons College

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Solange

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Solange's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
Public Speaking

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Com...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics

University of Chicago

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ingrid

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Ingrid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Finite Mathematics
Trigonometry
Statistics

I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the fir...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Isabella

Current Grad Student, Operations Research
Isabella's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at t...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Current Grad Student, Operations Research

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Frequently Asked Questions

Many elementary readers struggle with phonics foundations, fluency, and comprehension—especially the transition from learning to read to reading to learn around 3rd grade. Students may also have difficulty with vocabulary development, understanding complex sentence structures, or staying focused during longer texts. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly where a student is getting stuck and builds confidence through targeted practice.

Expert tutors use a combination of methods including reading fluency checks, comprehension assessments, and informal observations to understand a student's strengths and areas for growth. They may ask students to read aloud, answer questions about what they've read, or work through guided reading passages at different levels. This assessment helps create a personalized learning plan tailored to your child's specific needs.

The first session focuses on getting to know your student and understanding their reading goals. The tutor will typically have a conversation about what your child enjoys reading, what challenges they face, and observe their reading in action. This information helps establish a foundation for future sessions and allows the tutor to recommend strategies and materials that match your student's interests and level.

Effective strategies include previewing text before reading, asking questions while reading, visualizing scenes, making connections to prior knowledge, and summarizing key ideas. Tutors also teach students to identify main ideas versus details, understand character motivations, and recognize story structure. With consistent practice and personalized feedback, students develop stronger comprehension skills and become more engaged readers.

Yes—phonics and fluency are foundational skills that tutors specifically target with younger elementary students. Through structured practice, word recognition games, and guided reading, students build decoding skills and increase their reading speed and accuracy. Improved fluency allows students to focus more mental energy on understanding what they're reading rather than sounding out every word.

Grade-level expectations vary, but generally kindergarteners begin recognizing letters and sounds, 1st graders decode simple words and read short sentences, 2nd graders read simple chapter books, and by 3rd grade students should be reading longer texts with growing comprehension. However, every child develops at their own pace—some advance faster while others need more time to solidify foundational skills. A tutor can help determine where your child stands and create a plan to reach grade-level benchmarks.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in elementary reading instruction and understand the needs of students in Buffalo. Simply share your student's grade level, reading challenges, and goals, and we'll match them with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your family. You can then schedule personalized sessions at times that work for your schedule.

Many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline depends on the student's starting point and the specific skills being addressed. For foundational skills like phonics, improvement can come relatively quickly with focused practice. For comprehension and higher-level reading skills, progress builds gradually as students apply new strategies across different texts and genres.

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