Award-Winning Special Education Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning Special Education Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

Liz

Certified Tutor

Liz

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

Liz holds a master's in Special Education (Mild to Moderate Disabilities, grades 5–12) from Simmons College and has worked extensively with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional impairments. That clinical training, paired with her hands-on experience teaching and dir...

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
Jessica

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Jessica

Current Undergrad, Economics, Cancer Biology
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
Microbiology

Every learner processes information differently, and Jessica adapts her teaching style accordingly — breaking concepts into smaller steps, using visual organizers, or finding alternative explanations when the standard one doesn't click. Her science and economics training means she can support studen...

Education

University of Chicago

Current Undergrad, Economics, Cancer Biology

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade Math
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra

During her years teaching second through fourth grade, Molly worked daily with students who had a wide range of learning needs, from reading intervention to modified math instruction. She pulls from multiple curricula and adapts materials on the fly — adjusting pacing, breaking tasks into smaller st...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480

Certified Tutor

Harry

Bachelor in Arts, Theater
Harry's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Calculus

Every learner processes information differently — some through auditory explanation, some through visual mapping, others through hands-on activity — and Harry builds each session around identifying what actually works for that student. His background in theater and education at Northwestern trained ...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Theater

Northwestern University

BA (School of Communications)

Certified Tutor

Victoria

Master's Degree in Education
Victoria's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Trigonometry

Victoria spent three years as a certified classroom teacher through Teach for America, working with first through third graders who had a wide range of learning needs, including IEP-supported students. She adapts lessons to different processing styles and paces, breaking academic content into struct...

Education

Yale University

Master's Degree in Education

Southern Connecticut State University

Master of Science, Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Yan

Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Yan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Every learner processes information differently, and Yan's entire educational philosophy centers on adapting how material is presented until it connects. Her master's in Curriculum and Instruction trained her to design differentiated lessons, and her years in Boston elementary and middle school clas...

Education

Boston College

Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction

Boston College

Bachelor in Arts, Elementary School Teaching

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Heather

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Heather's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

Heather's psychology background gives her real insight into how different learners process information — whether a student needs material broken into smaller chunks, presented visually, or reinforced through repetition. She's especially effective with kids who get frustrated easily, building their c...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Mati

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Mati's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading and Writing
PSAT Critical Reading

Mati brings both professional and personal insight to special education — her doctoral work centered on learning disabilities, and as a mother of two children with dyslexia, she's navigated IEP meetings, accommodation plans, and reading interventions from every side of the table. She teaches strateg...

Education

New York University

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

A PhD in neuroscience means Elliot understands learning differences at the biological level — how attention, working memory, and processing speed vary across brains and what that means for instruction. He explicitly welcomes learners on the spectrum and tailors pacing, scaffolding, and sensory consi...

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Alan

Masters, Education
Alan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Finite Mathematics
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4

A Master's in Education trained Alan in differentiated instruction, IEP-aligned goal setting, and multisensory teaching methods that reach learners who struggle in traditional classroom environments. He adapts pacing and materials to match each student's processing style, whether the challenge invol...

Education

Harvard University

Masters, Education

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Bachelors, Mathematics

Certified Tutor

Alex

Masters, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
Alex's other Tutor Subjects
3rd-8th Grade Science
10th-12th Grade Writing
10th-12th Grade Reading
Calculus

Occupational therapy is fundamentally about adapting tasks so people can succeed despite neurological, developmental, or learning differences — and that's the perspective Alex brings to tutoring. Currently in Washington University's OT Doctorate program with a neuroscience background, Alex understan...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Masters, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Bachelors, Psychology

Certified Tutor

James

Current Grad, Physical Therapy
James's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Middle School Math

Teaching across dozens of NYC public schools exposed James to students with a wide range of learning differences, from processing delays to attention challenges. He builds individualized approaches — breaking instructions into smaller steps, using multi-sensory reinforcement, and adjusting pacing in...

Education

SUNY University at Albany

Bachelor of Science, Economics and Japanese

Washington University in St. Louis

Current Grad, Physical Therapy

Test Scores
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Madison

Current Grad Student, Global Studies
Madison's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
College Essays

Teaching on an ESL elementary campus meant Madison regularly adapted lessons for students with vastly different learning needs, processing speeds, and communication styles. She builds individualized approaches — breaking instructions into smaller steps, using visual and auditory reinforcement, and a...

Education

The Texas A&M University System Office

Bachelor in Arts, International and Intercultural Communication

Rice University

Current Grad Student, Global Studies

Rice University

undergraduate

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Sydney

Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Sydney's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

Five years of working specifically with students who have learning differences — dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders — taught Sydney that the content isn't usually the problem; it's the delivery. She redesigns how material is presented, using multisensory techniques and scaffolded instructions so t...

Education

Mercer University

Bachelor in Arts, Spanish

Test Scores
SAT
1400

Certified Tutor

Max

Bachelors
Max's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Subject Test in United States History

Max's psychology degree and his experience tutoring students from varied backgrounds in West Philadelphia gave him practical insight into how different learners process information. He adapts pacing, breaks concepts into smaller steps, and uses multisensory techniques to make material accessible acr...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Frequently Asked Questions

Personalized tutoring allows instruction to be tailored to each student's specific learning style, pace, and IEP goals—something difficult to achieve in a classroom setting with a 10.2:1 student-teacher ratio. A tutor can break down complex concepts into smaller steps, provide immediate feedback, and adjust strategies in real-time based on what's working. This targeted approach helps students build confidence and make measurable progress toward their individualized education plan.

Yes. Tutors can review your child's IEP and align their instruction with the specific academic and functional goals outlined in the plan. Whether your child is working on reading fluency, math skills, social-emotional learning, or executive functioning, personalized tutoring can reinforce what's being taught in school while providing additional practice and support. It's helpful to share the IEP with the tutor so they understand your child's strengths, challenges, and recommended accommodations.

Students often struggle with foundational skills like reading decoding, math computation, or attention and organization—areas where focused, one-on-one practice makes a real difference. Tutoring can also address gaps caused by missed instruction, build automaticity in key skills, and teach learning strategies that help students become more independent. By working in a low-pressure, customized environment, students can practice without frustration and develop the confidence to apply skills in the classroom.

The first session is typically an assessment and relationship-building meeting. The tutor will learn about your child's strengths, learning style, current challenges, and any relevant background (including IEP information if you share it). They'll ask questions to understand your goals and may do some informal assessment to see where your child stands academically. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan for the sessions ahead.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience working with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. Many have backgrounds in special education, teaching, speech-language pathology, or related fields. When you reach out, you can discuss your child's specific needs so we can match you with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your child's learning profile and goals.

Good tutoring includes regular progress monitoring. Tutors can track improvements in specific skills (like fluency, accuracy, or task completion), keep notes on what strategies are working, and share updates with you about what your child is learning. You might also see progress reflected in classroom work, homework completion, or behavior—especially if the tutor is reinforcing skills and strategies your child needs. It's a good idea to check in with your tutor regularly about what you're noticing at home.

Buffalo's 24 school districts offer special education services through IEPs and 504 plans, but personalized tutoring adds an extra layer of support. While school-based services address your child's core needs, tutoring can provide intensive practice on specific skills, help bridge gaps between grade levels, and offer a customized learning environment where your child can build skills and confidence. Tutoring and school services work best together as part of a comprehensive support plan.

Reach out to Varsity Tutors and share information about your child's age, grade, learning needs, and specific goals. Let us know if there are particular skills or subjects you'd like to focus on, and whether you have an IEP we should be aware of. We'll match you with a tutor who has experience supporting students with similar needs, and you can start with a first session to see if it's a good fit.

Connect with Special Education Tutors in Buffalo

Get matched with local expert tutors