All of
Ann’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Ann’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Algebra 1
My tutoring experience began in the mid-1980s, when I worked in the office of the Department of Mathematics at Rice University. Parents were calling for tutors, and there were no available graduate students. The chairman suggested that I tutor Algebra, and I've been tutoring ever since. Most of my teaching has been at the Prealgebra/Algebra I level. My greatest strength lies in my ability to break down difficult problems so that students can approach them more confidently and have a better chance at succeeding.
ASVAB
My experience includes teaching for many types of tests, including GED, TOEFL, and TEAS. In addition, I have been teaching Science, Math, and English for over 30 years. I am a TX certified teacher with a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Finally, I have been successful working with adult students who have been out of school and are anxious about upcoming tests.
Biology
My college minor was Biology, and during the summer before my senior year, I worked in the Pathology department of a hospital in MA. After graduation, I set up experiments for medical students at SUNY, King's County Hospital, in Brooklyn. In addition, I taught Tropical Biology at St. Catherine's Academy in Belize, and after relocating to Houston, I earned a TX teaching certificate in Biology and all other sciences. I taught in Houston-area schools for 14 years, during which I was awarded a National Institutes of Health Fellowship for teachers and spent a summer at the UT Dental College, where I sat in on lectures, observed medical procedures, and learned about the latest findings in DNA, neonatal care, public health, and other areas of medicine that I could share with my students. Finally, I won and internship for science teachers through Rice University where I attended lectures, mentored, taught, and presented workshops to other teachers for one year. I earned a Masters degree in Science Curriculum and Instruction from UH in 2001, after which I taught Biology to nursing home workers for the State of CT and also taught Environmental Science for Gibbs College.
Chemistry
My college major was Chemistry, and I began my professional career as a Chemist with the Food and Drug Administration in NYC. I went on to analyze Chemical patents and journals for the Chemical Abstracts Service. Later, I joined a volunteer organization and was assigned to analyze proteins in fishmeal enzymes in the Chemistry department of the Catholic University of Peru, in Lima. When I returned to the U.S., I taught Chemistry to environmental technicians at the Berkshire Community College in MA. I also worked as an Analytical Chemist for the P.J. Schweitzer Division of the Kimberly Clark Corporation in MA. I taught Science in Belize and relocated to Houston, where I worked as a Chemist for Southwestern Laboratories. I was offered a position as Literature Chemist for Witco Chemical Corporation in Houston, where I ran their research library.
A few years later, I returned to school and earned a TX teaching certificate for Chemistry and all other sciences. I taught in Houston-area schools for 14 years, during which I conducted graduate research in the Chemistry Department of UH, through an award for Chemistry teachers, and took graduate Chemistry courses for 2 years. In addition, I won a TX Alliance for Chemistry teachers award through TX A&M and worked at Exxon Chemical Americas, in Baytown, for 10 weeks, and presented a curriculum unit at A&M. Finally, I was awarded an internship for Science teachers through Rice University, where I spent a year with 6 other teachers learning, mentoring, and presenting workshops for other teachers. I earned a Masters degree in Science Curriculum and Instruction in 2001.
College Counseling
I have a Science background with experience as an information searcher, writer, and editor. In addition, I ran two corporate libraries, conducted training sessions and provided weekly newsletters which I compiled. I returned to school after 20 years, earned a teaching certificate and MEd, and have been teaching students of all backgrounds and abilities. I attended private and state colleges and universities, and have taken community college courses. In addition, I assisted my daughter with college applications and essays over a period of 15 years. She attended 2 community colleges, a private college in NM, a state university in MT, and graduated from the Univ. of St. Thomas. During this period, she worked, became involved in an animal- care program, and completed phlebotomy studies. She was a diligent student but has had learning anxieties, had to take reduced course loads, and worked with different tutors. She never took an SAT, but was able to transfer earlier credits to different 4-year institutions. Over the years, I learned about financial aid, college requirements,
and admissions testing. I've written Science questions for ACT and have taught the TOEFL and Essay Prep. Above all, I totally understand the pressure young people face when contemplating continuing their education. However, I also know that there is a program for everyone who wants to go to college.
Ecology
My college minor was Biology,and I've been involved in different aspects of this subject throughout my professional career. Environmental issues, and the preservation of our planet, have become increasingly important to me as I conducted research on contaminants in our water, and learned more about air pollution and acid rain. I taught environmental technicians at a community college in MA, Tropical Biology at St. Catherine's Academy in Belize, and later earned a TX teaching certificate in Biology and other sciences. I taught in Houston-area schools for 14 years, earned a Masters degree in Science Curriculum and Instruction from UH in 2001, after which I taught Biology for the State of CT and Environmental Science at Gibbs College.
Elementary (K-6th)
I have worked with K-6 students as a long-term substitute teacher, as a Spanish teacher in private schools, as a teacher of home-bound students in all subject areas and as a math and science tutor. In addition, I've raised a daughter who is now a college graduate, and worked with her throughout her school years. Finally, I have a Masters Degree in Education and have studied Child Psychology. I am very patient with my students and really enjoy teaching.
Elementary Math
I've been teaching and tutoring Math for 30 years, to students of all ages and levels, including K-6. The Elementary Math experience came from substitute teaching, homeschooling, and tutoring. In addition, I've worked with older students on basic Math skills for the GED and other tests. I enjoy helping younger students to gain an understanding of Math which they will need throughout their lives.
Elementary Science
I am a "real" scientist, a Chemist with experience in Biology, Physics, Earth Science, and Environmental Science. After many years of working in government and private labs, and as a Science writer, editor, and librarian, I returned to school to become a teacher. I really love teaching and especially enjoy watching my students discover for themselves the joys of Science. Younger children, especially, become "hooked on" Science and want to learn more as they grow.
English
I have a BA, in addition to a master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and have worked as a writer, editor, and proofreader. In addition, I now teach English at a language institute, and have been teaching/tutoring English for over 30 years. My experience includes teaching English for many types of tests, and my background allows me to understand and interpret topics in many disciplines.
ESL/ESOL
I've taught ESL for over 30 years in language schools in Connecticut and Houston, to students of varying ages and ethnicities. For example, I taught people from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Israel, Russia, Lithuania, Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America. In addition, I taught ESL Science at Bellaire HS in 1989, and also had non-English-speaking or limited-English-speaking students in Science classes in other schools. Most of these students were Spanish speakers, but some were not. In 2006, I went through additional training with Berlitz. One reason for my success is that I learned Spanish, as an adult, in an immersion program. At the end of four months in a language institute in Puerto Rico, I went to Peru, where I was a research chemist at a university and also adopted a baby. Almost nobody spoke English, and I had to adapt to new situations daily. For example, I had to learn about foreign currency, foods, and public transportation. I remember how overwhelmed I felt at times, and therefore I always try to incorporate terminology my students need relating their work, studies, or areas of interest.
GED
I have a BA, with a Science background, and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. For over 30 years, I've worked as a teacher in public and private schools, at the college level, in career schools, and in adult learning programs. In addition, I've taught dropouts returning to earn a HS diploma or a GED. Finally, I work with students of all ages and backgrounds, those with limited English skills or gaps in their education, and have helped them to succeed.
GMAT
My background is in Science, and I've worked in government, industry, and academic positions as a researcher, writer, editor, translator, and information specialist, as well as an instructor. In addition, I've taught/tutored for different tests, including TOEFL, TEAS V, and GED. Finally, I've scored well on sample tests, and I have the ability to break down complicated concepts to help my students feel more confident when approaching any exam/test.
Grammar
I have a BA degree and have worked as a writer, editor, and proofreader. In addition, I teach English at a language institute and have been tutoring students of all ages and backgrounds in the correct use of the English language. Finally, I've always scored very high in every grammar test I've taken.
Nursing
I have a degree in Chemistry and minor in Biology. My experience includes working in a pathology lab, setting up experiments for students in a medical school, and teaching in a nursing program. In addition, I was awarded a NIH fellowship for science teachers which allowed me to spend time at the Univ. of TX Medical Center where I attended medical lectures, observed medical procedures, and learned about medical investigations. I'm a TX certified teacher with a Masters degree in Science Education and have been teaching at the secondary and college levels and in adult programs for over 20 years. Finally, I have a degree in Liberal Arts, and in addition to Science, I've been teaching and tutoring Math, English, and Writing.
Nutrition
I have a Major in Chemistry with a Minor in Biology. I've studied Physiology and other courses which taught me how food is digested and used in our bodies. Moreover, my mother was a registered nurse, and I was raised in a small town where we grew our own fruits and vegetables, had dairy products delivered daily, and had local butchers discuss different cuts of meat with us. I come from a large Polish family and learned to cook at a young age. After college graduation, I worked as a Chemist with the US Food & Drug Administration, in New York City, where I underwent an intensive training program dealing with all categories of food products. I've lived in New England, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic states, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Belize. As a result, I've been exposed to and learned how to prepare many types of food. I cook mainly from "scratch," and have been told that I am an excellent cook. However, my main interest is to educate students about making healthy choices, using reduced fat, salt, and sugar options, while preparing foods that are delicious, nutritious and simple to prepare. Finally, I am especially concerned about today's children and young people being fed diets of processed foods. As a result, they are more likely to become obese and develop heart problems, hypertension and diabetes at an early age. Studies have shown that they cannot perform well in school without a well-balanced diet; there are fast and easy alternatives to junk food, and I'd like to share my knowledge and experience in this field.
Physical Science
Physical Science combines the basics of Chemistry and Physics, and these provide the foundation for all future Science courses. I've taught Physical Science for many years, and most students enjoy learning about our universe - the elements making up everything we use on a daily basis, as well as the relationship between matter and energy. They learn to look at everything around them in a new light and to observe things they've always taken for granted.
Piano
I began studying Piano at the age of seven, after begging my father to purchase an instrument and allow me to learn to play. By the age of nine, I began working seriously with a Piano teacher who had a studio with a grand piano, metronome, and a technical piano for strengthening the fingers. He taught classical Piano and some of his students went on to conservatories. At the end of each class, I received a progress report,and was told by my father that I'd have to quit if I didn't practice. I often played for 2 or more hours, and continued practicing after going away to college. After my freshman year, I took a leave due to illness, and resumed lessons for the next several months. I've always tried to have access to a piano, even when I traveled. Fortunately, I was raised near the summer home of the Boston Symphony and attended rehearsals and concerts whenever possible. I absolutely love music,have good teaching skills, and believe that there is no age limit for learning something new.
Polish
My grandparents came from Poland to a small New England town,in the early 1900's, and three of them spoke no English. As a result, I was raised in a bilingual home and was surrounded by Polish-speaking people on a daily basis. In addition, I was educated in a parochial school, from K-8, by nuns from Poland and had to learn to pray, sing, participate in school plays, and attend religious services in Polish. Finally, I had to study the language for an hour every day, from grades 1-8. Over the years, I've also studied other languages, and became a technical translator. I still think in Polish and can understand basic Slavic languages in general. My reading and pronunciation skills are excellent, and I would enjoy working with students on a beginning level, or helping them with translating skills.
Prealgebra
My tutoring experience began in the mid-1980s, when I worked in the office of the Department of Mathematics at Rice University. Parents were calling for tutors, and there were no available graduate students. The chairman suggested that I tutor Algebra, and I've been tutoring ever since. Most of my teaching has been at the Prealgebra/Algebra I level. My greatest strength lies in my ability to break down difficult problems so that students can approach them more confidently and have a better chance at succeeding.
Proofreading
I have worked as a writer, editor, and information specialist, and was a proofreader for a newspaper. In addition, I teach English at a language institute where I teach correct use of the English language, including spelling and grammar.
PSAT
My background includes working as a Scientist, Writer, Translator, Editor, Proofreader, and Teacher/Tutor. I am an avid reader with an extensive vocabulary and score high on all English/Reading/Writing/Math tests. In addition, I have taught/tutored for different tests and my students have scored quite well. Finally, I have a TX teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Reading
I've been teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as those with limited English skills, for over 30 years. Reading is an essential part of learning in all subject areas, and I've been helping students to understand what they read, to use context clues, and to give feedback on what they have read. My experience includes working as a Writer, Editor, and Proofreader, and I am an avid reader. My goal is for students to develop a love of Reading, which will help them to become life-long learners.
SAT Reading
My background includes working as a Scientist, Writer, Translator, Editor, Proofreader, and Teacher/Tutor. I am an avid reader with an extensive vocabulary, and have taught for different tests, with a Reading component, in which my students have scored quite well. In addition, I currently teach ESL for a language institute, where my students must learn to read proficiently. Finally, I have a TX teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
SAT Writing
My background includes working as a Scientist, Writer, Translator, Editor, Proofreader, and Teacher/Tutor. I have taught for many tests where Writing is an essential component, and my students have scored quite well. In addition, I currently teach ESL for a language institute, where my students must learn written communication. Finally, I have a TX teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Sewing
I first took Sewing in the 9th grade, where I learned the very basics but wanted to improve my skills. The following year, I took another course, Clothing and Theory, where I learned the difference between "homemade" and "handmade." Fortunately, I had an excellent teacher who made sure that we learned to sew correctly and to recognize fabric quality. As a result, I began making my own dresses, gowns, suits, and coats, and I also sewed for family members and friends. I have found Sewing to be an enjoyable, relaxing and creative skill, and I would be happy to share my many years of experience.
Social Studies
I am very interested in Social Studies and have a minor in Philosophy, and studied European History and American History. In addition, my daughter has a BA from the Univ.of St. Thomas with a specialty in History, and we spent many hours in the library researching material on Texas History and the History of Russia. While teaching homebound students, I covered all required courses, including History and Geography. In addition, I've lived in many states, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Belize, and have traveled extensively. My daughter is a naturalized US citizen, from South America, and we've kept up with current events, both here and around the world. Finally, I've studied the following languages and cultures where these languages are spoken: Polish, Latin, French, German, Spanish, and Russian.
SOL
The SOL, or Standards of Learning, consists of questions about civilization from ancient times through the Middle Ages. It requires knowledge of the Greek and Roman Empires, the geography of the regions, the customs and forms of government. I have been tutoring students on these topics and have also taken on-line tests to check my own knowledge of this course of study. In addition, I've studied European History and Historical Geology, have traveled through the Andes, lived on the Yucatan Peninsula, and am very interested in how humankind has developed through the centuries. Finally, as a scientist, I am interested in how discoveries and inventions, first used many years ago, have brought us to the modern age of technology.
Spanish
I first studied Spanish as a young adult in Puerto Rico, after joining a volunteer organization. Four months after entering an "immersion" program, I went to Peru where I adopted a baby girl and worked as a research Chemist in a university. A young native woman and her baby, in addition to a 13-year-old boy, lived with us. Nobody spoke English, and I had to use my Spanish-speaking skills at work, at home, while buying groceries, and especially while working on my daughter's adoption and immigration issues. After returning to the U.S., I joined an international organization, taught Spanish, watched Spanish-speaking programs, and translated legal and technical documents. Recently, I taught Spanish for Berlitz at ESPN headquarters in CT. I use Spanish on a daily basis, and have been mistaken for a native speaker for many years. My most valuable asset, however, is that I know, from personal experience, the obstacles faced by English speakers who want to learn Spanish. I've taught students from pre-K to adults, and I really enjoy working with them. I also know that in today's world bilingual speakers are in great demand.
Spelling
My background includes working as a Scientist, Writer, Translator, Editor, Proofreader, and Teacher/Tutor. I am an avid reader with an extensive vocabulary and score high on all English/Grammar/Writing/Spelling tests. In addition, I currently teach ESL for a language institute, to students who have no knowledge of English as well as to those on advanced levels. Finally, I have a TX teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Study Skills
I have taught students from K-12 and beyond, those with learning disabilities, limited English, test anxiety, and others who just don't know where to start. Often they are distracted by family members, pets, and telephones, and would rather focus on anything but studying, thus wasting valuable time and energy. I've worked with students of all ages, from homebound to high school dropouts to college students, and from public and private schools. In addition, I have a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and have benefited from countless workshops, training seminars, and working with other teachers for 20 years. Since all students don't learn in the same way, it is essential to see what works for them. I suggest strategies for them to try, such as making vocabulary flash cards, for any subject, writing what they have read in their own words, and mnemonics, such as HOMES for the Great Lakes. They need to pick out what information is important and not try to memorize the book. I also suggest that they make outlines, diagrams, drawings with labels, and use colors to emphasize concepts. Finally, I always learn with my students, and they can benefit by explaining their work to a friend, sibling, or even a family pet, such as those used in libraries for reading practice. After a while, with practice, these strategies will help students not only learn for a day, but also incorporate what they have learned as a basis for future studies and in their daily lives.
TAKS
I taught in Houston area public schools for 14 years and have a TX teaching certificate and MEd in Curriculum and Instruction. I prepared lesson plans in accordance with TAKS requirements and have tutored for TAKS. My education and experience have enabled me to have a broad base of knowledge and I can assist students in all learning disciplines.
TEAS
I have a degree in Chemistry and minor in Biology. My experience includes working in a pathology lab, setting up experiments for students in a medical school, and teaching in a nursing program. In addition, I was awarded a NIH fellowship for science teachers which allowed me to spend time at the Univ. of TX Medical Center where I attended medical lectures, observed medical procedures, and learned about medical investigations. I'm a TX certified teacher with a Masters degree in Science Education and have been teaching at the secondary and college levels and in adult programs for over 20 years. Finally, I have a degree in Liberal Arts, and in addition to Science, I've been teaching and tutoring Math, English, and Writing.
TOEFL
I've been teaching ESL in language schools for more than 30 years and have recently been teaching and tutoring for TOEFL to students from different countries. My educational background covers many areas of study, and, as a result, I am able to understand and explain the various topics addressed in the TOEFL. Finally, I have an excellent command of English vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, have worked as a writer and have taught Essay Writing.
Vocabulary
My background includes working as a Scientist, Writer, Translator, Editor, Proofreader, and Teacher/Tutor. I am an avid reader with an extensive vocabulary and score high on all English/Grammar/Writing/Spelling tests. In addition, I currently teach ESL for a language institute, to students who have no knowledge of English as well as to those on advanced levels. Finally, I have a TX teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Writing
I have worked as a Writer, Editor, and Proofreader and have taught Essay Writing. In addition, I've helped students to write reports in different subject areas, and have taught for the TOEFL and other tests which contain a Writing component. Finally, I teach English at a language institute and possess and excellent command of English. I am a TX certified teacher with a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction.