Award-Winning 8th Grade Reading Tutors

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Award-Winning 8th Grade Reading Tutors

Molly

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra

I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with an...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Allan

Certified Tutor

Allan

Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Allan's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-12th Grade math
1st-12th Grade Writing
3rd-8th Grade Science

I'm a big Boston Celtics fan and I speak three languages. I can get you the test results you need to succeed because I went through the exams myself and performed well. The first time I took the SAT I actually wasn't satisfied with my score, so I spent 2 months working hard to get my score to where ...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelors, Biological Sciences

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Maddy

Certified Tutor

Maddy

B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)
Maddy's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
6th-12th Grade Writing
Calculus
Algebra

I'm a recent graduate of Harvard University and a natural teacher, and I'd be thrilled to help you build your skills, gain academic confidence, and get results! My B.A. is in American history and literature with a minor in theater. I spent my college years producing and directing student theater, wr...

Education

Harvard University

B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)

Paula

Certified Tutor

Paula

Bachelor in Arts
Paula's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-12th Grade Writing
2nd-8th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am extremely passionate about academics and learning; the value of each was inculcated into me at a very young age. I tutor a variety of subjects largely because I have so many areas of interests and have been privileged enough to pursue knowledge in those areas. I even enjoy tucking away "useless...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1520
ACT
32
Angela

Certified Tutor

Angela

Bachelor of Science, Psychology/International Relations
Angela's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-12th Grade Writing
Calculus
Algebra

I am a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in International Relations and minoring in French and English. The studies of English and Literature have been my passion for a long time. I enjoy reading about cultures while familiarizing myself with the world’s diverse peoples. In...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science, Psychology/International Relations

Test Scores
SAT
1430
Madeline

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Madeline

Bachelors
Madeline's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-10th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science
6th-9th Grade Writing

I am currently a graduate student Johns Hopkins University getting my masters in chemical and biomolecular engineering. I have spent a lot of time around children and I have spent a good amount of time teaching as well. I want all students that I tutor to feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Hasan

Certified Tutor

Hasan

B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts
Hasan's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am a graduate of Brown University, where I earned my B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts, taking courses in a wide array of subjects ranging from contemporary American fiction to ancient Indian classics. My first teaching experience came in college when I had the privilege of creating and teachi...

Education

Brown University

B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Gabriel

Certified Tutor

Gabriel

PHD, Comparative Human Development
Gabriel's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
8th-10th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

I am studying to get my PhD at the University of Chicago. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring a variety of ages and subjects (in particular, I have the most experience tutoring for the PSAT, SAT and college admissions essays, as well as math, English literature and Spanish to middle sc...

Education

University of Chicago

PHD, Comparative Human Development

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts

Dakota

Certified Tutor

Dakota

Master's degree
Dakota's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
1st-12th Grade math
1st-12th Grade Writing
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am a native Texan now living in NYC. I just finished my Master's degree, and I love food, reading, and travel. I've been working and volunteering as a tutor since my high school days, and I am eager to provide advanced-level assistance to you! I'm a friendly, approachable person who maintains a pr...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Master's degree

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
33
Eric

Certified Tutor

Eric

Bachelors
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
8th Grade Reading
8th-12th Grade Writing
Calculus
Algebra

I'm a hiker, a reader, a giant nerd, and full of terrible jokes that will (shockingly) make tutoring fun.

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

David

Calculus Tutor • +61 Subjects

I am a passionate educator with over eight years of teaching and tutoring experience. I have worked with many different kinds of learners during my career as a public school teacher, and I understand that every student has their own unique way of growing and of mastering skills. I have experience teaching a wide variety of literature and non-fiction texts and am very familiar with the Common Core and its emphasis on research skills. I especially enjoy teaching writing; I myself love to write and I teach students a clear process for approaching challenging essay assignments. Above all, I believe that learning should be meaningful and enjoyable and that any academic task is part of a student's personal journey of discovery.

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Joanne

Calculus Tutor • +52 Subjects

I'm well-versed in teaching students with a wide range of skills and learning styles. I graduated with Honors from Santa Clara University where I received my Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in Teaching English. In May 2015, I will graduate with my Masters in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan. I am passionate about teaching students to become critical readers and writers who use their communication skills to reach their goals and connect with others. I have over seven years of tutoring experience and have tutored students in reading and writing from middle school to the graduate level.

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Jessalyn

6th Grade math Tutor • +78 Subjects

I am “HQ” (Highly Qualified) certified to teach Social Studies for grades 7-12. I currently teach a sophomore level ethics class at St. Edwards University. I taught several classes at The University of Texas at Austin as a Doctoral Candidate, where I also earned my M.A. in Philosophy. At the University of Southern California, I earned my B.A. with Departmental Honors along with the Discovery Scholar’s award for excellence in independent research. I have been tutoring and teaching for eleven years, with a primary emphasis on developing my students’ writing and critical thinking skills.

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Meagan

Elementary Math Tutor • +65 Subjects

I am a certified and experienced former middle-school teacher, with a particular passion for teaching reading and writing. I've also enjoyed teaching ESL and sharing my enthusiasm for learning Spanish. These experiences have included working with children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

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Michael

Calculus Tutor • +64 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan where I earned my bachelor of science degree in cellular and molecular biology. I chose this major because I am fascinated with how cells in the body interact with each other and the pathways in which they communicate. Originally being pre-med, I applied to medical schools the year after I graduated. Also during this gap year, I taught introductory chemistry lab for science majors at Grand Valley State University. After some self reflection I decided medical school was not the path I wanted to take and decided instead to move to New York City to pursue my other passion of performing on stage. However, due to my background in academia and teaching, I desired to maintain plugged into that world in whatever way I could. That is how I discovered VarsityTutors.

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Amy

Calculus Tutor • +46 Subjects

I am greatly passionate about (writing and literature), to help this student gain confidence in her learning abilities and get to a point where, instead of being discouraged, she could actually enjoy learning. I especially loved the moments when she reached a breakthrough in her understanding of a concept and was so happy that I had been able to use my knowledge to enhance her understanding and enjoyment of a topic. I tutored through out high school and continue to tutor in college as I help other students to realize their potential and achieve their goals. Hobbies: books, music, art, nature, reading, writing

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Allen

11th Grade math Tutor • +66 Subjects

I am an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University who is pursuing a major in mathematics and a minor in computer science. My experience in tutoring environments entails working at a learning center teaching mathematics and serving as a volunteer in various mentorship and tutoring programs. While I have taught various subjects such as financial literacy and music, I especially love to work with students in mathematics as well as SAT preparation. Hobbies: art, books, hiking, nature, reading, cooking, music, writing

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Felice

8th Grade math Tutor • +57 Subjects

I am a graduate of Rutgers College - Undergraduate Business School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in English. I believe that students learn best when taught in an engaging and energetic way but also believe that it is only through patience and an individualized approach that you can you truly understand the way that a student comprehends and retains that knowledge. I work hard to encompass creativity, energy, and patience in the ways that I teach. My passion for education and learning began in high school where I regularly tutored Math and English to students of all ages. For the past 9 years, I worked in the Financial Services industry in various finance and human resources roles. This experience allowed me to work with all different types of people and helped me develop my skills for understanding unique personalities and how different individuals are motivated. Throughout my career post-college, I continue to be involved in the Learning & Development of my colleagues and often create training guides and conduct training sessions on various relevant topics such as computer skills and financial applications. I am extremely excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students again and in an area where my true passion has always been: education. In my spare time, I love being with friends and family, discovering food festivals around NYC and finding any excuse to travel.

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Sarah

12th Grade math Tutor • +66 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Kentucky's College of Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Classics giving me a strong background in mathematics, language and the hard sciences. Hobbies: art, outdoors, reading, writing, books, music

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Orlando

12th Grade math Tutor • +86 Subjects

Hobbies: reading, music, running, art, books, writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eighth graders often struggle with inferential comprehension—understanding what's implied rather than directly stated—and analyzing how authors use literary devices like symbolism and foreshadowing. Many students can identify plot events but have difficulty explaining a character's motivation or understanding theme. They also frequently miss nuance in complex texts and struggle to distinguish between a character's perspective and the author's message, which becomes increasingly important as texts grow more sophisticated.

A tutor works with students to move beyond five-paragraph formulas and develop clear, specific thesis statements that go deeper than plot summary. They guide students through organizing evidence from the text to support their argument, teaching them how to integrate quotes smoothly and explain their significance rather than just dropping them in. Personalized instruction helps students understand that a strong thesis should make a claim about *why* or *how* something matters in the text, not just *what* happens.

Eighth graders should be learning to analyze how authors use literary elements—characterization, tone, point of view, and symbolism—to convey meaning. They need to move from identifying these devices to explaining their effect on the reader. A tutor helps students practice close reading by examining specific word choices and sentence structure, understanding how an author's style creates mood, and connecting literary devices to the overall theme or message of the work.

Rather than just correcting grammar, a tutor provides personalized feedback on the bigger picture—whether ideas are clearly organized, evidence actually supports the claim, and the argument is convincing. They teach revision strategies like reading work aloud to catch awkward phrasing, color-coding to check if each paragraph supports the thesis, and using peer-review techniques. This helps students move beyond surface-level editing to genuinely strengthening their arguments and voice.

Vocabulary becomes increasingly important in 8th grade as texts introduce more complex and academic language. Rather than memorizing isolated word lists, effective tutoring focuses on teaching students to infer meaning from context clues and recognize how word choice affects tone and meaning. A tutor helps students understand words within the context of what they're reading, making connections between new vocabulary and words they already know, which builds both comprehension and writing skills.

Personalized tutoring adapts to where your student actually is, not where they're supposed to be. For students reading below grade level, a tutor builds foundational comprehension skills and confidence with texts at an appropriate level before moving to grade-level material. For advanced readers, tutoring deepens critical thinking by introducing more complex texts and asking them to analyze sophisticated literary techniques. Either way, the focus is on developing strong reading and analytical skills at the student's pace.

Many 8th graders take standardized tests that assess reading comprehension and literary analysis under timed conditions. A tutor teaches test-specific strategies like previewing questions before reading, identifying key details, and managing time effectively. They also help students practice the types of questions they'll encounter—inference questions, vocabulary in context, and analysis of author's purpose—using actual test passages so students build both skills and confidence.

Struggling readers often develop anxiety around reading that makes engagement even harder. A tutor creates a low-pressure environment where students can ask questions without judgment, work through challenging passages together, and experience success with texts they choose or find interesting. By breaking reading into manageable pieces, celebrating small wins, and helping students understand *why* they struggled (and that it's fixable), tutoring rebuilds confidence and helps students see themselves as capable readers.

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