Award-Winning Tutors from Northern Illinois University
Tutors from
Northern Illinois University
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I am a college graduate from Northern Illinois University. I have been working with kids for over 12 years. I have worked with kids from pre-K to 8th grade. Throughout my experience, I learned that I really enjoyed work with older kids. I liked the fact that I wasn't just teaching them how to do things. I was also mentoring them. I am very passionate about working with kids because they really are the future. I like being able to have an impact on their growth and development. It gives me joy to see a student accomplish something that they thought was impossible. In reality, nothing is impossible, every kid can learn.

Looking for an opportunity to help kids of all ages advance in Math!I have 10 years of tutoring elementary math, middle school math, pre-algebra, and algebra I. I have worked about 5 years doing private tutoring. I also have worked about 5 years at a Math Learning Center called Mathnasium, and learned a lot about the math education process in all of this time. Most of the time, math class struggles are due to gaps in learning from previous year's math classes. Math really builds on itself from year to year.My philosophy is to help with any homework that is due, and then spend any remaining time covering concepts from previous years that may need some strengthening. For example...simpliyfing fractions will be difficult if you don't know your multiplication/division facts...so I would work on those topics if simplifying is difficult.For the younger kids, playing a game or two to break up the hour is always a great idea. Using visuals is great for any student of any age, particularly younger ones, so I will always draw/write things out, and encourage students to show all of their work. I will try to make math as fun as it can be!!
With over 10 years’ experience as an educator I have worked with a diversity of audiences focusing on high school and college students. While working on my undergraduate degree in Biology at Northern Illinois University I started tutoring chemistry, biology, and math. This tutoring experience sparked my passion for teaching. After graduating I started working toward a Master of Science in Teaching at Portland State University. While in graduate school I tutored math and chemistry and was a teaching assistant for undergraduate science courses. Soon after graduating I started working at a local private college teaching math, environmental science, and ecology. Now over 6 years later I still love teaching student’s math and science. My favorite subject to tutor is math because students often struggle with this subject. It is very rewarding to help students overcome their math struggles and succeed in math. My tutoring style includes the following three components, 1) break up the material into small digestible pieces, 2) explain difficult concepts clearly and enthusiastically, and 3) work together as a team to make a plan to succeed. In my free time I spend exploring the woods hiking and canoeing our waterways. I love learning about animals and actually worked at a zoo working with monkeys and elephants.
As a dedicated mechanical engineer with a PhD from Virginia Tech, I have over two years of experience in teaching and tutoring, specializing in AP Physics, Calculus, Linear Algebra, and various mechanical engineering courses. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the Socratic method, fostering a dialogue that encourages students to explore concepts independently rather than relying solely on memorization. I find that grasping fundamental principles, such as vectors in statics or tensors in material behavior, is crucial for students to apply their knowledge in diverse contexts. My extensive industry experience, ranging from automotive to medical imaging, allows me to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications, enhancing my students' learning experience. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where students can cultivate a genuine interest in engineering and mathematics. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy exploring technological advancements and engaging in hands-on projects that deepen my understanding of mechanical design.
My name is Alexander Cumbo and am a 22 year old undergraduate student studying both Math and Computer Science at Northern Illinois University. I am very passionate about math and programming and hope to share the joy of learning it with others. I am also half Japanese and have been studying it for about 5 years now. Although I am not as good as a native, I am more than comfortable teaching beginners and helping people get started.
I spend entirely too much time working on computer related projects and could use an intervention, possibly involving a lobotomy. I suspect I am ADD patient zero. Asimov's Robot stories led me to a life-long interest and PhD in artificial intelligence from Northwestern University.I have worked for Lucent Technologies, Microsoft, Citrix Labs, and Ernst & Young in numerous areas: telecommunications, distributed processing, databases, data science and machine learning to name a few.I am an expert in C, C++, C#, and Java coding. I am proficient in Python, SQL, and a number of other languages.I taught upperclass and graduate computer science topics at Illinois State University for six years, including operating systems, distributed processing, graphics, and gaming. I also taught at DigiPen Technical Institute for a year, topics including software engineering and artificial intelligence.I also do android apps for games and open science projects.I have collaborated on a robot of a wormlike creature that is on display currently at Ars Electronica in Linz Austria.See https://github.com/portegys and tom.portegys.com/programs.html for code projects.See tom.portegys.com/research.html for a list of my publications in AI and other fields. My most recent project is an AI simulation of honey bee nectar gathering, which includes a fascinating dance they do to tell other bees where the nectar is outside the hive.I enjoy the teaching part of tutoring quite a bit. Grading homework not so much! Last summer my granddaughter and I built a horse racing game with Godot, for example. My approach is to build things as the best way to learn. Computers give you that opportunity!
I studied Operations Management for four years at Northern Illinois University to earn my bachelor's degree. After working as a supervisor for almost two years, I have realized my passion lies in teaching. My favorite subject has always been math, and I really love to help people grasp the various concepts and feel a sense of accomplishment. I enjoy tutoring algebra, pre-algebra, geometry, and ACT or SAT prep for the math portion.I absolutely love music. I listen to music all the time, I go to concerts as much as possible, and I even create music with other talented musicians. I play the drums and I practice every day to keep improving.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Math and Science Learning. I've been teaching for the past three years and am passionate about helping students grow and succeed. I'm knowledgeable in math from the elementary level through college algebra and can help you overcome any challenges you're facing. I'm a friendly, patient educator who loves working with kids and strives to make learning math a positive and empowering experience!
I graduated from Southwestern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a BS in Mathematics Education. My first job was teaching junior high school math in East St. Louis. Some of my students were nearly as old as I. It was quite an experience for a first year teacher. Very challenging. I moved to the northern part of the state and taught middle school and high school in a small district of 7000 students for 16 years. These experiences were varied. I team taught in a school with no walls. We had students working independently with no direct instruction. Each student was given independent tutoring and allowed to progress at their own pace. I also taught computer intro courses. I moved to Chicago in 1989. I taught high school algebra, geometry, and algebra 2 until I retired in 2016. I also tutored students who were prepping for the high stakes standardized tests they take as juniors. I taught after school programs and summer classes for students who were making up credits in order to graduate. I have learned to adjust my teaching approach for the students I have before me. I understand the concept of learning styles. I have experience with students who are bilingual and are struggling with English as a second language. I have worked with students of all skill levels. I have tried to remain healthy by running and going to the fitness center daily. I enjoy keeping current on the news and going out with friends. I am using this extreme stay at home time to enhance my online tutoring skills and to explore the technology that is being employed to bring education into students' homes. I have also explored the possibilities that this unprecedented time in history has caused some to contemplate a new reality for education. Education may never return to what it was before.
I'm Karen Lopez, an educator with a heart for empowering every student. My career in math education is driven by a simple yet profound belief: everyone can and should have access to quality math education. This belief fuels my passion for making STEM subjects approachable and engaging, especially for students in marginalized communities. Teaching, for me, is not just a profession; it's a mission to unlock every student's potential.
I have had the pleasure of being an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, with a background in Speech and language pathology for the past ten years. I am an enthusiastic, versatile, and compassionate educator, and advocate for my students. I strive to promote the development of all learning styles, by meeting students where they are, and providing them with developmentally appropriate, engaging, and hands-on activities. I believe in helping students become confident in who they are, so that they can achieve the growth in their area(s) of need. My objective is to provide my students with a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment, so that they can develop a love for learning and acquire the skills to become lifelong learners.
As a current graduate student studying Philosophy at Northern Illinois University, I aim to foster a love for literature, critical thinking, and writing in my students. I focus on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages self-expression and academic rigor. My approach emphasizes personalized instruction, helping students to discover their unique voices while honing their writing skills. I believe that every student has the potential to excel, and I am committed to guiding them on their academic journeys.
I'm extremely passionate about helping students grow and achieve their academic goals. I truly enjoy education and try to instill that love in all of the students I work with.
I have been a resident of Arizona for the past 20 years and am married with 3 grown sons. My first spoken language is German since I am a native of Austria. I grew up in Chicago and attended and graduated from Northern Illinois University Teachers College with a B.S in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction graduating cum laude. I also am a gifted certified educator K-12th grade and teach online philosophy classes for the University of Phoenix. As a teacher and seasoned educational professional, I will provide a quality educational experience for your child through individualizing the learning experience for each student. This includes working with their strengths and particular learning styles to meet academic success. My teaching background has primarily been in public education as a gifted educator, working with special needs students K-12th grade for the past 15 years. I am comfortable and adept working with special needs students of any age. I will provide learning tools and strategies in the learning process to support study skills to enable academic success. As a high school teacher I taught Career Technical Education classes which were oriented towards technology and career development for college. As a faculty member of the University of Phoenix I currently teach creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. Most important I love working with young people and will provide a positive supportive approach to meet the student's educational needs in mathematics, language arts and test prep. I look forward to working with you and your student.
Part-time professor of German and Polish, researcher, published author with a PhD in Educational Psychology and MA in Germanic Studies and Second Language Acquisition. I have 20+ years of teaching and course design experience, building tailored courses for individual needs, and creating learning and teaching materials. I am also a teacher and student mentor and coach.
I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Special Education. I am licensed to teach 1-6 in all subject areas. I am currently a tutor at Huntington Learning Center and a First Grade Teacher at Welch Elementary school in Naperville. I am passionate about making learning fun and applying what is taught to real life situations. It amazes me the different ways students learn and I encourage them to be themselves. There is power in struggle, it can help shape growth mindsets and that is when light bulb moments happen. I make sure my students feel both seen and heard. They will not only gain knowledge on academic subject areas but also their self esteem will elevate.
Hello,My name is Attorney Chris Slaughter, I have represented clients in the practice of law since 1998. I have practiced in several different disciplines including but not limited to criminal defense law and real estate transactions. I am an entrepreneur having started and run different business, I have taught on the college level and published an award winning book. I have rehabbed houses, sold real estate and insurance. I am a people person who likes to talk, teach and learn.Motto: "Find a way or Make a way!"
I have a Masters of Science in Applied Physics and a Bachelors of Science in Physics from Northern Illinois University and The Ohio State University, respectively. I have been tutoring for 12 years in a range of mathematics and science courses from algebra to AP Calculus and physics to astronomy, respectively. I tutored math at a private tutoring center where I became very adept at helping students of varying ages, approximately 5 to 18.While earning my masters degree I taught introductory physics laboratories for two years. I have also been a math instructor at a second private learning center where I learned techniques in helping students not only academically but boost their confidence, enhance their strengths and recognize as well as work on their weaknesses. When tutoring, I teach students how ask the appropriate questions to help them solve their problems. I start by asking leading questions and get the student to reason through the problem rather than simply showing them or having them memorize procedures. This method gets them to be an active participate and not merely an "audience of one." I believe that each student is unique and I tailor my methods of teaching to fit their needs. Many problems can be explained in multiple ways, different ways benefiting different students. For example, some students work better visually and some through auditory means.I enjoy helping students learn because I like sharing the knowledge I spent considerable time acquiring with others and helping make it theirs, too. I particularly enjoy tutoring mathematics and science to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. My favorite subjects to teach are physics and astronomy. Outside of academia, amateur astronomy, along with grilling and watching and reading science fiction are my hobbies.
I am a teacher with over 20 years of experience. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus on Language Arts, Social Science, and Music from Northern Illinois University. I received my Masters of Music Education from VanderCook School of Music in Chicago. While I have spent most of my career teaching Music, I am passionate about Reading, English, Literature, and History as well. I am a lifelong learner and hope to impart my love of learning on all the students that I tutor. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, singing and playing guitar, hiking and biking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
I am in my 6th year of professional, full-time teaching and have a passion for helping others academically! Education is a major key to success so that students may critically think, problem solve, and learn how to be independent learners. I make it my goal to show students just how what they're learning does relate to real life, by pulling on what they already know, and building on top of that.I have an undergraduate degree in French language from Northern Illinois University, and a Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language and Applied Linguistics from Southern Illinois University, with a GPA of 4.0. Aside from French, I also speak basic, conversational Spanish, due to self-taught lessons and extensive travels to Spain. I have worked at schools including Columbia University, Fairfield University, Southern Illinois University, and the language learning company ELS.In my past five years of teaching, I have taught students from kindergarten to university level. My most recent experiences the past couple of years has been teaching adults and young adults academic English; this includes reading skills, writing skills, organization, vocabulary enhancement, speaking fluency, grammar, technology, and research skills. I also have taught academic English writing skills at universities, which benefits my students as they have a teacher who has a strong understanding of the expectations of university-level work!I have always had an open mind towards diversity and value different perspectives, personalities, and cultures. Teaching ESL has taught me that every person is a different learner, and it is important to stay flexible and open, in order to attune my teaching methods according to what each student needs. I have also had the mind-opening experiences of teaching and living in France for two years and have traveled to 13 countries thus far! Traveling always teaches me more about the world and the people in it, and gives me heightened perspectives on how and why different people think.I am an easy-going person, who not only enjoys teaching but also learning from my students! I am highly organized and prepared, but remain flexible in teaching when needed. Aside from teaching, I also enjoy yoga, reading non-fiction, traveling, jogging, bike riding, painting, tasting new foods, and meeting new people. I look forward to tutoring and getting to know you!
I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a focus on applied probability and statistics. After earning my undergraduate degree, I went on to receive a Master of Science in Statistics. I focus on tutoring statistical topics, such as AP Statistics or college statistics. While working as a teacher's assistant, I gained experience tutoring struggling students who need some extra help. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, reading, and playing frisbee golf.
Hello! My name is Eric and I am kind of a geek when it comes to math. I love teaching math and finding the right way to get math to click for you. I have been teaching math for 6 years. I taught middle school math for 3 years and high school math for 3 years. I can't wait to work with you.
I am a recent graduate from NIU with most of my coursework in World History and European History, and a minor in Political Science with a focus on Global Politics. I specialize in advanced social studies subjects: AP Euro, AP World, AP US History, AP GOV, AP Art History, and College classes like philosophy, with substantial experience in DBQs, LEQs, SAQs, and research papers. I help students master historical thinking skills, build clear arguments, get As, and approach the AP exam with confidence. I already support a roster of students in these subjects. I am best at making lessons applicable and content easy to understand through question-based learning. What I typically do is check for understanding and ask questions about their topic to keep students engaged. I am a teacher at my local school, so I am well-versed in teaching methods. If you would like to see some of my work, I have attached one of my research papers under "Documents and Test Scores." Enjoy!
I am a licensed Rehabilitation CounseIor, who graduated from Northern Illinois University with my Bachelors in Rehabilitation and Disability Services and with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. I am also certified in Trauma-informed counseling. I have had my own art studio in the past, and have a deep interest in history, art, medicine, biology and psychology.
Accounting Tutor - As a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience working in a CPA firm, I bring both practical accounting knowledge and a strong commitment to helping students succeed academically and professionally. I have 41 years of public accounting experience, progressing throughout my career to the partner level.
I graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences, a minor in chemistry and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching science for 15+ years. II am passionate about helping students learn how they learn best and to give strategies for success. I have worked with all levels of students and develop a learning approach catered to the individual's learning style.I have taught and tutor Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, Biology, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. I am very comfortable with teaching this material as well as helping students with study strategies.My teaching style aims to meet the student where they are at, develop a plan and utilize different learning modalities in order to achieve a student's perception of success. I like to use humor, real life examples and have a good balance between working hard and enjoying the subject. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my four kids, outdoor activities, and reading.
I have graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in French literature, a minor in Spanish, and a certification in secondary education. I am a hardworking and highly organized person who is able to work independently and efficiently. In addition, my experience with working with people of different backgrounds and cultures as well as traveling has enabled me to gain very strong communication skills and an open mind.I am a native speaker of French and I have experience teaching French 1-4 to high school students. I have also worked as a primary language tutor in an elementary school and a private french tutor, as well as a french teacher in an elementary school. I am currently teaching French at the middle school level.
A motivated individual with diverse background, achieving bachelor degrees in Economics & Business Administration. Seeking an opportunity to assist others on their academic career as well as enriching my own experience. Eventual academic goal is to gain CPA credential.
I believe that EVERYONE can learn. Sometimes it takes us a little longer than others and that is ok! I have been an elementary teacher for 27 years and am very passionate about what I do! My goal is help YOU succeed. During our tutoring session we will have time to have fun as we review concepts you may need extra help with. I hope to see you soon!
I have a BA in Organizational/Corporate Communications from Northern Illinois University, which I chose based on my lifelong love of reading and writing. I also have minors in both Spanish and Economics.I have always been an avid learner and love supporting others as they learn and expand their skills. My main experiences working with students come from my times spent as a summer school teacher, after-school tutor, and sibling homework helper.I understand that all individuals have different learning styles and that it is important to find the best ways to learn that work for you. I am very enthusiastic about helping students feel accomplished once they have mastered new knowledge and skills.
I first became interested in helping others when I switched my major at Northern Illinois University to concentrate on family and individual development. Soon after, I began my job as a corp member, working with students in the high school, specifically with English skills. This experience made me realize how much I enjoyed working with students in multiple capacities; as a mentor and tutor mainly. I have worked with students who are freshman in high school, but were reading at a fifth grade level. My passion is helping students achieve success through education. My experiences showed me what many public schools lacked when it comes to aiding youth. I see myself as a resource available for students who may struggle academically.
Learning is a lifelong process. I enjoy teaching and learning about and from my students, continually striving to help them become successful. I have experience teaching in schools, tutoring students and helping adults using proven strategies to aid young and mature learners. I believe in teaching executive functions, like soft skills, organization, communication, note-taking,, advocating for oneself - along with the academic skills necessary to provide students with a structured way to work independently outside the classroom. My abilities include English Language Arts, Music Theory, U.S. History, Algebra I and Consumer Business. I am results driven with a commitment to developing a relationship with my students. I expect my students to be accountable for their choices
As a passionate and experienced special educator, I am eager to help future teachers prepare for their content exams or basic skills exams and begin the next chapter of their lives!!
I enjoy meeting new people and enjoy what they have to say, i have always loved math and sciences; I know!! I am a nerd but people says i don't look like one. I enjoy video games, sports (I play soccer three time a week) good food and social hours.
Hi! I'm a biomedical engineering graduate who loves helping others make sense of math and science. I want students to be able to understand complex concepts and not jsut memorizing them.
I am an experienced tutor in English, composition, reading, and social studies. I am available to tutor levels from elementary through college.
I have been an English teacher for 25 years. I have also co-taught in social studies and science classrooms. I have a Master's in Education & Curriculum, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and a Master's in Literacy Education. I have worked as an Illinois state-certified high school reading specialist for the past several years. My daily classes involve working with struggling readers as well as preparing students for the reading portion of the PSAT/SAT/ACT tests. I also have extensive experience teaching students how to read text for information (non-fiction) and take effective notes on material.
I'm enthusiastic about getting students excited to absorb material and develop powerful thinking habits.I have three years of tutoring/teaching experience with students from first grade to graduate students.By training, I'm a philosopher (MA, BA), but I also have background in religious studies (BA) and cognitive science (a minor). Cognitive science spans linguistics, psychology, anthropology, computer science, philosophy, and education.My background in logic helps me teach all standardized tests. I scored around the 95th percentile on the GRE Verbal. I can help students sharpen those skills, and any test below that level. I can easily help with mathematics up to the GED level.I've spent the last two years giving writing consultations and teaching a business composition course. I'm passionate about helping with writing and the language arts.
I am recent graduate of Northern Illinois University's Philosophy Masters Program where I received a master's degree in Philosophy I also received a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia in Philosophy and Sociology. At NIU, I was employed as a Teacher's Assistant and now I currently work at the Huntington Learning Center in Geneva (Illinois) as an SAT/ACT Reading/Writing Section tutor. The main subjects I tutor are philosophy and writing. My lifelong passion is philosophy, and so I hope to eventually acquire a PhD and become a philosophy professor. At NIU, I received world-class training in analytic philosophy. My areas of expertise in philosophy are philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and metaphysics. However, I am able to tutor any core subject in analytic philosophy (e.g. ethics, epistemology, history of philosophy, etc.). I believe that one of the most important skills for any student to hone is their writing ability. A large part of my philosophical training was learning how to write complex and technical arguments clearly. As a TA, I worked one-on-one with many students helping each improve their essay assignments and their writing skills in general. With my training, I can help make your writing clear, persuasive, and yet still interesting to read. Though I can help improve any form of writing, argumentative/thesis style essays are my specialty. My focus when working with students on writing is not just on improving specific assignments. Instead, my tutoring strategy focuses on improving a students writing abilities in general, with the hope that students leave the secessions as better writers and better thinkers. Please contact me to see if I'd be a good fit for you!
Hello! My name is Sarah. I received my Masters in Arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and currently earning my Ph.D Sociology at Georgia State University. I have more than 8 years of tutoring/teaching experience in many different subject areas in different age groups.***PLEASE NOTE***I do NOT know R or SAS statistical programs.*****************I mostly focus on Statistics (proficient in SPSS and STATA, intermediate in Excell), but also excited to tutor sociology, psychology, gender studies, and criminology. I can't wait to help you with your academic challenges and together we can accomplish anything!
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Tutors who attended Northern Illinois University bring insider knowledge of the university's academic expectations, course structures, and teaching styles. They understand the rigor of NIU coursework and can help students navigate specific challenges they may encounter in their major. Beyond academics, these tutors can also share firsthand insights about campus life, study strategies that worked for them, and how to balance coursework with other commitments.
Tutors who graduated from NIU have completed rigorous coursework in their subject areas and bring real-world experience from their time at the university. Many have advanced degrees or specialized expertise in their fields. All tutors are screened and vetted by Varsity Tutors to ensure they meet our high standards for knowledge, teaching ability, and professionalism.
NIU alumni tutors span a wide range of subjects including engineering, business, education, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. Because many have completed NIU's diverse degree programs, they can provide expert support across various disciplines. Whether you're looking for help with core classes or major-specific coursework, connecting with an alumni tutor means learning from someone who has successfully navigated similar material.
Alumni tutors have lived the NIU student experience—they know the professors' expectations, the difficulty curve of major courses, and the specific challenges students encounter. This shared background creates a unique advantage: they can anticipate problem areas, explain concepts the way NIU instructors teach them, and offer strategies that worked for students in similar situations. They're not just teaching the material; they're drawing from their own journey through NIU.
Varsity Tutors makes it easy to get matched with tutors who attended NIU. When you reach out, let us know you're interested in connecting with an alumni tutor, and we'll match you with someone whose background and expertise fit your needs. The personalized matching process ensures you work with a tutor who understands both your subject and your university's academic environment.
Yes—alumni tutors are particularly valuable for course-specific preparation. Because they've taken the same or similar classes at NIU, they understand exactly what instructors expect and what topics are likely to be emphasized. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming exam, working through challenging assignments, or trying to strengthen your foundation before a major course, an NIU graduate tutor can provide targeted support based on their direct experience.
Learning from an NIU alumnus means getting guidance from someone who has successfully completed the same degree path you're on. They understand your university's culture, teaching philosophy, and academic standards in a way that outside tutors simply cannot. Beyond academic support, they can serve as mentors who have navigated the same challenges and can offer perspective on long-term success—both in your major and beyond.
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