Award-Winning Special Education Tutors serving Buffalo, NY

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Liz
Certified Special Education Tutor
Liz
MS Simmons College • BA Washington University in St. Louis
1+ Years Tutoring

Liz holds a master's in Special Education (Mild to Moderate Disabilities, grades 5–12) from Simmons College and has worked extensively with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional impairments. That clinical training, paired with her hands-on experience teaching and directing tutors at a charter school in Boston, means she knows how to adapt instruction on the fly — whether that's restructuring a math lesson for a student with dyscalculia or building reading fluency strategies for a student with dyslexia. She designs individualized approaches grounded in each student's IEP goals and actual learning profile.

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Harry
Certified Special Education Tutor
Harry
BA Northwestern University • BA (School of Communications) Northwestern University
1+ Years Tutoring

Every learner processes information differently — some through auditory explanation, some through visual mapping, others through hands-on activity — and Harry builds each session around identifying what actually works for that student. His background in theater and education at Northwestern trained him to read an audience and adapt in real time, a skill that translates directly to adjusting pacing, modality, and complexity for students with diverse learning needs.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Heather
BA Cornell University
6+ Years Tutoring

Heather's psychology background gives her real insight into how different learners process information — whether a student needs material broken into smaller chunks, presented visually, or reinforced through repetition. She's especially effective with kids who get frustrated easily, building their confidence alongside their skills in reading, math, or writing. Rated 5.0 by families she's worked with.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Victoria
MS Yale University • MS Southern Connecticut State University
1+ Years Tutoring

Victoria spent three years as a certified classroom teacher through Teach for America, working with first through third graders who had a wide range of learning needs, including IEP-supported students. She adapts lessons to different processing styles and paces, breaking academic content into structured, manageable steps that build genuine understanding rather than frustration.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Charles
MS Columbia University Teacher's College • BA University of Pennsylvania
1+ Years Tutoring

Charles holds a Master's in Counseling Psychology, which means he understands how different learners process information — not just in theory, but in practice. He adapts pacing, materials, and instruction style to match each student's needs, whether that means breaking a reading passage into smaller chunks or reteaching a math concept through a completely different method.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Colin
MS Johns Hopkins University
1+ Years Tutoring

Colin is a certified special educator whose classroom experience spans multiple grade levels and learning profiles, from students with dyslexia and ADHD to those on the autism spectrum. He designs each session around a student's specific IEP goals and learning style — visual aids for one learner, movement-based activities for another — rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. That individualized structure builds both academic skills and the confidence students need to advocate for themselves in the classroom.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Ivan
MS Touro College • BA Siena College
1+ Years Tutoring

Ivan holds a master's degree in both General and Special Education for grades 5–9 and has taught in self-contained classrooms, Collaborative Team Teaching settings, and Resource Rooms across New York City. That range means he can adapt pacing, modify assignments, and scaffold reading or writing tasks based on each student's IEP goals and learning profile. Rated 4.8 by families he's worked with.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Olivia
MS Teachers College at Columbia University • BA Vanderbilt University
1+ Years Tutoring

Earning her Master's in Elementary Inclusive Education and Special Education at Columbia's Teachers College, Olivia is trained to differentiate instruction across learning profiles — whether a student has an IEP, a 504 plan, or simply learns differently than the standard classroom assumes. She breaks down academic content using multisensory techniques and scaffolded steps, connecting each lesson to the student's strengths rather than defaulting to one-size-fits-all methods.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Alison
MS Fordham University • BA Harvard College
1+ Years Tutoring

Alison spent six years teaching diverse learners in Brooklyn public schools, including students with IEPs and varied learning profiles, so she knows how to adapt pacing, instructions, and materials on the fly. She pairs that classroom experience with formal mindfulness training, which gives her concrete strategies for students dealing with attention challenges, test anxiety, or sensory overwhelm. The goal is always building independence — not just getting through tonight's homework.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Jamie
MS CUNY Hunter College • BA Harvard University
5+ Years Tutoring

Jamie holds a Master's in Special Education, which means he doesn't just adapt lessons on the fly — he designs instruction around how each student processes, retains, and demonstrates understanding. Whether a learner has an IEP addressing executive function challenges, reading disabilities, or autism spectrum needs, Jamie builds structured, multi-sensory approaches that connect to the student's strengths rather than spotlighting gaps.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Bill
PhD CUNY Graduate School and University Center • BA Northwestern University
1+ Years Tutoring

A PhD in neuropsychology means Bill understands learning differences — ADHD, dyslexia, processing speed challenges — at the neurological level, not just as labels on an IEP. He adapts his teaching to how each student's brain actually processes information, whether that means restructuring how material is presented or building in specific compensatory strategies for memory and attention.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
James
MS CUNY Hunter College • BA University of Chicago
1+ Years Tutoring

James holds a Master's in Education and brings deep experience adapting lessons for students with diverse learning needs, whether that means restructuring a math problem into smaller visual steps or reframing a reading assignment to reduce cognitive overload. He identifies where a student feels confident and builds outward from that anchor point. His 5.0 rating speaks to the trust and patience he brings to every session.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Daniel
BA Virginia Commonwealth University
1+ Years Tutoring

Every learner absorbs material differently, and Daniel's experience tutoring students from pre-K through 12th grade has given him a practical toolkit for adapting explanations on the fly. He breaks concepts into smaller, more concrete steps and uses real-world examples — from superhero storylines to song lyrics — to make abstract ideas tangible. His goal is always to build a student's confidence in finding answers independently, not just following instructions.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Laura
BA Fordham University
1+ Years Tutoring

Laura's low-pressure tutoring style is deliberate, not accidental — she paces sessions around each student's comfort level and adjusts explanations on the fly when something isn't landing. Her range across math, science, reading, and writing means she can support students with diverse learning needs without constantly switching tutors. That flexibility, combined with her 5.0 rating, speaks to her ability to adapt material rather than force a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Rhiannon
MS Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus • BA University at Buffalo
1+ Years Tutoring

Co-teaching in NYC public schools means Rhiannon designs lessons daily for classrooms where IEPs, 504 plans, and diverse learning profiles are the norm — not the exception. She breaks down academic content into scaffolded steps, builds in sensory and processing accommodations, and adjusts pacing based on how each student actually learns. That real-world experience with differentiated instruction translates directly into one-on-one sessions where modifications aren't an afterthought.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Liz
BA University
1+ Years Tutoring

Liz has hands-on experience working with children and young adults with ADHD, autism spectrum needs, and other learning and behavioral differences. She adapts pacing, instructions, and materials to each student's processing style — whether that means building in movement breaks, using visual organizers, or restructuring a task so it feels less overwhelming. Rated 4.9 by families she's worked with.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Laura
MS Relay Graduate School of Education • BA Columbia University in the City of New York
1+ Years Tutoring

I am always seeking out new adventures in New York!

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Morgan
BA Swarthmore College
1+ Years Tutoring

Every learner processes information differently, and Morgan's Psychology degree provides a grounded understanding of how cognitive and behavioral differences shape the way students engage with material. Morgan adapts explanations, pacing, and task structure to match each student's needs — whether that means breaking reading assignments into smaller chunks or using visual organizers to make abstract concepts concrete.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Katharine
MS University of Washington (Seattle Campus) • BA University of California-Berkeley
1+ Years Tutoring

Katharine brings patience and adaptability to her work with students who have learning differences, adjusting her explanations and pacing based on how each student actually processes information. Her theater training makes her especially attuned to nonverbal cues and communication styles, and she uses multisensory techniques — reading aloud, visual mapping, kinesthetic exercises — to make concepts in reading, writing, and grammar accessible.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Sasha
MS Teachers College at Columbia University • BA Barnard College
1+ Years Tutoring

During her years as a certified teacher in New Jersey public schools, Sasha worked extensively with students on IEPs and 504 plans, adapting biology and science content for learners with a wide range of processing, attention, and executive-function needs. She knows how to break material into smaller chunks, build in frequent comprehension checks, and use multi-sensory strategies that make abstract concepts accessible without watering them down.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Kay
MS LeTourneau University • BA Columbia University in the City of New York
1+ Years Tutoring

Kay's undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavior gives her a science-grounded understanding of how different learners process information, from attention differences to language processing challenges. Currently earning her Master of Arts in Teaching, she adapts pacing, scaffolding, and instructional strategies to match each student's specific needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Kate
MS Bank Street College of Education • BA Northeastern University
10+ Years Tutoring

Every learner processes information differently, and Kate's master's degree is specifically in Early Childhood Special and General Education — she didn't add special ed as an afterthought. She designs sessions around each student's IEP goals and learning profile, whether that means multisensory phonics instruction, modified math strategies, or executive functioning support. Her 5.0 rating speaks to the trust families place in her approach.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Rachel
BA Emerson College • Current Grad Student, MA English Middlebury College
10+ Years Tutoring

Rachel brings patience and adaptability to sessions with students who have IEPs or learning differences, adjusting pacing, breaking instructions into smaller steps, and using multisensory approaches to reinforce concepts. Her background in writing and literature means she's especially skilled at making reading and written expression accessible for learners who need material presented in more than one way.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Rachel
BA Touro College (Lander College for Women)
1+ Years Tutoring

Rachel's degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders means she understands the cognitive and language-based challenges that affect learning, from processing delays to difficulties with reading comprehension. She adapts lessons to each student's specific needs, breaking down material into manageable steps and using multisensory strategies to reinforce concepts across subjects.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Amy
BA Middlebury College
1+ Years Tutoring

Amy's neuroscience training means she understands the cognitive and developmental differences behind how individual learners process information, from attention and working memory to executive function challenges. She adapts lesson pacing, breaks tasks into manageable steps, and builds routines that give students real independence rather than dependence on prompts.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Samantha
Current Grad Student, Speech-Language Pathology New York Medical College
9+ Years Tutoring

Samantha's graduate work in speech-language pathology and her undergraduate counseling concentration give her clinical insight into learning differences that most tutors simply don't have. She's trained to identify how processing challenges — whether in language, attention, or executive function — show up in schoolwork, and she adapts lessons accordingly. Her volunteer work at Variety Child Learning Center provided direct experience supporting children with developmental disabilities.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Yan
MS Boston College • BA Boston College
6+ Years Tutoring

Every learner processes information differently, and Yan's entire educational philosophy centers on adapting how material is presented until it connects. Her master's in Curriculum and Instruction trained her to design differentiated lessons, and her years in Boston elementary and middle school classrooms gave her hands-on experience modifying content for diverse learning needs — whether that means breaking math problems into visual steps or restructuring reading assignments for accessibility.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Sydney
BA Mercer University
5+ Years Tutoring

Five years of working specifically with students who have learning differences — dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders — taught Sydney that the content isn't usually the problem; it's the delivery. She redesigns how material is presented, using multisensory techniques and scaffolded instructions so that a student with an IEP or 504 plan can access the same curriculum their classmates see. Rated 4.9 by families.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Loretta
BA Vanderbilt University • Juris Doctor, Law Emory University School of Law
1+ Years Tutoring

Loretta holds a degree in Special Education alongside her math and secondary education credentials, which means she understands IEP goals, learning accommodations, and differentiated instruction from the inside out. She breaks concepts into manageable steps and adapts her pacing to each student's processing style — whether that means using visual models for abstract ideas or building in structured repetition. Her background practicing law also sharpens her ability to advocate for students navigating the special education system.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Danny
PhD Duquesne University • BA University of British Columbia
1+ Years Tutoring

Clinical psychology training fundamentally changes how you understand a struggling learner — Danny's PhD work gives him insight into the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions that shape how students with learning differences engage with academic material. He draws on formal counseling psychology methods to identify what's actually getting in the way, then adapts instruction accordingly, whether the barrier is processing speed, attention, anxiety around schoolwork, or something else entirely. Rated 5.0 by families.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Hannah
BA Washington University in St. Louis
14+ Years Tutoring

Working professionally with young adults on the autism spectrum taught Hannah something most tutors learn slowly: every learner's brain organizes information differently, and instruction has to adapt in real time. She designs sessions around each student's specific processing style — whether that means breaking multi-step directions into visual checklists, adjusting pacing, or finding alternative ways into a concept that traditional instruction missed. Her 5.0 rating speaks to how well that individualized approach works.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Maggie
BA Duke University
9+ Years Tutoring

A psychology degree gave Maggie a deep understanding of how learning differences — from ADHD to processing disorders — affect the way students absorb and retain information. She adapts lessons using multi-sensory techniques, scaffolded instructions, and frequent check-ins that keep students engaged without overwhelming them. Her approach is patient and structured, building skills at a pace that respects each learner's needs.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Will
BA Boston University
1+ Years Tutoring

Working as an instructor at Seven Hills Foundation, Will teaches students with diverse learning needs every day — adapting pace, breaking multi-step problems into manageable chunks, and finding the explanation style that clicks for each individual. That hands-on experience with IEP-aligned instruction means he knows how to adjust on the fly rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Alan
MS Harvard University • BA New Mexico State University-Main Campus
1+ Years Tutoring

A Master's in Education trained Alan in differentiated instruction, IEP-aligned goal setting, and multisensory teaching methods that reach learners who struggle in traditional classroom environments. He adapts pacing and materials to match each student's processing style, whether the challenge involves reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, or executive function skills. His 4.8 rating speaks to the patience and flexibility he brings to every session.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Theresa
Current Undergrad, Government Cornell University
10+ Years Tutoring

Theresa adapts her teaching pace, format, and explanations to match how each learner actually processes information, whether that means visual organizers for reading comprehension or step-by-step scaffolding in math. Her range across subjects — from writing to algebra to study skills — means she can meet a student's needs without constantly switching tutors.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Evan
BA Washington University in St. Louis
6+ Years Tutoring

Rather than pushing through a one-size-fits-all lesson plan, Evan adapts pacing, materials, and communication style to match how each learner processes information. His experience across subjects from reading comprehension to math means he can identify where a gap starts and build understanding from that exact point.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Rebecca
BA Bard College
1+ Years Tutoring

Rebecca's psychology thesis at Bard College explored the neuroscience of empathy in atypical populations, giving her a research-grounded understanding of how different learners process information. She has taught creative writing and foundational reading skills to students on the autism spectrum, adapting lesson pacing, prompts, and sensory considerations to each student's needs. That combination of clinical knowledge and hands-on teaching experience shapes how she builds individualized strategies for students with learning differences.

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Certified Special Education Tutor
Madison
BA The Texas A&M University System Office • Current Grad Student, Global Studies Rice University
6+ Years Tutoring

Teaching on an ESL elementary campus meant Madison regularly adapted lessons for students with vastly different learning needs, processing speeds, and communication styles. She builds individualized approaches — breaking instructions into smaller steps, using visual and auditory reinforcement, and adjusting in real time — so that each student can access the material at their own pace without feeling left behind.

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Testimonials

Because the right Special Education tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with a Special Education Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with a Special Education Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

Frequently Asked Questions

Personalized tutoring allows instruction to be tailored to each student's specific learning style, pace, and IEP goals—something difficult to achieve in a classroom setting with a 10.2:1 student-teacher ratio. A tutor can break down complex concepts into smaller steps, provide immediate feedback, and adjust strategies in real-time based on what's working. This targeted approach helps students build confidence and make measurable progress toward their individualized education plan.

Yes. Tutors can review your child's IEP and align their instruction with the specific academic and functional goals outlined in the plan. Whether your child is working on reading fluency, math skills, social-emotional learning, or executive functioning, personalized tutoring can reinforce what's being taught in school while providing additional practice and support. It's helpful to share the IEP with the tutor so they understand your child's strengths, challenges, and recommended accommodations.

Students often struggle with foundational skills like reading decoding, math computation, or attention and organization—areas where focused, one-on-one practice makes a real difference. Tutoring can also address gaps caused by missed instruction, build automaticity in key skills, and teach learning strategies that help students become more independent. By working in a low-pressure, customized environment, students can practice without frustration and develop the confidence to apply skills in the classroom.

The first session is typically an assessment and relationship-building meeting. The tutor will learn about your child's strengths, learning style, current challenges, and any relevant background (including IEP information if you share it). They'll ask questions to understand your goals and may do some informal assessment to see where your child stands academically. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan for the sessions ahead.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have experience working with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. Many have backgrounds in special education, teaching, speech-language pathology, or related fields. When you reach out, you can discuss your child's specific needs so we can match you with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your child's learning profile and goals.

Good tutoring includes regular progress monitoring. Tutors can track improvements in specific skills (like fluency, accuracy, or task completion), keep notes on what strategies are working, and share updates with you about what your child is learning. You might also see progress reflected in classroom work, homework completion, or behavior—especially if the tutor is reinforcing skills and strategies your child needs. It's a good idea to check in with your tutor regularly about what you're noticing at home.

Buffalo's 24 school districts offer special education services through IEPs and 504 plans, but personalized tutoring adds an extra layer of support. While school-based services address your child's core needs, tutoring can provide intensive practice on specific skills, help bridge gaps between grade levels, and offer a customized learning environment where your child can build skills and confidence. Tutoring and school services work best together as part of a comprehensive support plan.

Reach out to Varsity Tutors and share information about your child's age, grade, learning needs, and specific goals. Let us know if there are particular skills or subjects you'd like to focus on, and whether you have an IEP we should be aware of. We'll match you with a tutor who has experience supporting students with similar needs, and you can start with a first session to see if it's a good fit.

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