Award-Winning PRAXIS Special Education Tutors

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Award-Winning PRAXIS Special Education Tutors

Megan

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Megan

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

I am a graduate of Sewanee: University of the South. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English. I also have two master's degrees in education - a Master's of Education from Vanderbilt University in Special Education and a Master's of Arts in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. I have ov...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Masters in Education, Special Education

Lipscomb University

Master of Arts, Educational Administration

Sewanee: The University of the South

Bachelor in Arts, English

Brianna

Certified Tutor

Brianna

Bachelor's
Brianna's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
1st-10th Grade math
Pre-Algebra

I am a currently a high school mathematics teacher. I graduated from the University of Richmond majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Greg

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Greg

Bachelor's
Greg's other Tutor Subjects
Conversational Spanish
Languages
Psychology
Social Sciences

I am a student at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX working toward dual undergraduate degrees. In May of 2016 I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. I traveled to Spain this past year to participate in a semester long study abroad program a...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Patricia

Certified Tutor

3+ years

Patricia

Masters, Administration and Supervision
Patricia's other Tutor Subjects
American Literature
Biology
Elementary School
Elementary School Math

I believe that ALL students are destined to succeed in education in their own way and their own terms. Sometimes it just takes others longer to grasp the information being taught to them and that is okay! I was one of those students and now I make it my mission to help those students that struggle t...

Education

Lipscomb University

Masters, Administration and Supervision

Tennessee State University

Bachelors, Elementary Education

Moises

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Moises

Masters, Computer Science / Electrical
Moises's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Algebra 3/4
College Algebra

I love learning and teaching! I enjoy learning because it interesting to discover new ideas and fun to understand how things work. I'm currently working on a Masters in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, but I enjoy to work on mathematics and study other sciences including biology and physics....

Education

Oregon Health & Science University

Masters, Computer Science / Electrical

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Bachelors, Electrical Engineering

Weiyi

Certified Tutor

Weiyi

Bachelors, Honors Financial Economics, Statistics
Weiyi's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Algebra 3/4
College Algebra

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Rochester with an Honors BA in Financial Economics and Statistics and a minor in Chemistry. The greatest thing about the University of Rochester is the freedom of the curriculum, which allowed me to explore a variety of classes spanning from finance and mat...

Education

University of Rochester

Bachelors, Honors Financial Economics, Statistics

Klady

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Klady

Current Undergrad, Esthetics
Klady's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Science
English
High School English
Math

Hi there,I am a graduate of Northwest College. I am currently working toward my Doctorate, and I believe that people who try their best can have great success in life, and I am grateful I get to be a part of that stepping stone! I love spending time with friends and family, reading, and the great ou...

Education

Northwest College

Current Undergrad, Esthetics

Kris

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Kris

Masters in Education, Education
Kris's other Tutor Subjects
ACT and SAT All-In-One Classes Prep
ACT English
ACT Reading
ACT Writing

I'm a dedicated, free-spirited educator dedicated to pushing students to be the best version of themselves they can be. I've worked in public education for two years as a high school teacher and seek outside opportunities to help individual students as much as I already do in my own classroom.

Education

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Masters in Education, Education

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Bachelor in Arts, English Composition

Alan

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Alan

Current Grad Student, Health Services Administration
Alan's other Tutor Subjects
Algebra
Algebra 2
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology

I am currently in graduate school at Hofstra University studying in Health Administration. I graduated from Hofstra with my Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Forensic Science in the Honors Program there. I started tutoring through the Learning Centers over 5 years ago which helped me rea...

Education

Hofstra University

Bachelors, Biology, General

Hofstra University

Current Grad Student, Health Services Administration

Test Scores
SAT
1440
Priyesh

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Priyesh

PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Priyesh's other Tutor Subjects
Adult ESL/ELL
Biology
College Biology
High School Biology

I am a 4th year medical student in Chicago. I completed by bachelors in Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports. I worked as a tutor during my undergraduate studies and enjoy teaching.

Education

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

PHD, Doctor of Medicine

University of Illinois at Chicago

Bachelors, Biology, General

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Maria

Chemistry Tutor • +7 Subjects

I am a Ph.D. chemist who has spent a good portion of my career focused on teaching. I recently served for eight years as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Trinity College, a liberal arts college in which faculty have lots of one-on-one interactions with students. Sitting down and delving into problems with students during office hours was always one of my favorite aspects of the job. I am currently transitioning back into full time chemical research but would like to keep a connection to students through tutoring.I have designed and taught courses in Introductory, Physical, and Atmospheric Chemistry at the college level. For each of these subjects, I have used multiple textbooks and am familiar with different approaches to presenting the material. In addition to my time on the faculty at Trinity, I worked for half a year at Haverford College, another liberal arts college. I also served as a teaching assistant and tutor during my graduate work at the University of Chicago and won teaching awards from the chemistry department. My tutoring experience dates back to 1996, when I started tutoring peers as an undergraduate at Swarthmore College.Chemistry is a science with practical applications in every aspect of our lives. I try to help students to see connections between the fundamental science and the many ways in which we all encounter chemical principles on a daily basis.A note about scheduling:I have time for online tutoring at 9:30 pm or later every other day. However, since the open days vary each week this is not marked on my calendar.

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Shane

College English Tutor • +37 Subjects

In 2013 I graduated Colorado State University with a BA in German with a minor in English. I was fortunate enough to study abroad twice while at CSU; once in Freiburg Germany for six weeks, then for six months in Bamberg Germany. I recently received my Statement of Eligibility (SOE) from Colorado Department of Education to teach K-12 German, while in a program to earn my teacher licensure.I have always taught and tutored others; from my time in the Boy Scouts to captain of my hockey team I have helped a wide range of individuals learn. While abroad my German friend and I would meet twice a week on the bridge where we would talk about our cultures, I would ask him questions about the German language, and sometime he would give me a tours around town.After graduating college I spent three years in the white-collar, monotonous 8-5 work force while I contemplated what to do with my degree, until a few months ago when I decided to take a leap of faith and quit the routine to pursue my passion. Shortly thereafter Varsity Tutors offered me this opportunity and I knew this was the right decision for me - to help others.Aside from German I love history, a great catalyst in my interest in German, as well as music (Alligatoah, Cro and Bushido among my top German artists). I also enjoy literature and writing; I currently write for an online magazine focusing around Colorados electronic music scene.

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Laurie

Elementary School Tutor • +8 Subjects

I am a retired elementary teacher. I also currently work as a career coach/recruiter for adults looking to find a new opportunity in the restaurant/hospitality industry. I am motivated to help others to reach their full potential. Last year after helping my grandchildren survive the sudden shift to virtual schooling, I knew I had to do what I could to also help other children and their parents. My hope is that my love of mathematics and learning helps you. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Hooma

College English Tutor • +8 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. I received my undergraduate degree - B.A. in English Literature and Secondary Education - from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. My previous teaching/tutoring experience includes a semester of student teaching 11th grade students in English at James B. Conant High School and engaging in one-on-one tutoring in Reading and Language Arts. Additionally, I do possess some experience working with ESL students. I am equally passionate about teaching Literature (including Reading and Writing skills) as well as Social Sciences to students. Though teaching writing skills can be challenging at times, I find the effort to be worthwhile because I love watching students experience a sense satisfaction and achievement when they finally master the ability to successfully express themselves through their writing. My teaching and tutoring experiences have taught me that everyone learns at their own pace and that it is essential that an instructor possess patience and understanding in order to enable a student to learn successfully. Additionally, I am a strong believer in the philosophy that "practice makes perfect." No amount of studying theory or concepts will provide a student with the insight as to their strengths or weaknesses in a particular subject that actually requires a student to actively apply those theories or concepts to a learning exercise and/or problem. When I am not attending to the obligations of work and home, I have a number of interests I like to dabble in. I am an art lover and enjoy checking out the various collections at museums both in nearby areas and abroad. I am an amateur photographer and in high school I learned how to develop black and white photos in the darkroom. Additionally, I took my first screen printing class last year and quickly fell in love with this particular medium. I am hoping to take an intermediate level of screen printing sometime in the near future. I also love to travel and have been fortunate enough to visit some great places over the past few years. Next on my list of countries to visit include Spain, Portugal and Italy. I am still an avid reader, my favorite genres being historical fiction and biographies.

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Evan

Conversational German Tutor • +11 Subjects

I am currently finishing my last semester at Wayne State University, and will be graduating with a Bachelors in German and International Studies. I have tutoring experience with 8 and 9 year olds in Math and Science, as well as English tutoring for a 10 year old German student.The subjects I teach are German 1 to 4, and can help students on their way to learning a second language. My favorite subject to tutor is German, it has always been my favorite subject in school and I am always excited to teach others what I have learned. My various experiences studying abroad in Germany helped build my confidence in my speaking ability, and really gave me a new appreciation for the language.I believe that the best way to learn is to to teach. In my experience with tutoring so far, I have found that instructing a student is the best way to improve ones self. This is why much of my teaching strategies center around having the student teach the material back to me.When I'm not tutoring German I'm usually reading. I have a passion for literature of all kinds, and once I get talking about a good book it's hard for me to stop! Another hobby of mine is music, I play bass guitar and clarinet in my free time.I hope to be a help to anyone looking to improve their German speaking skills!

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Winnifred

Algebra 2 Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am a career changer looking to fulfill my passion to teach and help students succeed. I tutored math for the past 3 years to 5th 8th grade and I am very familiar with the common core state standards. I also tutor pre-algebra.As a former corporate level chemist of 20 years, I find it easy to clearly define larger learning objectives and break them down into smaller learning objectives. While studying for my Master's degree in Secondary and Special Education, I learned a lot about adolescent behaviors and learning styles (tweens & teens). This helps me to stay focused on the learning goals while catering to the individual learning style of the student, and that is why I prefer to teach 1 to 1 and to small groups instead of traditional classroom teaching.I dont use a cookie cutter approach, rather I adapt methodologies that show positive responses from the individual student. I dont carry a large student load because I really enjoy delving into the subject matter that I am teaching or tutoring and observing how students thinks their way through problems. I build a rapport which helps me to remove the fear and get down to business. I believe it is very important to nurture students strengths because it can help them to face their weak areas with lower anxiety and a positive attitude. With routine and a little hard work, I will support students to strengthen those areas and build confidence.

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Duy

Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

Hi friend! I graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Missouri and currently work as a Computer Programmer for a large banking corporation. I have 7 years of experience tutoring a variety of subjects from biology to languages and math. My tutoring style revolves around regular usage and in depth familiarity. I love to meet students who want to learn more and incite in them a passion for a chosen subject.In my free time I enjoy learning languages (foreign or computer). I feel that learning languages help me better communicate with others and also better understand their cultures and customs. It's always my wish to meet others half way.My other hobbies include calligraphy and water colors as well as reading fantasy novels.

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Oluwagoke Victor

ACT Math Tutor • +17 Subjects

I enjoy teaching and tutoring people and to become great. It's my passion to always help other become successful.

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Andrew

American Literature Tutor • +45 Subjects

Hi, I'm the philosopher they call Andrew! You are most very definitely welcome to come to me with any school questions, but be warned: there's a good chance we'll soon be figuring out the meaning of life...

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Steven

Algebra Tutor • +40 Subjects

I am a retired PhD chemical engineer with a desire to give back via tutoring. I focus on chemistry and physics. I like to explain complicated ideas one time, again in another way, and finish with practical examples. I'm available anytime! Looking forward to meeting you and helping you on your educational journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The PRAXIS Special Education exam (5543) is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate knowledge of special education practices, legal requirements, and instructional strategies. The exam typically includes content on understanding exceptionalities, legal and social foundations of special education, delivery of services, and planning and managing the teaching and learning environment.

The test is usually computer-based and features multiple-choice questions that assess both foundational knowledge and practical application of special education principles. Success requires understanding not just the "what" of special education, but the "why" behind evidence-based practices and compliance with regulations like IDEA and Section 504.

Many test-takers struggle with the breadth of content—the exam covers diverse disabilities, legal frameworks, instructional strategies, and classroom management all in one assessment. Additionally, distinguishing between similar exceptionalities and understanding how to differentiate instruction for multiple disability categories can be confusing without targeted guidance.

Another challenge is connecting theory to practice. Test questions often present real classroom scenarios, requiring you to apply your knowledge rather than simply recall facts. Test-takers also frequently underestimate the legal and compliance portions, which make up a significant part of the exam and demand precise understanding of IDEA, IEPs, and due process procedures.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction lets you focus on your specific weak areas rather than sitting through material you've already mastered. A tutor can identify whether you're struggling with disability categories, IEP development, instructional strategies, or legal compliance—and build a customized study plan accordingly. This targeted approach typically saves significant prep time and boosts confidence in problem areas.

Unlike group classes or self-paced online courses, personalized tutoring provides immediate feedback on practice questions and real-time clarification when concepts don't click. Tutors can also adapt their teaching style to how you learn best, whether that's through case studies, visual aids, mnemonics, or scenario-based practice that mirrors the actual exam format.

The best tutors for PRAXIS Special Education have direct classroom experience in special education and a deep understanding of current disability categories, assessment practices, and instructional strategies. They should be familiar with the exam's content and question patterns, and able to explain complex concepts like least restrictive environment (LRE), positive behavior support systems, and differentiation in ways that stick.

Look for tutors who can connect exam content to real-world special education practice, help you build a systematic study plan, and provide practice with actual exam-style questions. Strong tutors also understand the legal and ethical dimensions of special education work and can help you internalize not just test answers, but the principles behind effective special education instruction.

Most candidates benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their background and familiarity with special education. If you have classroom experience in special education or related fields, you may need less time to review. If you're coming from a different field or education level, you'll likely need more time to build foundational knowledge across all content areas.

Personalized tutoring can often compress this timeline by helping you study efficiently—focusing your effort on gaps rather than reviewing material you already know. A typical approach involves weekly sessions combined with directed self-study, practice testing, and progressive review of difficult concepts. Many test-takers find that spacing their study over several weeks and using retrieval practice (testing yourself repeatedly on key concepts) leads to better retention than cramming.

The passing score for the PRAXIS Special Education exam (5543) varies by state but is typically around 147-150 out of 200. Many states have their own score requirements for teacher certification, so it's important to verify the specific passing score for your state's education department or certification agency.

Understanding what score you're aiming for helps shape your study strategy. Some test-takers aim for the minimum passing score if they just need certification, while others target higher scores for competitive job markets or graduate program prerequisites. A tutor can help you set realistic goals based on your starting knowledge and practice test results, then develop a study plan focused on reaching your target.

Most test-takers working with personalized tutors see measurable improvement within 3-4 weeks, with gains of 10-20 points or more on practice tests depending on their starting point. Success is typically evident in improved accuracy on disability identification questions, stronger performance on scenario-based legal and compliance questions, and more confident application of instructional strategies to classroom situations.

Beyond test score improvements, many candidates report feeling more prepared to actually work as special educators—they understand the rationale behind practices, can navigate IEP development with confidence, and can explain their approaches based on evidence and legal requirements. This deeper understanding often translates to both exam success and greater effectiveness in the classroom from day one.

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