Award-Winning Susan Barton Tutors
serving Concord, CA
Who needs tutoring?
FEATURED BY
TUTORS FROM
- YaleUniversity
- PrincetonUniversity
- StanfordUniversity
- CornellUniversity
Award-Winning Susan Barton Tutors serving Concord, CA

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Aaron
I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mimi
I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
Dartmouth College
B.A.
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Nina
I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...
Columbia University
Masters in biostatistics
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Current Grad Student, Biostatistics
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...
Harvard University
PHD, Education
Wesleyan University
Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Certified Tutor
Christopher
I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...
Harvard College
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Clara
I am tutoring I tend to ask my students to try to "teach" me concepts they are struggling with, or walk me through a problem that is challenging them, so that any conceptual mistakes or assumptions they are making become clear. In addition, I am a firm believer in never providing the answer to a spe...
Stanford University
Bachelors, Psychology
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Solange
I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Certified Tutor
Liz
I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...
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)
Certified Tutor
Michelle
I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...
Baylor College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, M.D.
Rice University
Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Certified Tutor
Charles
I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Nearby Susan Barton Tutors
Other Concord Tutors
Frequently Asked Questions
The Susan Barton Reading System is a structured literacy approach designed to teach reading through explicit, systematic instruction in phonics and decoding. It's based on the science of reading and focuses on helping students understand how letters and sounds work together to form words. This method is particularly effective for students who struggle with traditional reading instruction or have dyslexia.
Many students struggle with phonemic awareness, decoding multisyllabic words, and reading fluency—challenges that can compound over time if not addressed early. With Concord's average student-teacher ratio of 20.9:1, classroom teachers often have limited time for individualized reading support. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction using structured literacy methods like Susan Barton can target these specific gaps and help students catch up to grade level.
Personalized tutoring focuses entirely on your student's individual reading level and pace, whereas classroom instruction must serve 20+ students with varying abilities. A tutor using the Susan Barton approach can break down phonics concepts into smaller, manageable steps, provide immediate feedback, and adjust lessons based on what your student masters each session. This targeted instruction accelerates progress and builds the confidence that struggling readers often lack.
Yes. The Susan Barton Reading System builds foundational skills—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension—that align with California's English Language Arts standards across all grade levels. Whether your student is in elementary, middle, or high school, tutors can customize instruction to address grade-level expectations while filling in any foundational gaps that may be holding them back.
During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific areas of difficulty (such as phonics, decoding, or fluency), and explain how the Susan Barton approach addresses those challenges. This diagnostic conversation helps create a personalized plan so that subsequent lessons target exactly what your student needs to improve. You'll leave with a clear understanding of the path forward.
Many students show noticeable progress in decoding and fluency within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction using structured literacy methods. The timeline depends on the severity of the reading gap and how frequently your student receives tutoring. Regular practice between sessions and parental support accelerate results, and tutors can track progress through assessments and reading samples so you see measurable improvement over time.
Tutors who specialize in the Susan Barton Reading System have training in structured literacy, phonics instruction, and often hold certifications in reading intervention or dyslexia support. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the science of reading and have proven experience helping students overcome reading challenges. You can discuss a tutor's specific background and approach before your first session.
Absolutely. While the Susan Barton approach is especially effective for younger students building foundational skills, it also helps older students and adults who missed critical instruction or struggle with reading fluency and comprehension. Whether your student is in 2nd grade or high school, personalized tutoring can close reading gaps and build the confidence needed to succeed academically and beyond.
Connect with Susan Barton Tutors in Concord
Get matched with local expert tutors