I am a former teacher with 10 years of experience in teaching and tutoring. I have a Master's Degree in Literacy Education and I am passionate about making sure that every learner feels successful. I love seeing students grow and master their skills!

My approach to teaching is more or less a fusion of my experiences as an undergraduate, my interests in philology and linguistics, and my teaching experience at the University of Minnesota.Teacher-centered vs. student-centered teaching:In my teaching I have maintained the principles of proficiency-based instruction, and have been content to spend more time in a student-centered atmosphere than I probably would have been hitherto.I will, however, switch to a more traditional approach at times, that is, to a teacher- centered environment, concentrating on specific issues of grammar, structure, or style. Students appreciate the input of an expert, especially when they have a very limited knowledge base in the target language.My warm-ups are most always based on one-on-one teacher-student interaction within the classroom, which encourages students to make themselves heard in a friendly and supportive environment. Such warm-ups in recent years have fallen in one of several categories:1. Asking students to give information about the world (which, I remind them, includes the classroom).2. Asking students to discuss what they did the previous evening.3. Asking students to discuss what they did not do the previous evening.4. Asking students to make statements and have the rest of the class determine whether those statements are true or not.5. Giving students 30 seconds to compose a question, which is then asked aloud.6. Having students suggest random "answers" and having other students pose appropriate questions.Reading:As teachers, we encourage students to read for general ideas, not details. This is, I feel, the logical and correct approach. The difficulty is that it is easier said than done, especially when one uses authentic materials designed for native speakers. Whatever the text, pre-reading exercises must be carefully chosen and students must be prepared for key vocabulary items that will appear in the text.I have attempted to assist in vocabulary building by creating picture dictionaries and matching exercises based on the reading, examples of which are to be found later in this document. I also stress and encourage reading aloud in class at all levels to practice pronunciation and sentence intonation. I have furthermore put together storyboards for first-year reading texts, so that stories can be followed more easily.Technology:In the last few years, I have found that technology has allowed me, as an instructor, to design materials that look more professional and creative. Using graphics programs and experimenting with word processing programs encourages one to think a bit more like a designer, and thus try to see things from a student's perspective.The importance of technology in the classroom has also become more clear to me over the years: in addition to fostering a variety of learning approaches, the use of videos, computers, chatrooms, and, especially, internet activities constantly reminds students that they are not learning some secret language of a classroom, but one spoken by millions throughout the real world.One must always beware, however, of using technology for its own sake. The fact that a good online or computer exercise exists does not mean it needs to be used. As a coordinator (see below) I encouraged my instructors to pick and choose which exercises and types of technology they felt benefitted students most and, moreover, to avoid those exercises in which the student's negotiation of the task becomes overly complex with regard to the objective.General:My success rate in the first, second, and third years has, I think, been very high, and I have always prided myself on the fact that my courses have been in the main both informative and entertaining. Students have appreciated my stepping back from the fore to let them carry out tasks and activities on their own, but they also like the fact that I am willing to take class time to explain concepts that are unclear or linguistic information that I find relevant. Indeed, in one first- year class, my eager and diligent students constantly pressed me for more and more philological information until I was forced to remind them that we had other material to look at in the modern language.My experiences have confirmed my beliefs that 1) traditional approaches can be used alongside newer ones as long as one's goals are clearly set, and 2) that how one teaches something is always as important as what one teaches.

Whether it be learning to write strong essays or tackling difficult math problems, I am committed to helping my students master the processes and techniques that will help them become better writers, readers, or math students.I am a certified tutor for all things language arts (college essays, writing, reading, grammar, and literature) and can also tutor elementary and middle school math. I especially have fun coaching students through the writing process which requires practice and discipline far more than just natural talent. I believe every student (and tutor) can grow as a writer!I am a graduate from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota where I majored in Graphic Design, minored in English, and held an emphasis in public relations. After graduation, I spent three years writing and editing press releases and newsletters for the U.S. Army as a civilian public affairs specialist. Last year, I tutored 7th-10th graders in grammar and composition, geometry, Latin grammar, and medieval history for a hybrid-homeschool academy. In addition to being a Varsity Tutor, I am currently preparing my first novel for publication and volunteer regularly with a local high school youth group.I look forward to working with you as together we strive to improve our minds...and those pesky essay assignments!

Hello,My name is Aamina, I am a very vibrant, outgoing professional. An Undergrad Degree in African American Studies and Minor in Communication and Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership. Though I have a plethora of working in the youth development field these past few years. I have 2 years experience as an 3rd grade ELA teacher, 3 years Middle School Site Coordinator with Minneapolis Public Schools. I am very familiar and comfortable with the developmental needs of young learners that have difficulty reading, spelling, comprehension, and or critically thinking.I believe everyone are continuous life long learners, and anyone can have fun and engage in learning something new.I look forward to meeting you.

My name is Ian Harris, and I hold a Bachelor's in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a Master's in Education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. With over six years of experience in high school math and more than five years in tutoring, I specialize in subjects ranging from Algebra to AP Calculus. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive environment where students can discover their potential and gain confidence in their problem-solving abilities. I am dedicated to making complex concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that each student feels empowered in their learning journey. My goal is to inspire a love for pursuing the truth and help students achieve their academic aspirations.

Helping students always brings me great joy and excitement! I have always loved being able to see the "lightbulb" go off when things finally click for students! I have been a tutor for over four years, with three years experience of mathematics tutoring experience and one year of early elementary tutoring. While receiving my undergraduate degree, I was a mathematics tutor for my university tutoring a wide variety of math subjects, including some computer science courses. Currently, I have received my Bachelor's degree in mathematics and biology and am pursuing my Master's degree in Public Health. My favorite mathematics courses to tutor include Algebra, Calculus, and Trigonometry! When I am with a student, I always strive to make sure I fully understand what questions the tutee may have during the session, and ensure that I am able to answer these to the best of my ability. I love using both visual and auditory methods to ensure I am able to relay my information as best as I can! Since I received multiple semesters of training for tutoring in my undergrad, I am able to accommodate students to however they are best able to learn, whether that is more visuals or using alternative explanations. Although I am extremely passionate about Mathematics, other areas I am interested in include History and Science!

I am a professional educator who has over 10 years experience working with students in middle and high school. I have over 20 years experience working with student athletes in sports and activities. My educational background is in the social sciences. I have taught social studies and reading, but I can tutor and help in many more areas, including math. I believe in working closely with students who need extra help, extra teaching and instruction, and assistance in problem solving, study skills and homework habits. I have a Masters in Education degree and I have a diverse set of skills and experiences in working with students and their families to ensure improvements and success in school, in testing and grades, and in self-motiviation and satisfaction. I am available to help provide an additional level of support for students who are in need of additional help in completing assignments, projects, and in working on difficult subject areas.

A recent graduate of Carleton College with a B.A. in economics, I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Geographic Information Science at Saint Mary's University. As a tutor in numerous subjects, my love for lifelong learning and intellectual growth has inspired me to assist others not only in understanding concepts, but finding ways to enjoy thinking about them as well. Furthermore, doing well in school can be a big boost to one's confidence, and I love seeing the benefits of such among my students.

I have taught high school students for over 4 years and I greatly enjoy helping students reach their full potential both academically and personally. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Creighton University and a Master of Arts in Education from Saint Mary's University. I am interested in a wide range of subjects, but I am most passionate about theology and history. I truly believe that given the proper tools, assistance, and personal motivation every student can succeed academically. As both a teacher and a tutor, I am determined to make that happen for every student I work with.

I am a graduate of three different universities. I have a BA in Spanish and Portuguese Studies, an MA in English as a Second Language, and a doctorate in educational leadership. I am currently an adjunct college professor. Previously I was an assistant principal for a 6-12 school. Before that, I taught ESL in middle school. I have taught everywhere from elementary to adult basic education. I really enjoy working in tutoring especially in Spanish, literacy skills such as reading/writing, and ESL. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I try to make tutoring engaging and exciting. Learning should be fun. Because of my fun way of teaching, I have won awards for having one of the top EL programs in the state. Outside of teaching, I love swimming, traveling, computer games, and reading.