Award-Winning High School Level American History
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Award-Winning High School Level American History Tutors
Certified Tutor
Whether the topic is Reconstruction, the New Deal, or the Civil Rights Movement, Jessica connects American history to the primary documents and debates that bring it alive. Her Penn history degree and her background running high school lesson plans at a full-service learning center give her a clear ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate
Certified Tutor
Erika
American history courses at the high school level cover enormous ground, from colonial settlement through the modern era, and students often lose the thread. Erika zeroes in on cause-and-effect chains — how, for instance, economic tensions in the 1850s made the Civil War nearly inevitable — so the n...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Certified Tutor
Molly
American history at the high school level often overwhelms students with sheer volume — from colonial charters to Cold War foreign policy. Molly holds a history degree from Columbia and zeroes in on the cause-and-effect chains that make the narrative click, so students aren't just memorizing facts f...
Northwestern University
Master of Science in Education
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor in Arts, History
Certified Tutor
Asta
From the Constitutional Convention to the Civil Rights Movement, American history is full of competing narratives that only make sense when students learn to ask *why* rather than just *what happened*. Asta unpacks those political and social dynamics using the analytical lens she developed studying ...
University of Chicago
Bachelor in Arts in Political Science
Certified Tutor
6+ years
From the Constitutional Convention debates to Reconstruction to the New Deal, American history is really a series of arguments about power and who gets it. Charlie digs into those arguments with students, connecting political decisions to their social and economic consequences. His 5.0 rating and 4....
Cornell University
Bachelor of Science
Certified Tutor
4+ years
Nathan
Studying both History and Neuroscience at Rice, Nathan brings a dual perspective to American history — he understands how narrative and memory work, which sharpens the way he teaches students to retain and connect complex material across periods. He's particularly strong on the thematic throughlines...
Rice University
Bachelor in Arts, History
Certified Tutor
Gary
From constitutional debates to Cold War foreign policy, American history makes more sense when you understand the political machinery behind it. Gary spent time on a U.S. Senate campaign and interned in a congressional office, so he teaches topics like federalism, legislative compromise, and executi...
Brigham Young University-Provo
Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
University of Georgia
Juris Doctor, Law
Certified Tutor
14+ years
Claire
American history at the high school level often hinges on understanding how political, economic, and social forces interact — why Reconstruction policies failed, or how industrialization reshaped labor relations. Claire's combined training in history and law gives her a sharp eye for constitutional ...
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor in Arts, Double Major: Spanish Literature; History
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mariana
From labor movements to civil rights legislation, American history is full of conflicts over who gets power and how institutions respond. Mariana's ILR studies at Cornell put her right in the middle of these themes, and she unpacks major periods — Reconstruction, the Progressive Era, the New Deal — ...
Cornell University
Bachelor of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Molly
American history clicks when students stop treating it as a list of dates and start seeing the arguments underneath — why Reconstruction failed, how the New Deal reshaped federal power, what drove foreign policy shifts during the Cold War. Molly's communications background means she teaches students...
University of Pennsylvania
Current Undergrad Student, Communication, General
Top 20 Social Studies Subjects
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Catherine
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects
I am a graduate student in the humanities who is lucky enough to teach, read, and write for a living. I am passionately committed to educational access and helping young people reach their full potential. It has been my privilege to work with dozens of bright and talented students over the years, ranging from fifth grade to university level. I especially enjoy helping students with test prep and am qualified to teach all sections of the SAT and GRE, including math. I would also love to tutor in history, literature, and writing. Hobbies: reading, cooking, music, running, art, travel, books, writing
Patrick
Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects
I'm a graduate of Duke University where I received a JD and an MA in History. I received my undergraduate degree from Emory University also in History. My legal experience includes working as a summer law clerk for two appellate judges and as a summer associate at a large law firm in New York City. In college and in law school I tutored for a variety of subjects and enjoy working with students one-on-one to tackle and master difficult concepts. In my spare time, I enjoy taking in all that New York has to offer including biking in the park, cooking, and golfing.
Laura
College Algebra Tutor • +37 Subjects
I am a graduate of Princeton University, class of 2014. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with a focus on recent American economic history. I was a pre-med, molecular biology major for my first two years at Princeton, and while I ended up deciding not to pursue a career in the sciences, I took many science classes in high school (AP) and in college, and still enjoy these subjects. Since graduating from Princeton, I have moved to Manhattan where I have started a job as an analyst at a private equity firm. I tutored professionally in Princeton for three years, and am excited to continue working with students as a Varsity Tutors tutor. I have experience tutoring elementary school math, Algebra, Algebra II/Pre-calc, English literature, writing (esp. essay editing), Biology (including AP), Chemistry (including accelerated and AP), SAT, and French (through French III). My own educational experience has had a formative impact on my style as a tutor. I attended a Montessori school from pre-school through 8th grade, and was heavily influenced by the focus on independent learning, discovery, and exploration as a way to develop a more thorough and better understanding of academic subjects. I am passionate about making sure that students enjoy what they are learning, and I try to individualize tutor sessions to match the specific needs of each student. Both my parents are teachers (one a violin teacher and another a professor), which has also influenced my ability and desire to help students learn.
Kevin
AP Statistics Tutor • +47 Subjects
I am currently a rising Junior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and minoring in Science, Technology, and Society. From early on, the intellectual development of others has been very important to me. In high school, I developed my school's first summer tutoring program to ensure that students retained information and were prepared for the upcoming year. I am most passionate about tutoring Political Science, History, and Math, with significant experience in helping students in each of these subject areas. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing the bass. Hobbies: art, reading, writing, books, music
Timothy
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am one of many Varsity Tutors. I attended Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA where I graduated with a 4.3 GPA taking multiple AP and honors courses (AP Bio, Chem, Physics B, Gov, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Lit, and English Lang). I also participated in several tutoring organizations throughout high school.
Richard
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +70 Subjects
I am a rising senior at Harvard College pursuing an AB in Government. Academically, I have diverse interests, including history, language, math, physics, philosophy, music, and politics. In high school, I tutored elementary, middle, and high school students in music, math, ACT and SAT prep, and Spanish. At Harvard, I spent a year as a course assistant in the math department, helping to teach introductory undergraduate calculus. Currently, I volunteer with the Leadership Institute at Harvard College (LIHC) as part of its Social Outreach Committee. This work involves teaching a weekly course called "Fundamentals of Leadership" to a class of middle school students. Overall, I have found my experiences tutoring math to be the most rewarding.
Ryne
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am unsure exactly what I want to study, I will likely explore Public Policy, Political Science, and Symbolic Systems. I also graduated from the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program (UMTMYP) in 10th grade where I studied up through Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus. With a teacher for a mother, I have been raised appreciating and understanding the value of education. I love tutoring and have been doing it for many years. I started a tutoring program at an inner-city charter school to mentor and teach underserved students ranging from K-12. Additionally, I have worked as an independent tutor for students. I can tutor for a variety of subjects, especially standardized tests and math. As a recent high school graduate, I know the college application and testing process well and can help explain and guide in what often seems overwhelming. I have also been tutored myself, so I know the value of a great tutor and hope to provide that for others. As a tutor, I want to create an environment of learning, excitement, and joy. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, longboarding, and exploring the beautiful lakes of Minnesota!
Kristin
Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects
I am a current Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing accelerated student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a BA in Biological Sciences and minor in Philosophy. I have always had a deep and lifelong love of learning that I wish to impart to other students. My goal is to help students achieve their learning needs by utilizing a passionate, creative, and fun teaching approach. I have extensive experience in the subjects of Biology, Life Science, U.S. History, and the Social Sciences.
Solange
Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects
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 campus); social sciences; and literature/writing. Hobbies: books, hiking, reading, music, writing, art
Jennifer
Middle School Math Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am a graduate of Dartmouth College where I majored in History. I also received my M.Ed. from Boston College so that I could become a middle school and high school social studies teacher. Currently, I am working concurrently on my JD (at Duke University) and my Ph.D. in Education (at Boston College) and hope to one day combine the two degrees by working in policy. I have tutored or been in the education field my entire life and love it when I am able to help a scholar learn something new. I love to tutor a broad range of subjects but primarily focus on History and English. I particularly love working with scholars on their college essays and finding ways to get their unique voice and experience into writing. Education is crucial and it is important to work with scholars so that they realize the vast amount of knowledge there is in the world. In my free time, I love putting together puzzles, playing Xbox, or cheering on the Dallas Cowboys! Hobbies: reading, music, art, books, writing
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Students often struggle with understanding causation in complex historical events—for example, distinguishing between the immediate causes of the Civil War versus underlying structural tensions over slavery and states' rights. Other common challenges include analyzing primary source documents for bias and perspective, synthesizing information across multiple time periods (like connecting Reconstruction policies to later Civil Rights movements), and constructing evidence-based arguments about controversial topics like American imperialism or the causes of economic crises. Many students also find it difficult to move beyond memorizing dates and names to understanding how historical actors made decisions within their specific contexts.
A tutor can teach you a structured approach to source analysis—asking who created the document, when, for what audience, and what perspective or bias might be present. For example, when analyzing a slave narrative versus a plantation owner's letter about the same period, a tutor helps you recognize how each author's position shapes their account and what evidence each provides. Tutors also help you practice reading "against the grain" of a source to identify what's *not* being said, and how to use multiple sources together to build a more complete historical understanding rather than accepting any single account as complete truth.
A strong history essay goes beyond listing facts—it presents a clear thesis that makes an argument *about* historical causation or significance, then supports that argument with specific evidence from primary and secondary sources. For instance, rather than "The Industrial Revolution changed America," a strong thesis might argue *how* and *why* industrialization reshaped labor, immigration patterns, and regional economies differently. Tutors help you develop theses that are specific and debatable, select evidence that directly supports your argument, and address counterarguments to strengthen your position. They also help you avoid common pitfalls like presentism (judging historical actors by modern standards) and correlation-causation confusion.
AP U.S. History requires deeper analysis of historical patterns, themes, and causation across longer time spans—you're expected to understand not just what happened, but why it happened and how events connect across centuries. The AP exam emphasizes skills like analyzing primary sources for perspective and reliability, making historical comparisons (like different eras of reform movements), and constructing nuanced arguments about complex topics. Tutors experienced with AP-level work help you move beyond memorization to develop the analytical frameworks the exam rewards, practice timed essays under realistic conditions, and learn to balance breadth of knowledge with depth of analysis.
In history, two events might occur around the same time without one causing the other—for example, westward expansion and Native American displacement happened together, but understanding *how* expansion caused displacement requires examining specific policies, military actions, and economic incentives. A tutor helps you ask critical questions: What evidence shows one event directly caused the other? Could other factors explain the outcome? What did historical actors themselves believe caused events? For instance, historians debate whether economic factors or political ideology primarily drove the American Revolution—examining primary sources and competing historical interpretations helps you understand the difference between correlation and proven causation.
Historical events affected different groups very differently—the Industrial Revolution created opportunities for some while exploiting factory workers and displacing artisans. Understanding these competing perspectives prevents you from accepting a single "official" narrative and helps you construct more sophisticated arguments. A tutor guides you in reading sources from different viewpoints (enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders, Northern industrialists) on the same historical moment, identifying what each group valued and feared, and recognizing how power shaped whose perspective survived in the historical record. This skill is essential for AP-level work and for writing essays that acknowledge complexity rather than presenting history as inevitable or one-sided.
A strong history research paper starts with a specific, arguable question—not just "What caused the Great Depression?" but something like "How did Hoover's economic policies reflect his political ideology, and why did they fail?" You'll need to locate and evaluate both primary sources (documents from the period) and secondary sources (historians' interpretations), then synthesize them to support your argument rather than just summarizing what you found. Tutors help you develop a thesis that goes beyond obvious conclusions, organize evidence thematically rather than chronologically, and address historiographical debates—places where historians disagree about causation or significance. They also help you properly cite sources and avoid plagiarism while integrating evidence smoothly into your narrative.
Anachronism means applying modern values or knowledge to the past—judging 18th-century figures by 21st-century standards. A tutor helps you practice "historical empathy," understanding what people in a given era believed was possible, what information they had, and what constraints they faced. For example, understanding why many Northern abolitionists still held racist views requires examining the scientific racism prevalent in their time, not dismissing them as hypocrites by modern standards. This doesn't mean excusing harmful actions, but rather understanding historical causation more deeply—why did people make the choices they did? This skill strengthens your arguments because you can acknowledge complexity and address counterarguments more effectively than essays that oversimplify historical actors as simply "good" or "bad."
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