Hi there! I'm Sasha and I am a former high school biology teacher and MBA graduate who is excited to help you find success and enjoyment in your biology, chemistry, or math class or SAT II Subject Test. I taught high school biology at a public high school in New Jersey for three years and really enjoyed working with students. Additionally, I've had success on the SAT and the GMAT exams, and look forward to sharing my tips and tricks with students or business school applicants who are gearing up for these exams. Finally, having worked with a wide range of students, including many with IEPs or Section 504 accomodations, I have lots of strategies and ideas to help students who learn differently master content and can also help students who could use some extra support in their organizational and study skills.I'm available on weekday evenings and at most times on Saturday and Sunday. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you think I could help you or your student. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you!

I graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2014. I received my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Child Studies. I graduated from Vanderbilt with teaching licensure for Pre-K through third grade in the state of Tennessee. I am originally from New York so, while I loved living in Nashville, I decided that I wanted to move back to New York to receive my Master's degree. I am currently attending Teachers College, Columbia University and I am in a dual Elementary Inclusive Education and Special Education program. I have been working with kids in varied settings such as in classrooms, tutoring groups, one-on-one, in camps, and more, since I was in high school. While I tutor a broad range of subjects and grades, I am most passionate about teaching Reading and Math at the Elementary level. Part of the reason I am drawn to the field of education is because teachers must be life-long learners. I am aim to foster a love of learning in my student. This, I believe, leads to intrinsic motivation. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking, and staying active.

I am excited about joining Varsity Tutors. I am looking forward to working with you! Languages are my specialty are my specialty - I help you improve your Spanish or be your conversation partner if you would like to practice your Russian!

My name is Vanessa. I am a passionate and qualified teacher and tutor. My education includes a BA in English from Washington and Lee University, and an MA in English Education from Columbia University's Teachers College. I have taught English in the classroom for over a decade. In addition, I have experience teaching S.A.T. prep courses and preparing students individually for ERB testing. I have tutored students outside of the classroom for many years. My qualifications include reading comprehension, analytical and creative writing, grammar and test prep. Because all students are unique, I meet each one where he or she is in the learning process, taking into account individual learning styles. In addition, I have a gift for making my sessions engaging and even fun. My students have enjoyed a lot of success over the years, which is always my goal. I look forward to getting to know you!

Dr. Jose Vidot is a Columbia University graduate, and lifelong educator with over 40 years of experience teaching and leading in both K12 and higher education. With advanced degrees in applied mathematics including a doctorate in Teaching and Learning Mathematics he has inspired students to learn and appreciate mathematics at every level, from middle school and high school classrooms to college lecture halls. Dr. Vidot was inspired to move towards college level teaching after seeing how many students struggled to complete their STEM degrees due to math barriers. Dr. Vidot made it his mission to make math clear, approachable, and empowering. He now offers personalized tutoring a service grounded in discipline, compassion, and a lifetime of service to others. Whether you're a student seeking support in basic Math, IB or advanced mathematics or statistics, a parent looking for help, or an institution needing group tutoring and teaching, Dr, Vidot is the right person to help you meet those goals. Here, you'll work directly with a proven educator no shortcuts, no red tape, just results.

I am a recent graduate of the Teachers College, Columbia University, Technology Specialist K-12 program. Technology Specialists are trained to couple digital devices and applications with curriculum to facilitate learning transfer and boost student collaboration. While studying for my degree, I completed three hundred hours of student teaching and observation in public, private, elementary and high schools in districts throughout New York City. This experience fortified the ideology that utilizing virtual software diminishes didacticism, encourages student engagement and creates highly interactive learning environments.Prior to attending Teachers College, I obtained a Master of Science degree from Full Sail University, as an Innovation and Entrepreneurship major. This field of study provides students who wish to build start-up companies in the technology field with all the skills required to do so. The culmination of my studies resulted in the construction of a web-based, media company that coalesces viewers from around the world, in order to foster the transfer of socio-cultural awareness.My initial introduction to the classroom occurred upon graduating from the City College of New York. I was offered a permanent position as a third grade assistant teacher at the Ralph Bunch Elementary School in Harlem. There, I assisted students in lesson comprehension by reiterating classroom subject matter in small groups of three to five students. As well, by implementing innovative learning strategies, I helped the lead teacher propel our students well past expectations.As a Varsity Tutor, I am best suited to help elementary and middle school students strengthen their reading, comprehension and writing skills. I have a myriad of fun and interactive, virtual applications at my disposal that are designed to significantly increase students' reading fluency and understanding, as well as their writing ability.

My core belief is that all students, regardless of age, want to be successful and learn complex, sophisticated material. I use my training as a teacher, my experience as a classroom teacher and tutor, and my own experiences as a learner to help understand the obstacles any student faces with challenging material and to provide scaffolds and supports to overcome those struggles.I have been working in education the last 12 years in a variety of contexts: teaching English as a foreign language as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkmenistan, test prep to older high school students in Brooklyn, NYC, as an English classroom teacher to 7th through 12th graders in Queens, New York, a tutor for my advisory students in 7th and 8th grade, and as a teacher trainer at Columbia University. These numerous positions have helped me understand what it is like for a learner to engage in difficult material and to know how I can help learners make sense of their own learning process.

I am a recent cum laude graduate of Claremont McKenna College in Southern California, and this summer I will begin studying at Columbia University Teachers College in New York where I am working to earn my master's in Education for 7-12 English. I have worked as Head Consultant at my school's Center for Writing and Public Discourse for the past three years. I was a member of my school's Educational Task Force where I taught weekend seminars for high school students who were brave enough to come in on Saturday mornings. For these students (many of whom were the first in their families to apply to college), I provided college essay help and was the lead teacher for a semester-long photojournalism/spoken-word course. Last summer I worked at an educational nonprofit in New York to support educational workshops and help organize a College App Essay Bootcamp for 150 students. Two summers ago I was the Teaching Artist Cadre Development & High School Readiness Project Intern at an arts and literacy non-profit in Chicago called Changing Worlds. The next summer as Education Intern I taught, organized lesson plans, and created lending library for a preschool for homeless children in Washington D.C. I have studied French for nine years and have studied abroad twice - once in Brest, Bretagne and once at Universit de Vincennes Saint-Denis in Paris. For fun I love to write satire/humor for a website I created, write and perform spoken word poetry, and train for my next big running goal. I love helping students identify their strengths and build on them to become confident, successful, and happy studiers!

I am so thrilled to be back in Buffalo after living and teaching in Brooklyn, NY for 5 years. In Brooklyn I was on the founding faculty of a charter school. There I was able to help develop the ELA, Math and Social Studies curriculums. In addition, I piloted the theatre department by starting the Drama Club and later teaching the first Theatre elective class. My primary role in Brooklyn was part of the Special Education department as a Learning Specialist. In this role I gained experience co - teaching in ELA, Math and Social Studies classrooms grades 6 - 8. In addition, I taught a mixed- grade remedial reading class to help students improve their reading comprehension skills.While in NYC, I also took advantage of the great higher education institutions there by obtaining my masters in Reading from Teachers College at Columbia University. As part of the program I had the opportunity to work in a reading clinic with students ranging from 4th grade - Adult and I worked with them to improve their reading decoding skills, comprehension skills, as well as writing skills. Through my course work I also gained knowledge and experience administering and analyzing variety of reading assessments to help me identify the needs and strengths of students.I believe I bring a lot of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to my tutoring clients. I like to use a variety of learning strategies including web quests, pneumonic devices, and songs to meet the individual needs of my students. I look forward to meeting you and working with you to help your student reach their academic and personal goals.

I have worked with many middle school and high school students to improve their writing so that they could succeed in high school and college. I have also counseled students on college admissions and edited hundreds of college application essays at the undergraduate and graduate levels (including for medical school). I have written books, professional articles, and podcast episodes over many years. For three years, my college admissions podcast (USACollegeChat) reached thousands of prospective college students and their parents. My specialties are improving grammar, punctuation, and capitalization; writing concise and engaging sentences; building perfect paragraphs; and putting together an essay that is meaningful and persuasive. I love to help others improve their writing and believe that there is no way to do that other than over-the-shoulder working together. Many of my students would tell you that they have never had a teacher/counselor who cared about them more than I did. I am most proud of that!

I am a graduate of both Teachers College at Columbia University and Hamilton College and an experienced tutor. I received my degrees in Psychology and Education and I am comfortable with all types of learners, including students with executive functioning needs or learning needs. I have experience both on Zoom and tutoring in person. I am most experienced with students aged 5-18, especially middle school and early high school. I tutor a broad range of subjects and am happy to speak with you to see how I can best help you or your child!

I am currently working on an MA at Columbia University Teacher's College, and have a BA in English from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. I spent last year tutoring 5th graders in literacy and math through AmeriCorps, and I plan to use my degree to encourage elementary and middle school students to love and appreciate literature as much as I do.I love tutoring because I feel that individual attention is an important facet of the learning process. By working one-on-one with students tutors can learn more about students' interests and learning styles, and incorporate them into the tutoring process. Academic subjects can be so much more interesting for students if they feel that the subject has a direct impact on their lives. I love it when a student's face lights up with the realization that she truly understands the concept on which we are working. These kinds of realizations inspire confidence in students, a feeling which only leads to greater learning and achievements in the future.

I have worked as a tutor for a number of years with students in various subjects and educational levels. While I was in graduate school, in addition to working as a teaching assistant in statistics classes, I tutored students in undergraduate and graduate statistics courses. As a former elementary school teacher, I also worked with students at the elementary/middle school level in English language arts and math.I began my professional career as an elementary school tutor in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. I loved teaching all subjects, but my favorites were writing and math. I currently work as a researcher studying problems related to medical education and medical workforce development.I have a BA from Emory University in pyschology, a master's in elementary education from American University and a PhD from Teachers College, Columbia University in measurement, evaluation and statistics.

As a NYS resident for over 20+ years, I've raised two kids in our school system, taught college level courses, tutored, coached and counseled adults and youth, spoken at events as a motivational speaker, and participated in volunteer and charitable events around the state. Education is a lifelong passion because I know that a solid education is a powerful gift that can change lives and help people achieve their dreams.From a young age, I was an avid reader who loved the world of books. From the comfort of my home, I could travel across worlds and visit the towns and streets inhabited by characters in the books I read. That love of reading led me to tutor/teach kids and adults to read and write and learn new ways of seeing the world. It was the same love of learning that led me to graduate school in education.I've tutored little kids and lectured in adult classrooms with over 100 students and what brings me back to the field, again and again, is my love for helping others find their footing in a subject and in the classroom. When a student learns a new word, writes a correct sentence or reads a paragraph that seemed impossible before, I know that I'm contributing to their dream of academic success. That is my inspiration.My interests in learning and teaching can also be attributed to the fact that I grew up on three continents and view myself as an internationalist. I've been exposed to people and places that remain culturally rich and varied, and I love connecting with people from other parts of the globe. Travel and participating in cultural exchanges have played an equally important part in shaping my learning experiences.As a training specialist, I love exchanging ideas and hearing fresh perspectives on myriad topics that influence our lives. I believe that learning takes place everywhere, and we can use the vast resources that daily life offers as a teaching/learning tool. I believe that learning is an exchange of ideas and knowledge, and that both teacher and student must be fully engaged in the process for it to be effective. An effective educator listens and learns with the student, and encourages dialogue and inquiry. I love to give positive reinforcement and receive feedback, and every student who crosses my path knows that my goal is to support their learning efforts and to help them succeed.

I aspire to give my students the skills and confidence they need to reach their goals. I bring empathy and a passion for teaching to each session. Based on pre-assessments, I design tailored learning plans for my students that allow them to achieve their full potential. My wide range of experiences--I have taught elementary, middle, and high school--allows me to serve many types of students.

I am music educator and band director at Fort Hamilton High School. I have received a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance: Percussion Studies with a Minor in Piano and Voice from LIU Post. I have a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I am completing a third Master of Education in Education Administration, School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have studied percussion for over 18 years, piano for 12 years, and voice for 10 years. I have toured as a performing musician to Ireland, Puerto Rico, Switzerland for the Montreux Jazz Festival, and Australia for the International Music Festival. I have also performed with the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall with the Cecilia Chorus of New York, in the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, and many other wind ensembles and choruses vocal jazz ensembles, jazz bands, jazz combos, and percussion ensembles. I have worked with artists such as the New York Voices, Esperanza Spalding, Wynton Marsalis, Rossano Galante, Julie Giroux, Mark Camphouse, and many others through numerous masterclasses and performances. I currently work for Carnegie Hall Music Educators Workshop as a Classroom Connections facilitator and advisor. At FHHS, I assists in music ensembles as a percussion liaison and teaches the class "Music Interpretation" This class is a curriculum I developed based on the studies of popular culture, musicology, and music philosophy, where non-music students receive the opportunity to learn to compose, perform, analyzation and appreciate music from around the world through different perspectives and inclusive discussions.

My experiences as an educator have allowed me to develop rigorous curriculum aligned to the Common Core. Through continuous assessment, data analysis, and reflection I tailor my practice to ensure the needs of diverse learners are matched and high expectations are being met. It is my belief that students are most successful when a sound action plan, based on performance data, is developed and pushes them towards mastery of material.

I am a current Masters Candidate at Columbia University, Teachers College in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I have been tutoring math, English, test prep, and foreign languages for over ten years.I graduated with honors from Barnard College with a degree in Political Economy. During college, I also studied Spanish literature, Hindi, and Urdu, and received the prestigious Department of State Critical Language Scholarship for Urdu study in Lucknow, India. During that time, I taught SAT critical reading and writing at East Harlem Tutorial, raising average scores by over 200 points for her students. I was then hired by the Spanish government to teach English language through content classes in trilingual Catalan focused elementary and high schools. While in Spain, I also developed and taught curriculum for private children and adult classes. I then became head soft-skills trainer and curriculum developer for Anudip Foundation in Calcutta, a non-government organization aimed at teaching technology and language skills to rural Bengalis. I have been tutoring pre-numeracy through Algebra in New York for the last year, while studying communication sciences and disorder.I believe is giving students the tools to find answers to problems independently, and making the underlying logic of the problem clear. Watching students gain understanding of new concepts and break down barriers in the academic careers is the true joy I find in teaching.

Hi I'm Chris.Based in Manhattan. I'm a bilingual tutor (English and Japanese) expert at ENL, ESL and English Language Arts (ELA).Yes, I can teach you Japanese, as well as writing and composition for K-12 through college. Let me know your goals and we'll achieve them together.For AP and college students, feel free to contact me for online and 1-to-1 thesis projects and anything relating to global studies and sustainability.For ESL students: I'm happy to help you with boosting your skills conversation and pronunciation, writing, job interviews and more.

I am an educator at heart and I enjoy watching students reach their goals both academically and personally.Learning something new can be fun with the right material, interest, and excitement.

When I was in ninth grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and coach someday. I idolized my advisor, my coaches, and favorite teachers, and hoped that I too would be able to have an iota of influence on my students and athletes down the road. I was so lucky to be surrounded by such incredible grown-ups in my life that I hoped to be like them one day. It is because of these role models that I pursued a double major in Secondary Education and English at Connecticut College. In my fifth year as an English teacher, dorm parent and coach, I decided to apply to graduate school programs to support my growth as a professional, and was accepted to Columbia University Teachers College. At TC, I was able to complete my Masters in the Arts of Teaching English in two years while working full time at a boarding school, which goes down as one of my proudest accomplishments to date!As an educator, my practice and scholarly work are focused on the belief that education is both inspiring and empowering. English as a subject is not a survey of the Western cannon or vocabulary memorization, but a comprehensive learning experience that is enhanced from the use of various media and the reading of diverse texts. My approach to mentorship, tutoring, academic coaching and instruction involves positivity, constant support, and verbal encouragement to motivate students to create their own ideas while holding them to high standards. I love working with kids and feel so grateful for the job that I have!

My philosophy as a tutor is that learning only occurs if interest can be cultivated. My goal is to help students find their passion for scholarship as I found mine; through discovery.

I am a dedicated, committed, and enthusiastic educator who strongly believes that curriculum and assessment operate hand-in-hand and that the two areas should inform educational outcomes in order to improve the formal and informal learning experiences for all of Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade students. When I was a South Bronx youth, my young parents worked all the time and my grandparents, aunts, and uncles supported me while obtaining my education in New York City. It is my belief that a highly motivated student can accomplish any academic goal(s) s/he puts their mind to. Learning is a process; concepts build on each other. Knowledge mastery is a goal the student strives towards. As a tutor, I hope to guide, support, and encourage the student to think critically and analytically about her or his education inside and outside the classroom walls

I graduated from New York University's Stern School of Business with a B.S. in Marketing, International Business, and Computer Applications. After graduation, I worked as a Systems Analyst for two years. During that time, I volunteered at a NYC After School Program for "at risk" elementary, middle, and high school students. This experience inspired me to become a New York City substitute teacher and enroll in Teachers College, Columbia University. I graduated from Teachers College with a M.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education with a Gifted Extension and became a middle school math teacher. One of my instructional approaches that has resonated with both parents and students is to integrate students' lives into classroom content. As a result, students tend to become more engaged in active inquiry in the classroom and take ownership of their learning environment. In addition, I support the notion that a teacher should celebrate students' successes and nurture their academic and personal growth. One of my successes is that all of my students have consecutively passed statewide examinations.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and my Ph.D. in Cognitive Studies from Columbia University. I've taught in New York City classrooms, private homes, and in community colleges. My specialties include instruction in English reading and writing, as well as verbal SAT prep. In the 1st-grade talent show, I read the Gettysburg Address out loud in red velvet pantaloons, which might be why I wasn't more popular in school. However, I had books to keep me company. Today, I do have friends and am usually trying to get them to play Scrabble, Words with Friends, or Taboo with me.

Hello, my name is Avva! I am a graduate student in Early Childhood Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, with over 8 years of experience supporting children ages 3 through 18 through individualized tutoring, childcare, and academic enrichment. My background includes extensive work at Kumon Math and Reading as the General Manager, private language tutoring, and experience working in childcare, ranging from newborns to teenagers! I specialize in early childhood and elementary education, including school readiness, literacy development, foundational math skills, and personalized learning support. I'm passionate about creating engaging, structured, and nurturing environments where children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. In addition to English, I offer Spanish and Persian (Farsi) language support and bilingual learning exposure. My approach combines warmth, professionalism, and strong developmental understanding to help each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Having taught at the junior high and high school and junior college both on the East Coast and Midwest, from big schools in the inner city to small schools in the small town to learners from every ethnicity and background, I feel uniquely qualified to teach students those skills that will help them meet the challenges they will face. Of course, because I like to both write and read, open always to explore avenues in either discipline: these habits have become attributes that I can impart to the learner.

I am a recent graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University. I received my Bachelors in African American studies with a minor in Child Development. Since graduation, I worked as an elementary school substitute teacher in New York, served as a College and Career Readiness Coach, and mentoring young girls. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about sharing testing strategies, English, and History. I attribute much of my success to the phenomenal teachers that taught me that all students' are capable no matter what, rather than the achievement gap that divided many from academic attainment. Therefore, I believe that if students are provided access to a high-quality, culturally-relevant education, then they will develop a heightened sense of achievement through self-awareness in order to be prepared to participate in our global society. I aspire to tutor all students because given the right set of tools and professional network; I can help empower our students to reach their full academic potential. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying new foods.

Educator. Sponge. Poet.As an educator, I've learned how to absorb both memories from the places I've traveled along with the skills gained from opportunities I've had and turn them into moments of mentorship and learning for other folks who are on the path toward achieving their goals.Highlights:--Working towards my Masters in Clinical Psych at Teacher's College, Columbia Univ.--Lived in China for 4 years and traveled throughout Asia learning languages + cultural customs--Taught Writing, Film, and Linguistics Courses at a top university in China--Worked at educational consulting companies as an admissions counselor/writing coach

I am a Buffalo State College graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education. Besides being certified in English/ Language Arts, I hold endorsements in Reading and ELL. I also am fortunate to have been trained in Holocaust Studies by my school district and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. I have taught in a variety of situations. Most recently, I was an English teacher to "at-risk" students, ages eleven to seventeen, encompassing 6th to 12th graders. The trauma-informed residential facilities where I am assigned trained me in the Sanctuary behavior model. The basis for this evidence-supported system is on creating and maintaining a "nonviolent, democratic, productive community to help people heal from trauma." I believe working in this Sanctuary environment made me not only a stronger teacher but also a better person. My passion is teaching, and every student is capable of learning, but not in the same way and not at the same time.

I am a middle school math teacher with 6 years of experience teaching in the classroom. I also have tutored students from kindergarten through college for 10 years.I hold a master's degree in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I am also a certified teacher in secondary mathematics.My educational philosophy is firmly founded in the belief that every child can and will learn, and that it is my job as the teacher to determine what each student needs to be successful. My favorite part of teaching and tutoring is guiding students towards that "a-ha" moment.

I have been a Special Education teacher for over 30 years. I specialize in working with children with ADD/ADHD and reading difficulties. I am certified as a WILSON and FUNDATIONS instructor and have dyslexia myself, as does my son! I know what it is like to struggle and can help your child overcome their learning obsticles, by teaching them strategies for success!

I am a Spanish-speaking professor and a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University (Ph.D.). I have majored in Spanish Language and Literature. This background has prepared me to combine an interest in motivating students with a desire to learn Spanish and helping them accomplish a high level of proficiency in Spanish American and Spanish culture, and oral and written communication in that foreign language.My teaching philosophy and tutoring styles are based on student`s needs and level of understanding Spanish. After a brief assessment of student`s skills and ability in Spanish, then it would be determined how to proceed with lesson plans and goals to further develop those skills.Since graduation, I have been teaching Spanish to several colleges and universities: Marymount College of Fordham University, Mercy College, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), John Jay College of Criminal Justice, York College, and Berlitz (a Foreign Language Institute)As a Visiting Assistant Professor at Marymount College of Fordham University, I had the opportunity to teach upper-level courses in Spanish, among others: Practicum in Translation, Contemporary Spanish American Novel, Civilization and Culture of Spanish America, Civilization and Culture of Spain, Topics in Spanish Culture: Art and Literature in Golden-Age Spain, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Seminar, Independent Studies Courses, Intermediate Spanish I and II.As a Spanish Professor at Mercy College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and York College, I have taught Elementary and Introductory Spanish courses. At Berlitz, I used to teach Spanish to small groups of students, as well as to one student sessions.I also love reading literary novels, walking, and traveling abroad.

I consider myself as a great tutor because I grew up learning both, English and Spanish simultaneously. Therefore, I am able to explain and simplify many irregularities and difficult concepts within the languages in a manner in which the student comprehends. In addition,I create a pace according to the student's personal growth instead of pacing according to school's curriculum. I believe student should be able to learn at their own learning pace and understand concepts by being provided many opportunities to discover patterns and explanations in their unique way.

I graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a Masters in the Teaching of English. I've been a classroom teacher for the past five years. I currently teach 8th grade English in Massachusetts, and I previously taught 6, 7, and 8th grade English in the Bronx, New York. I am an avid reader and writer, with a BA in Literature and Creative Writing from Bard College.As an educator, I strive to provide each student with the concrete strategies that allow readers to make meaning of text, and to clearly express ideas through writing. I make my process as a reader and writer transparent, and I've seen my students try out those steps, and make progress. With progress comes enthusiasm, and eagerness to make those steps their own -- that is when they soar! While I've worked most extensively with middle school students, I have worked with elementary school students in after-school English Language Arts programs, and taught 9th and 10th grade English during my graduate training. I've enjoyed working with students at each of these levels; it has enhanced my practice, encouraging me to identify the embedded skills within a task, and adapt my pedagogy to meet the needs of each individual.When I'm not working with students, you'll find me curled up with a good book, exploring one of Boston's many museums, or setting out for a vigorous hike.

This is my 16th year of teaching. I am a graduate of Teachers College at Columbia University. I have worked with children from all over New York State. I absolutely love what I do. I believe that all children are capable when given the right tools and environment. I enjoy having fun while learning and I cannot wait to show you how both things can happen at the same time.

I completed an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry and education from Pace University in White Plains and I am a graduate of Columbia Teachers College (Ed.D in Science Education). New York certified in biology, chemistry and general science, I have been teaching for over 30 years. I spent most of my career in a private international French American school. I made so many friends and learned about many cultures that way. I have also taught in public and parochial schools. I am happy to join the Varsity Tutor family.

To provide a little bit of background about myself: currently, I am a recent graduate of Columbia University's prestigious Teacher's College, equipped with a master's degree as well as a New York State teaching certification in secondary English. Most recently, I had the wonderful experience of working with high school Freshmen teaching a literary analysis unit on Greek mythology and allegorical literature at the Bronx High School of Science. The process of working with a unique combination of gifted and talented students, as well as many ESL learners, really opened my eyes in terms of reinforcing the value of education and the impact it can serve in shaping young people's futures. In the scant few months I was there, I saw students' oral and written academic skills improve dramatically as their comfort with the material increased; more than this, I found myself developing a personal bond with quite a few of them. I legitimately had a lot of fun working with those kids, and I can honestly say that there were some teary faces on both sides when it came time to say goodbye.The reality is, I'm scarcely a decade older than many of the students I taught; as a (relatively) young person myself, I graduated from college but a few short years ago, student loan-free, due to an honors scholarship I received on the basis of academic merit. While I remain forever grateful to the City University system for providing me with a proper education, gratis, as it were, my true debt lies with the hardworking men and women who spent valuable time tutoring me during high school. I can honestly say that without their help, both on the subjects I was struggling in as well as on the SAT, I literally wouldn't be where I am today. I became a teacher, then, to give back to my community, and it's my hope that I can accomplish a little bit more of that as a tutor, by providing the individualized attention that so many students benefit from.As for my hobbies, outside of education I often find myself enjoying keeping up to date on technology trends in the media, reading science fiction, and exercising outdoors. I enjoy the sensation of progress that learning gives me, and it's my hope to share that joy with prospective students.

I have been teaching for 17 years in the areas of Social Studies, Psychology, Government, Writing, Economics, and Study Skills. My education philosophy is simple. I do not teach "at" students, rather, I teach them to think for themselves. I believe the best tutor is one that allows the student to grow by helping them develop the skills necessary for success. I have taught students at every skill level, from Special Education to Advanced Placement. Each person learns differently, and it is my challenge to reach that student and show them how to succeed on their own.

My name is Melody and I am currently a graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University studying Clinical Psychology. I have spent the last 6 years studying psychology and sociology. Some of my hobbies are running and doing yoga. I love to play piano, walk my dogs, and eat! I have been to most of western Europe, Mexico, and am planning on traveling some more before I start my doctoral degree.I have been tutoring students for the past 6 years in both formal and informal settings. I have tutored primarily in social sciences (psychology and sociology), English (writing, editing, and literature), and biology. My tutoring style varies depending on who I am working with - for example, if someone is a learner by doing then I won't have them watch me do a practice example, instead I will give them one and have them talk me through the steps they are going through. Each student is unique and should feel empowered! I like to foster that and have each student feel like they are actually in control of their learning.