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Award-Winning Reading Fundamentals: Phonics and Decoding Tutors

Camille

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Camille

Master of Public Health
Camille's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Brown University with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Yale University with a Masters in Public Health. I also hold a Level 5 certification in TEFL. I am passionate about working with children and students of all ages to assist them in achieving their highest potential. My favori...

Education

Yale University

Master of Public Health

Brown University

Bachelor's Degree in Biology

Ariana

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ariana

Master of Arts, Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language
Ariana's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Human Development
SAT Subject Test in French with Listening

I am a former middle-school English teacher (and former high-school French teacher). I am certified to teach English (grades 6-12), History/Government/Social Studies (grades 6-12), Psychology (grades 6-12), Health (grades PreK-12), General Music (grades PreK-12), and French (grades PreK-12). I have ...

Education

Kansas State University

Master of Arts, Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language

Kansas State University

Bachelor in Arts, French

Test Scores
SAT
1410
ACT
32
Madison

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Madison

Current Grad Student, Global Studies
Madison's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
College Essays

I am dedicated to helping students progress towards their goals and learn with nobility, self discipline, endurance and with respect. Rice University, Texas A&M University, my alma maters, as well as Pat Neff Elementary, my beloved ESL campus and I believe in the importance of core values to guide l...

Education

The Texas A&M University System Office

Bachelor in Arts, International and Intercultural Communication

Rice University

Current Grad Student, Global Studies

Rice University

undergraduate

Grace

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Grace

Bachelor's
Grace's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Calculus
Algebra
ACT English

I am a ballet dancer with Ballet 5:8 in the Chicago suburbs.

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
ACT
33
Emily

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Emily

Master's in Education
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
College Essays

I am a graduate of Boston College where I studied Education and Psychology. I received my Master's in Education at the University of Notre Dame. Since graduation, I have taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades in both general education and special education settings. I am trained in elementary (K-4...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Master's in Education

Boston College

Bachelor in Arts, Psychology

Brianna

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Brianna

Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Brianna's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am in school at Grand Canyon University and am working on obtaining a degree in Elementary Education. I currently work full-time as a literacy interventionist in a local elementary school. I'm very good at staying organized and enjoy most school subjects.

Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching

Heather

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Heather

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Heather's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I am New York State Certified in Childhood Education (1st-6th grade). I was a tenured New York City classroom teacher, before I decided to start my own family. For the past three years I have been teaching online classes to oversea students of all ages.

Education

Adelphi University

Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching

Siena College

Bachelor of Science, Marketing

Jane

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Jane

Current Undergrad Student, English
Jane's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I am a current student at Princeton University, obtaining a major in English with minors in Environmental Studies and Musical Theater. I graduated from Sewickley Academy in 2016 as a member of the Cum Laude Society with highest honors for all semesters. I am an AP Scholar with Honors, an Academic Al...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad Student, English

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
34
Anna

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Anna

Current Grad Student, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening
ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning
ACCUPLACER Language Use

With each of my experiences working with children my passion for education has grown. I first came to Austin to work with a Spanish literacy intervention program through Americorps called A Community for Education (ACE). After my service with ACE I taught at a dual language (Spanish-English) school ...

Education

Oberlin College

Bachelors, Comparative American Studies

The University of Texas at Austin

Current Grad Student, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Deborah

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Deborah

Master of Arts, English
Deborah's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade AP Language Composition
ACT Writing
Business
Business Writing

My MA in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition, together with my MA in Adult Education and Continuing Education, qualified me to have a stellar forty-three-year career as a full-time college professor predominately in the University System of Georgia. I have successfully instructe...

Education

Georgia State University

Master of Arts, English

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Master of Arts, Adult and Continuing Education

University of Georgia

Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government

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Deborah

Algebra Tutor • +7 Subjects

Hi. I love math and I love teaching math. I am a state certified high school math teacher. I have 31 years of classroom experience. I currently teach Pre-Calculus and AP Statistics.

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Katherine

ACT Science Tutor • +32 Subjects

Hi, my name is Katherine and I've been tutoring in various capacities since 2012. Although I'm currently studying Computer Science at Swarthmore College, I have expertise in a number of subject areas and I'd love to help you out.

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Samantha

10th Grade Reading Tutor • +119 Subjects

I believe every student has a unique learning skill set and every teacher continues to learn from her students. To ensure every student receives the best tutoring, I strive to offer excellent communication and a diverse set of teaching skills.I obtained my Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where I double majored in International Business and French. I also obtained my paralegal certificate and minored in Legal Studies. After my undergraduate program, I earned my Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School where I specialized in International Environmental Treaties. I also obtained my certificate in Comparative Legal Systems.I began working as a child care provider in 1998 and continued until I graduated from Law School. I also worked as a para-educator for down-syndrome children in Vermont public schools. For the past four years, I have taught at the collegiate level. I have taught many subjects including legal research and writing, political science, professional development, college career and success, sociology, computer science, English, ethics, and accounting.Besides my formal education, I have a diverse arts background, including Voice, French Horn, and Dance. I enjoy many sports including ice skating, hiking, skiing, and biking. I am currently learning photography. Lastly, I am an avid volunteer in my community. In particular, I provide event management, planning, and fundraising support to Animal Aid, the Girl Scouts, Well Arts, and Humane Educators Reaching Teachers (HEART).From this diverse background, I offer tutoring in English, Literature, Accounting, French, Voice, Elementary and Middle School Math, Phonics, Political Science, Legal Studies, LSAT Prep, Study Skills, Science, and Public Speaking.For my full work history and credential, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn page at: www.linkedin.com/pub/samantha-balmes/50/326/a0a/

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Christopher

Algebra Tutor • +7 Subjects

I am a current student at Rutgers University on track to major in Electrical Engineering. I tutor a wide range of math from elementary level up to high school and college. This range includes algebra, trigonometry, pre-calc and calculus. I have had many experiences through my high school and outside work at kumon learning centers in tutoring. I love helping students not only learn the material themselves, but being able to know it well enough that they can teach it themselves, achieving my goal of getting students to work autonomously without required help. The many interests I have outside of the classroom includes playing basketball, running, video games, and computer programming.

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Jerry

ACT Writing Tutor • +2 Subjects

Hey, I enjoy teaching math, computer science, and the SAT! Contact me if you are interested in these.

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Amy

College English Tutor • +13 Subjects

I have a B.A. in French and a diploma in Business French from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Paris. I also speak Greek, Italian, and Spanish.I have worked as a private tutor in the area of foreign languages, essay writing, and a variety of other subjects for more than a decade. In that time, I have witnessed the difficulties many students have when learning something that seems unfamiliar, uninteresting, or just makes no sense. Seeing this, I believe it is my responsibility to be a positive influence by ensuring that all my students do well and understand the material. For example, with French, I always give them a brief English grammar lesson beforehand which helps tremendously boost their confidence level as the foreign gradually becomes familiar.I am truly excited about working with students and encouraging them to excel. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a student conquer his/her fears and expressing him/herself in a way he/she never thought possible. I work with each student’s specific needs in a patient yet firm manner. I also exhibit determination, empathy, and humor to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Most importantly, I am personable and understanding and believe that brings me closer to helping my students.In my free time, I love cooking Mediterranean/Greek cuisine and would love to open a restaurant one day. I also write poetry, short stories, etc. and am currently working on my first novel. Lastly, I adore knitting and crocheting cute, fashionable clothes and accessories for girls.

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Gabrielle

AP Biology Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am recent graduate of Binghamton University, with a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology. I am deeply committed to the value of education, and believe that learning is a gift and an opportunity for growth that should be available to everyone. For this reason, I am passionate about tutoring and helping students, so that everyone is able to not only do well in school, but to fall in love with learning in the process. Anyone can enrich themselves through learning. This is the foundation of my teaching philosophy: in addition to emphasizing results and academic achievement, I believe it is integral to find an individual approach to each student and to focus first and foremost on teaching students to study in a way that is effective and engaging. I tutor elementary, middle, and high school students in all subjects. In my free time, I like to go running, practice dance, learn new languages, and play ping-pong.

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Julie

Languages Tutor • +4 Subjects

I am a graduate of LaSalle University in Mexico City. I received my Bachelor of Science degree inBusiness Administration with a focus on management. I am also a certifiedteacher of Spanish. Since graduation I have worked in Human Resources and I havealso been tutoring children and adults in private and public schools, as wellas online. I am very enthusiastic about teaching my native language because Ifeel that in that way I am enriching my students' education and experiences inlearning aspects of another culture. One area where we seem to have the mostfun is prepping for exams and writing assignments. I am a firm proponent ofeducation, and as a tutor, my approach is based on each of my students'level of proficiency, their goals, and their learning pace. I focus on providinga pleasant and safe experience for my students. I prepare lesson plans that arecreative and introduce new topics in a fun way, spending enough time reviewingthe material. Afterwards, I allow students time to practice on their own. I encourage you to contact me to schedule so togetherwe can start achieving your goals

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Anna

ACT Writing Tutor • +27 Subjects

I honestly love tutoring. While working in finance and publishing over the past decade, I have independently tutored students from many premiere NY and NJ high schools and universities. I continued tutoring even after joining a major private equity firm because of how much I enjoy working one-on-one with students. Breaking down seemingly complex subjects is one of my favorite pastimes--it's part of the reason I also enjoy writing about arcane financial topics like quanto spreads on sovereign CDS. I've also developed a newfound respect for the challenges students face when undergoing years of testing after developing my own study plan to pass the first two CFA exams (I'm taking the third exam in June). This experience has shaped how I work with students to tackle test-taking anxiety and master difficult material quickly.I have both a BA and MA in English from New York University.

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Catherine

Algebra Tutor • +15 Subjects

Hello! My name is Catherine Raj and I am a second-year medical student at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience in 2022. Since 2015, I have tutored children from ages 3-16 in areas of math and reading, as well as their school curriculum. Apart from tutoring here, I have worked for the Kumon Learning Center as a teaching instructor for 5 years. While I am certified to tutor a broad range of subjects, I have years of experience with tutoring young children in math and reading, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, phonics, reading comprehension, and much more. I connect with elementary and middle school students very well, as I believe in understanding children in order to give them a fulfilling tutoring experience. I also very much enjoy tutoring pre-algebra and algebra as those are my favorite math subjects, as well as my best! My students and I have always had a deeper level of understanding beyond the books and I pride my style of teaching on that aspect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most students begin formal phonics instruction in kindergarten or early first grade, typically around ages 5-6. However, some children benefit from pre-phonics activities like letter recognition and sound awareness in preschool. Every child develops at their own pace, and a tutor can assess where your student is and provide targeted instruction to build a strong foundation in phonics, regardless of their current age or grade level.

Phonics tutoring addresses the core skill of decoding—connecting letters to sounds and blending them into words. Many struggling readers have gaps in phonics knowledge, which makes everything from reading fluency to comprehension harder. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows a tutor to identify exactly where your child's decoding breaks down and use targeted, multi-sensory strategies to strengthen these foundational skills. This foundation unlocks better reading fluency and confidence.

Phonics teaches students to decode words by recognizing letter-sound relationships and blending sounds together. Whole-word (or sight-word) reading asks students to memorize words as complete units. Research shows that a balanced approach works best: systematic phonics instruction for decoding unknown words, combined with sight-word practice for common irregular words. A tutor can help your student integrate both skills so they can tackle any word they encounter while building reading speed and automaticity.

Yes. Students with dyslexia or decoding challenges often benefit significantly from explicit, structured phonics instruction. Evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham or Structured Literacy focus on direct, sequential teaching of sound-symbol relationships and decoding patterns. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors experienced in supporting students with reading differences, who use multisensory techniques and individualized pacing to build decoding skills and reading confidence.

When students master phonics and decoding, they spend less mental effort sounding out words and more energy on understanding what they read. Automaticity—the ability to recognize words quickly and accurately—is built on solid phonics skills. Once decoding becomes automatic, students can read faster and with better comprehension. A tutor reinforces phonics patterns through repeated practice and guided reading, helping your student transition from struggling to decode to reading smoothly and with confidence.

Different schools use different reading programs—some emphasize structured phonics, others use balanced literacy, and approaches vary by grade level. A skilled tutor will understand your child's school curriculum and either reinforce what's being taught in the classroom or fill gaps if the school approach isn't working for your student. This personalized alignment means tutoring strengthens classroom learning rather than creating confusion or overlap.

Look for tutors with strong understanding of phonics structure (sound systems, phoneme awareness, letter-sound correspondence, blending strategies) and experience working with students at your child's level. Great tutors are patient, can explain concepts clearly, use engaging activities to maintain motivation, and track progress with specific decoding milestones. They should also be willing to communicate with you about what's working and adjust strategies based on your student's needs and learning style.

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