DJ
Certified Tutor
I graduated from the University of Georgia having studied Latin, Sociology, and Political Science. Though my B.A. was in Latin, I became a science teacher because that was what was needed at the low-income school where I began teaching. With my mother and grandmother both having been teachers and my commitment to helping the world, it was not surprising that I tutored my own students frequently, developed ways to help them through state and standardized tests in my classroom, and always loved it. For adolescents, I find that reclaiming their academic experiences through reflection was just as important on drilling them in the facts when it came to ACT, SAT, and AP preparation. A few opportunities to help the parents of my students reinvigorated me as I helped adults get their GED, pass required college courses for their degree, and prove to themselves that anything is possible with hard work!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Georgia - Bachelors, Latin
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1540
- SAT Math: 780
- SAT Verbal: 730
- SAT Writing: 750
- GRE Quantitative: 161
reading, volleyball, biking, politics, cooking
- Academic Coaching
- ACT Prep
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class Prep
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Advanced Placement Prep
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Latin
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- College English
- English
- Foreign Language
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE
- GRE 5-Week Prep Class Prep
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Quantitative
- GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- GRE Subject Test in Biology
- GRE Subject Tests
- GRE Verbal
- High School Chemistry
- Languages
- Latin
- Latin 1
- Latin 2
- Latin 3
- Latin 4
- Math
- Other
- PSAT Prep
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- PSAT Writing Skills
- SAT Prep
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class Prep
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Math Prep Course
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Reading Prep Course
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Latin
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- SAT Writing and Language
- Science
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Study Skills
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is assets-based and concept-focused. I deeply believe that any subject is within a learner's grasp; however, teachers must be flexible to leverage a student's strengths. It builds confidence and helps the student learn how they best learn. Teachers should also focus on bigger-picture concepts rather than discrete skills and facts alone. When students understand why and how to think critically, they become independent learners more quickly and successfully.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
The first goal is always to check in about goals -- if we don't know what the student is driving towards, I cannot develop a plan to get there. We may share some personal details to get to know each other, but then, it is time to get to work! I like doing a lesson to figure out each other's style--diagnostics can be left as homework or for the next session. Authentic interaction is important!