Carissa

Certified Tutor

I have taught high school Biology and AP Biology full-time for a year at Fremont Christian School (Fremont, CA). I am a research scientist turned educator, who is certified to teach in Florida (Professional Educator Certification for Biology 6-12). I have a Masters in Biology from San Francisco State University and have successfully published my biodiversity research in an international science journal. I would enjoy tutoring biology and other middle and high school sciences because I want to encourage and inspire students to pursue science as a career. I love interacting with and building relationships with students, watching them grow, analyze and think critically about the natural world.

I have taught college Introductory Biology for 2.5 years part-time at San Francisco State University, 1 year full-time in high school Biology and AP Biology, and a year teaching biology, chemistry, and environmental science. I also designed and taught a hands-on high school specialty course ''Glorious Design of Marine Invertebrates'' during January Term at Fremont Christian School.

I have AP Biology and Biology resources available to teach both subjects and tons of science experience to integrate and share in my lessons. I have been teaching AP Biology online for three years and I own both the Barron's and Princeton Review Premium Prep AP Bio practice books.

I am approved to tutor AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, College Biology, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Graduate Level Biology, Life Sciences, Marine Biology, Science, and Zoology.

I enjoy tutoring in any of the biological sciences best because I love how intricate biological systems are and I am in awe of them.

My teaching philosophy is through hardwork and discipline any academic goal is achievable! The key to success is practice through writing, verbalizing the content, and teaching others. Application of knowledge is more important than mere regurgitation/memorization of information. I strive to get my students to think on a higher cognitive level.

My tutoring style is geared towards getting my students to explain what they know and apply what they know through specific questioning. Teaching is a dialogue, not me lecturing.

Outside of teaching and tutoring, I enjoy scrapbooking, birdwatching, Scuba diving, singing, research, and participating in my church.