Welcome, parents and students!
A good, professional tutor is like a good, professional coach or personal trainer.
A serious student who wants to succeed uses a personal tutor the way a pro basketball player uses a coach, or a pro swimmer uses a personal trainer. Getting help from a professional is a source of pride.
Tutoring is my full-time profession. I have extensive experience with science and math tutoring, as well as test preparation and study skills. I tutor at all levels, including elementary and middle school, high school and college. I have four kids of my own in Fairfax County schools.
I am a down-to-earth, friendly PhD teacher and scientist by background. As you can see from my experience and ratings, I am in high demand at WyzAnt, and I go the extra mile to meet each student's individual needs.
Every one of my students receives personalized, customized assistance. I focus on your specific situation and requirements, with frequent assessments and feedback. Sessions are relaxed, efficient and productive.
Although there's no substitute for in-person sessions, I can supplement home visits with Wyzant't new one-on-one Online Tutoring, plus Skype or Google. This generally works quite well; your first online session is refundable if you are not fully satisfied.
This has significant advantages:
(1) I tutor students who are home sick;
(2) I tutor during inclement weather;
(3) Often I can do video tutoring when my schedule is booked for travel due to high demand;
(4) Parents need not be present;
(5) Available at odd hours on short notice, or when you are traveling.
I often provide students with links to free Internet resources that they can explore on their own time.
I recently published an eBook describing how eLearning technologies will change the future of education: "The Electronic Schoolhouse: A Bright Future for Education."
I recognize that students and parents are making a significant investment, and I pack in as much value per hour as possible. I tell you how to perform tasks on your own to minimize tutoring costs.
I know how to speak in plain language and know how to listen. I myself learn from every student, and I have never stopped learning. I have seen what works and what does not. I know how to get results. I care deeply about the success of each one of my students.
Students are quite comfortable with my tutoring style, and look forward to my tutoring sessions--as I do. I know how to motivate and build confidence, with guided practice and positive feedback. I assist with immediate needs, such as exam preparation, as well as deep comprehension of the subject matter. I also address long-term issues such as study skills and work habits.
I help students in all kinds of situations:
--students in public schools, magnet schools, elite private schools, college, and homeschoolers
--highly capable students who want to get the best possible grades
--students who are failing a class and need immediate crisis management
--students who have problems with procrastination or focus
--students who want to get ahead with early preparation
--students who need to rebuild a basic foundation in math or science
--students with poor motivation, study skills or self-confidence
--students with bad teachers or disruptive classrooms
--students who want to improve their scores on SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests
Current and former clients include:
Public school students of all abilities, grades 4-12
Private and prep school students of all abilities, grades 4-12
TJ students (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology)
College students (GMU, NVCC, American U.)
Homeschoolers
Adults who need to prepare for GRE, Praxis, ASVAB, etc.
I attended formal graduate teacher training at VCCS/EducateVA, and received official Biology and Chemistry teaching certification in the State of Virginia, 2010-2011.
I served for three years as a tutor in Biology at Harvard University, receiving an Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard faculty.
I have formal teacher training at one of the best high schools in the U.S. -- Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology, a.k.a. TJ.
I also tutor high school classes at the opposite end of the spectrum, with substantial numbers of at-risk students, from troubled backgrounds.
I won two teaching awards as a graduate student teaching assistant in Genetics lab courses at the University of California, where I received my PhD in Biological Science, specializing in Molecular Genetics.
I have taught high school AP science classes, including labs, and have worked as a technical trainer in information technology.
As a graduate student, I discovered the mechanism by which repetitive DNA sequences evolve.
I have many years of experience in research and clinical laboratories, including research at the NIH, and founding and directing a clinical human genetics laboratory for eight years.
I have also worked as Director of Communications for the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute for three years, and have experience as a popular science writer.
I believe that motivation is at least half of the battle for success in school. Both kids and adults are motivated when their teachers capture their imagination, provide frequent positive feedback, praise and a sense of accomplishment.
I often assist students who, through no fault of their own, were placed in classes with poor teachers or poor or absent textbooks. I often recommend supplementary used text books that can be purchased inexpensively online.
Above all, I make learning fun and exciting!
90 minute minimum per session (video 60). Weekly reservations require a weekly commitment with only occasional rescheduling. Cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice to avoid fees.
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