All of
Tamara’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Tamara’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT English
The ACT English section is a fast-paced evaluation of student's knowledge of specific grammar rules and usage. I tutor with a content-based approach, empowering students by teaching them the specific grammar rules they need to know in order to do well on this section of the ACT. I provide my students with detailed grammar notes and authentic test materials taken from past official tests for practice.
ACT Math
The ACT Math section is a comprehensive review of math concepts students may have encountered anytime from early elementary school, all the way through junior high and high school math classes. It is imperative that students begin to review early for the math portion of the ACT because there is so math concepts to cover. I use authentic test materials to diagnose a student's current level, then customize my curriculum based on the student's strengths and weaknesses.
ACT Reading
The ACT Reading section is a fast-paced reading comprehension test that measures students' ability to quickly read 4 medium-length passages, answering 10 questions per passage. I instruct students in the specific reading comprehension question types that they will encounter on this section. The student's score depends not only on their mastery of these question types, but also on reading speed and vocabulary knowledge.
ACT Science
The ACT Science section may, at first, seem somewhat daunting to students. Through tutoring, students gain confidence on this section by practicing deciphering the various science passages, graphs, tables, and charts. I provide authentic, official test materials for students to use for practice, and I instruct students in the specific question types they will encounter in this section.
Algebra 1
I work with students at their level, using their own Algebra I textbooks to guide them step-by-step through the examples. Through explicit concept instruction combined with practice problems, my students learn the skills they need to succeed in Algebra I.
Algebra 2
I have tutored Algebra II students with great success for over ten years. Often the leap from Algebra I and/or Geometry into Algebra II can present a challenge to students. I use the students' own textbooks and a wide array of materials, which I have collected over the years, for practice to reinforce key concept areas.
ASVAB
I tutor several sections of the ASVAB, including Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge. I have worked with many ASVAB students to help improve their scores on these sections. I share with students specific strategies for each section that help boost their performance and improve their scores.
Chinese
I have a bachelor's degree from Smith College of Northampton, Massachusetts, in Chinese Language and Literature. I took four consecutive years of Chinese language (Mandarin) at the college level, and studied Chinese literature in translation. I am a passionate teacher of beginning and intermediate Chinese language, helping students to improve their communication level in all four areas of Chinese: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. From my experience of learning Chinese, I know how important it is to have a tutor helping you along the way with issues including but not limited to correct pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking practice. I am a competent, enthusiastic guide for students on their journey to mastering Mandarin Chinese.
Elementary (K-6th)
I have worked with elementary students in an after-care after-school setting, helping students 12 and under with a wide range of academics and homework. I have always possessed a natural talent for phonics, and I strive to find ways to make the learning process fun for kids depending on their developmental stage and on each child's unique set of needs and challenges.
Elementary Math
I have taught elementary math both one-on-one and in a classroom setting. It is extremely rewarding to me to help give younger students a firm grounding in the basic principles of arithmetic and basic number concepts that will carry them through subsequent years of math classes. I readily adapt my teaching style and curriculum to suit the needs and individual learning styles of each child.
English
Whether a student is struggling in English literature or composition, I am able to work with the student to maximize their potential and improve academic performance. I have also worked with adult learners of English as a Second Language with great results for over ten years. A native speaker of English with an acquired proficiency in various other languages, I am familiar with the needs and challenges of language learners of all ages. I strive to make the learning process engaging, effective, and efficient. Whatever the student's goal, I am here to help him/her meet and exceed expectations.
ESL/ESOL
I am a native speaker of English with excellent grammar and communication skills. I have more than five years of experience tutoring students in ESL/ESOL. I have taught students individually and in groups of eight or more in a classroom setting, specializing in English for Latinos. I am sensitive to the needs of ESL/ESOL learners of various nationalities, having worked with students from many different countries, including adults from Korea, Japan, China, Peru, and Mexico. Depending on where you are on your journey to learn English, I can teach you the basics or take you to the next level in gaining English fluency. I speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, so I am familiar with the unique needs of language learners.
Geometry
I have helped Geometry students optimize their academic performance for over ten years. Although it builds on concepts from Pre-Algebra and Algebra, Geometry can be somewhat of a change for students because of the spatial concepts it presents, or due to the focus on logic and reasoning. I help students navigate the skills they need to learn in order to excel in Geometry.
Grammar
I have always had a natural talent for grammar. I use my unflagging enthusiasm for grammar to help motivate students who are otherwise not interested in the subject. I work with students who need to improve their English grades, and ESL/ESOL students who are seeking mastery of Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced concepts in English grammar.
GRE
For students and adults alike, studying for the GED can seem like a daunting task. I help my students break their study into manageable pieces, and empower them to succeed by teaching the concept areas they will encounter on the test.
Hebrew
As a self-taught Hebrew adept, I can help students of Hebrew who are at a beginner level. I specialize in biblical and liturgical Hebrew. I have helped students of Hebrew learn the alphabet and vowel markings, improve their pronunciation, and widen their vocabulary. My students boost their overall fluency in reading, understanding, and correctly pronouncing Hebrew words and sentences.
Japanese
After completing my bachelor's degree in Chinese (Mandarin), I became interested in studying Japanese as well. Since then, I have studied Japanese through college coursework and independently for many years with the goal of becoming a professor of Japanese Language and Literature. As a learner of Japanese as a Second Language, I bring to my tutoring an intimate understanding of the learning process. I share with my students the methods of assimilating vocabulary and grammar concepts that I have found to be most useful and effective.
Literature
Whether a student is struggling in English literature or composition, I am able to work with the student to maximize their potential and improve academic performance. I earned a Chinese Language and Literature degree from Smith College that grounded me in the principles of literary analysis and critique across languages and cultures. The intensive writing involved in earning my degree prepared me to better assist students who need to polish their English essays, or who have to cope with written exams.
I have also worked with adult learners of English as a Second Language with great results for over ten years. A native speaker of English with an acquired proficiency in various other languages, I am familiar with the needs and challenges of language learners of all ages. I strive to make the learning process engaging, effective, and efficient. Whatever the student's goal, I am here to help him/her meet and exceed expectations.
Phonics
Phonics has been a life-long interest for me ever since I was introduced to phonics through elementary school workbooks. I quickly mastered the many rules of vowel and consonant combinations, and I went on to become a spelling bee champion in the fourth grade. My fascination with words, spelling, and phonics has helped me become a patient teacher of phonics to students of all ages who struggle in this area. I enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge of the spoken and printed word. It gives me great pleasure to help learners learn the phonics skills they need in order to succeed.
Piano
I was classically trained in piano for 14 years, through private piano instruction for 12 years, and two additional years at the college level. My piano teacher had a degree in Organ Pedagogy, so I also studied organ briefly under her tutelage. I bring to my tutoring my knowledge and an appreciation of classical music, as well as a patient and encouraging attitude to help instill music appreciation in my students. It is very rewarding to watch students develop a life-long passion for music.
Prealgebra
I have taught elementary math both one-on-one and in a classroom setting. It is extremely rewarding to me to help give younger students a firm grounding in the basic principles of arithmetic and basic number concepts that will carry them through subsequent years of math classes. I readily adapt my teaching style and curriculum to suit the needs and individual learning styles of each child.
Proofreading
I am an expert proofreader who has proofread professionally for a marketing company. I have an excellent grasp of the conventions of English grammar and usage that are essential when proofreading copy for publication. I am a college graduate of Smith College of Massachusetts who has always had a knack for polishing prose. As evidenced by my perfect verbal and writing test scores, my proofreading style is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail.
PSAT
I am a trained PSAT test preparation tutor with over ten years of experience and a track-record of success helping students increase confidence and improve scores. As the lead tutor at a private test preparation tutoring company, I helped my students achieve some of the highest score increases nationwide. Using methods proven to optimize students' potential on all three sections of the PSAT, I teach students the specific concepts and strategies they need in order to do well on the test.
Reading
Reading has been my favorite pastime for as long as I can remember. When it comes to reading, I have tutored students found at every point on the spectrum: reluctant readers, avid reading enthusiasts like myself, and everyone in-between. I work closely with students to diagnose specific reading challenges and suggest methods of improving both reading speed and comprehension.
SAT Math
I am a trained SAT test preparation tutor with over ten years of experience and a track-record of success helping students increase confidence and improve scores. As the lead tutor at a private test preparation tutoring company, I helped my students achieve some of the highest score increases nationwide. Using methods proven to optimize students' potential on all three sections of the SAT, I teach students the specific concepts and strategies they need in order to do well on the test.
SAT Reading
I am a trained SAT test preparation tutor with over ten years of experience and a track-record of success helping students increase confidence and improve scores. As the lead tutor at a private test preparation tutoring company, I helped my students achieve some of the highest score increases nationwide. Using methods proven to optimize students' potential on all three sections of the SAT, I teach students the specific concepts and strategies they need in order to do well on the test.
SAT Writing
I am a trained SAT test preparation tutor with over ten years of experience and a track-record of success helping students increase confidence and improve scores. As the lead tutor at a private test preparation tutoring company, I helped my students achieve some of the highest score increases nationwide. Using methods proven to optimize students' potential on all three sections of the SAT, I teach students the specific concepts and strategies they need in order to do well on the test.
Spanish
I am a native speaker of English with acquired fluency in Spanish. I completed five years of Spanish coursework, followed by a three-year immersion experience in the language. Using proven techniques, I show students how to make the best of their foreign language education and guide students through AP Spanish. I have also helped adult learners master Spanish through a communicative approach. As an avid language learner myself, I am intimately familiar with the most effective ways to boost fluency.
Spelling
I was a fourth grade spelling champion who advanced to the district/regional level. I have coached spelling students who have made it to state. I customize my instruction to match the goals of the student and use a variety of approaches to the study of words so that the student remains motivated and excited without burning out. I know how daunting the many long lists of words can seem to students, so I break the task into manageable portions so that students have clear goals and a feeling of accomplishment. Spelling has always been a natural strength and a passion for me, and I transmit my enthusiasm for the subject to my students.
Study Skills
I have over ten years of experience helping students get organized in order to optimize their academic potential. Since each student is unique, organizational tools that work well for one student do not necessarily do the job for another. That is why I work collaboratively with each student to figure out how to incorporate the student's personality and learning styles into a total organizational solution that will meet his/her individual needs.
TOEFL
I am familiar with the TOEFL and the best methods in order to raise scores on this test. I use authentic, official test materials for diagnosis, practice, and gauging student progress. I have worked with TOEFL students from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. I help students improve their performance on all sections of the TOEFL.
Vocabulary
Using proven techniques, I empower students to be active learners of vocabulary. Most students in either English or foreign language classes are required to assimilate a large amount of vocabulary which must be remembered for a long period of time. I show students how to access long-term memory rather than short-term memory to learn new words more efficiently and remember words longer.
Writing
I have more than ten years of experience as a writing tutor. I have helped both native speakers of English and foreign students who are learning English as a second language. I can help students who need to polish an essay to improve their grades, and I also know how to help students who need help organizing their ideas into complete, grammatical sentences and paragraphs.