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Laurie R.

ACT/SAT Preparation, Reading, Study Skills

ACT/SAT Preparation, Reading, Study Skills

$90/hour

4.9 (744 ratings)

  • 3,650 hours tutoring

About Laurie

Bio

I'm a certified teacher with a masters degree in teaching, learning disabilities and social/emotional disorders, which includes ADHD. Teaching is my second career, but my first love. After teaching in public schools for 12 years, I became a full-time tutor specializing in standardized test preparation, reading and writing. My experience with special needs students has led me to be a skillful diagnostician of learning problems in all children and to customize learning plans that work.

I use a...

I'm a certified teacher with a masters degree in teaching, learning disabilities and social/emotional disorders, which includes ADHD. Teaching is my second career, but my first love. After teaching in public schools for 12 years, I became a full-time tutor specializing in standardized test preparation, reading and writing. My experience with special needs students has led me to be a skillful diagnostician of learning problems in all children and to customize learning plans that work.

I use a broad range of methods and strategies to ensure student success, each of which is adapted to the learning style of the student. I have found that working with a student's teacher and, if applicable, IEP team, is very valuable in the tutoring process. I am very adept at interpreting and applying intervention plans, individual education plans, and NWEA reports.

ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Study Skills:
I have a proven track record of success helping students increase their scores on standardized and college entrance exams. I not only identify and focus on specific academic weaknesses, but teach specific test taking skills and strategies to enhance success. It's never too late to prepare for these tests, so don't panic if you only have a few weeks to get ready. How you approach the test as well as your attitude are critical components in scoring well. Research shows that students who are familiar with the test and understand how to approach the different sections outperform those who do not. Even a few tutoring sessions can help improve your scores.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss your student's needs and strengths to begin an enjoyable and productive learning experience with your student.

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Education

SUNY Buffalo
History
University of Buffalo Law School
J.D.
National Louis University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $90
  • Rate details: Active members of the military receive a 15% discount.
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/4/2013

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Subjects

Business

GRE

GRE

I have 15 years of tutoring test prep and about six students each summer for GRE. I have a law degree, a master's in education and 20 years teaching experience, mostly one on one and small group.

Corporate Training

Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am certified to teach students in all core subjects from pre-k through age 21. I am also deemed 'highly qualified' in all core academic subjects by the State of Illinois for elementary and middle school. In addition, I have over ten years classroom teaching experience in grades kindergarten through 8th.
Reading,

Reading

ACT Certified Educator Degrees in law (JD) and a master's degree in teaching (MAT) Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience My students have been accepted at Harvard, Yale, MIT and other top tier schools
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.
Grammar, Vocabulary

English

Reading,

Reading

ACT Certified Educator Degrees in law (JD) and a master's degree in teaching (MAT) Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience My students have been accepted at Harvard, Yale, MIT and other top tier schools
Writing,

Writing

20 years teaching experience Law degree (JD) Master's in Teaching (MAT) Extensive experience teaching writing to students from 3rd grade through college ACT Certified Educator High school college admission essay tutoring for over 15 years My students have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, University of Michigan and other top tier schools
ACT English, ACT Reading, English, Grammar, Proofreading, SAT Reading, SAT Writing, TOEFL, Vocabulary

History

Government & Politics,

Government & Politics

I have a B.A. in history and I am deemed highly qualified by the state of Illinois to teach high school history, government and economics. As a lawyer, I have extensive knowledge of government and civics. I have a master's degree in special education . I have worked with many students on the autistic spectrum in core subjects as well as ACT and SAT exams.
American History, World History

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am certified to teach students in all core subjects from pre-k through age 21. I am also deemed 'highly qualified' in all core academic subjects by the State of Illinois for elementary and middle school. In addition, I have over ten years classroom teaching experience in grades kindergarten through 8th.
Reading,

Reading

ACT Certified Educator Degrees in law (JD) and a master's degree in teaching (MAT) Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience My students have been accepted at Harvard, Yale, MIT and other top tier schools
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.
Writing,

Writing

20 years teaching experience Law degree (JD) Master's in Teaching (MAT) Extensive experience teaching writing to students from 3rd grade through college ACT Certified Educator High school college admission essay tutoring for over 15 years My students have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, University of Michigan and other top tier schools
Algebra 1, English, Prealgebra, SAT Reading

Language

TOEFL

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

ACT Certified Educator 20+ years of teaching and tutoring Degrees include law (JD) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) College admissions counselor with students admitted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, NYU, Duke and other top tier colleges Over 700 5-star reviews
Algebra 1, Prealgebra

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am certified to teach students in all core subjects from pre-k through age 21. I am also deemed 'highly qualified' in all core academic subjects by the State of Illinois for elementary and middle school. In addition, I have over ten years classroom teaching experience in grades kindergarten through 8th.
Reading,

Reading

ACT Certified Educator Degrees in law (JD) and a master's degree in teaching (MAT) Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience My students have been accepted at Harvard, Yale, MIT and other top tier schools
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.
Writing,

Writing

20 years teaching experience Law degree (JD) Master's in Teaching (MAT) Extensive experience teaching writing to students from 3rd grade through college ACT Certified Educator High school college admission essay tutoring for over 15 years My students have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, University of Michigan and other top tier schools
Algebra 1, English, Prealgebra

Other

Government & Politics,

Government & Politics

I have a B.A. in history and I am deemed highly qualified by the state of Illinois to teach high school history, government and economics. As a lawyer, I have extensive knowledge of government and civics. I have a master's degree in special education . I have worked with many students on the autistic spectrum in core subjects as well as ACT and SAT exams.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.

Science

ACT Science

Special Needs

Special Needs,

Special Needs

Over the past 10 years, I've worked with special needs and at-risk students in just about every setting possible. I've taught multi-grade self-contained classes, small groups, one-on-one, and in the general education classroom. In addition to tutoring private clients, I have been a homebound and ISAT tutor for school district. I am an astute diagnostician of learning problems and highly skilled in developing strategies that have allowed my students to be highly successful. I believe that self-esteem and motivation are critical to the learning process, as is parental involvement. My goal is not just to help children, but to empower them. I have written over 150 IEP's and 504 plans, and a greater number of accommodations and modifications to facilitate student success. I will work with your child's teachers, support staff and special services to ensure that your child receives a consistent, appropriate, and engaging educational experience. I have a JD (law degree) as well, and a comprehensive understanding of applicable state and federal special education law. I have taught and tutored students with learning disabilities, social and emotional disorders, and ADHD since receiving my masters degree in special education in 1999. My focus, and initial certification, were in learning disabilities and social emotional disorders. I am currently a certified Learning Behavior Specialist I. In addition, I am considered highly qualified by the State Board of Education to teach all academic subjects to students from kindergarten through 8th grade, both disabled and non-disabled. I have completed over 20 additional graduate credit hours in the areas of ADHD, learning disabilities, reading, and behavior disorders. I am trained in Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood Bell. I have also written reading and math curriculum for elementary age children, designed curriculum addressing reading deficits through technology,served on reading textbook adoption committees, and participated in training teachers, staff, and administrators in the us
Study Skills

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am certified to teach students in all core subjects from pre-k through age 21. I am also deemed 'highly qualified' in all core academic subjects by the State of Illinois for elementary and middle school. In addition, I have over ten years classroom teaching experience in grades kindergarten through 8th.
Reading,

Reading

ACT Certified Educator Degrees in law (JD) and a master's degree in teaching (MAT) Over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience My students have been accepted at Harvard, Yale, MIT and other top tier schools
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I've worked with many middle and high school students who struggle with organization and study skills. In fact, my primary role as a middle school resource teacher was to work with students, their teachers, and families on exactly these issues. Many of my my students had been quite successful in the lower grades, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of middle and high school. As students advance in school, the number and complexity of assignments increases. At the same time, the amount of individual academic support decreases. This can create problems for students with marginal organization and study skills, despite past success. Study skills include the ability to take and use notes, to organize information in a way that is useful for homework and tests, and to plan and organize schoolwork and projects with the goal of enhancing academic achievement and reducing stress. These are skills that are critical, not only in middle and high school, but for college and beyond. Unfortunately, little specific instruction in these areas is given in school, and students are left to devise solutions on their own, with little or no guidance. Some are able to do so successfully on their own, but many need outside help. My role as a tutor is to analyze where the breakdown is occurring, and customize a plan that meets the individual needs of the student. After the plan is in place, I'll continue to work with the student, the family, and the school to ensure student success.
Writing,

Writing

20 years teaching experience Law degree (JD) Master's in Teaching (MAT) Extensive experience teaching writing to students from 3rd grade through college ACT Certified Educator High school college admission essay tutoring for over 15 years My students have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, University of Michigan and other top tier schools
Algebra 1, GED

Test Preparation

ACT Math,

ACT Math

ACT Certified Educator 20+ years of teaching and tutoring Degrees include law (JD) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) College admissions counselor with students admitted to Harvard, Yale, MIT, NYU, Duke and other top tier colleges Over 700 5-star reviews
GRE,

GRE

I have 15 years of tutoring test prep and about six students each summer for GRE. I have a law degree, a master's in education and 20 years teaching experience, mostly one on one and small group.
ACT English, ACT Reading, ACT Science, ASVAB, GED, SAT Reading, SAT Writing, TOEFL

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (744 ratings)
5 star
(686)
4 star
(48)
3 star
(6)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(3)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews encouraging successful patient invaluable excellent

Featured review

Excellent and well worth the price of the tutoring.

Laurie got great reviews from my son. He said she was one of the best tutors he has had, and he can really see the improvement he is making. Laurie helps him to make sense of the problems

Taylor, 11 lessons with Laurie

Very dedicated and caring tutor.

Laurie doesn't just tutor- she finds individualized methods for my daughter and builds a caring, trusting relationship. It has been wonderful! My daughter isn't fighting the material at all. Rather, she enjoys her time with Laurie and seems to be progressing quickly! I am appreciative of all that Laurie has done.

Heather, 8 lessons with Laurie

Patient and knowledgable

Laurie is excellent with my daughter. She feels very comfortable with Laurie and thinks she will be ready for her ACT. She's helped her with better understanding and preparing for her upcoming test. Laurie's schedule is very accommodating.

Margie, 2 lessons with Laurie

Thankful

Our daughter is already making progress after only a few sessions with Laurie. We feel thankful to have found someone as knowledgeable and passionate as Laurie to work with Kate. We are hopeful that she will blossom academically with Laurie's help.

Andrea, 2 lessons with Laurie

With Laurie, you're choosing the best!

Laurie has been my son's SAT/ACT tutor/coach for the past 4 months. Her methodology, knowledge, and expertise are only three of her strengths. She had my son take each test "cold" to determine which test was best for him and to evaluate his test-taking skills. Then, doing weekly homework, she patiently taught him to understand the terminology of the ACT (what the question says vs. what the question means). Will did sections of real tests every week, and then Laurie would meticulously go through each question with him -- right or wrong -- to explain the "how" and "why" inside the ACT asking that question. She helped him prepare for all three sections of the test: English, Math/Science, and Writing. Laurie has been tutoring students for more than ten years and knows all the types of questions that the SAT and ACT asks, the statistics of which questions will/might be asked, how the tests have changed over the years, and many other inside pieces of information about the SAT and ACT. Her knowledge and expertise are invaluable. In addition, Laurie is kind, patient, takes the time to understand her student's learning style, and she has a serious, nurturing, and fun personality. How good is she? She raised my son's initial composite score two complete ACT points, and as a result, the colleges to which my son hoped to apply are now within his grasp. My younger son will be preparing for the SSAT soon, and there is no one I'd rather have helping him than Laurie. She's quite simply the best!

Mardah, 18 lessons with Laurie

Great Experience

My daughter is having a very positive experience being tutored by Laurie every week in order to prepare her for the A C T. Laurie understands the intricacies involved in tutoring young people who have challenges with taking tests.

Benita, 12 lessons with Laurie

Excellent tutor!

Laurie is an excellent tutor! My son has improved his ACT/SAT score a lot after taking lessons from Laurie. Laurie is a knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Jesse, 18 lessons with Laurie

She's a great tutor! She goes out of her way to help on a regular basis

Always helps to improve upon my study habits. Helped tremendously with all of my finals and essays in English.

Jake, 90 lessons with Laurie

Laurie is Unique

Laurie is without equal as a tutor. She is very intelligent, patient with both our kids, can teach AP kids or kids with IEP needs. She does it all. Plus she is great with us the parents, with helpful advice on how to work with the school system. You will NEVER get a better tutor!

Jan, 88 lessons with Laurie

Amazing

Laurie is amazing. She understands both of my children's needs and helps them find strategies to feel successful. She is so passionate about helping kids reach their true potential. She is the best.

Randi, 47 lessons with Laurie
Contact Laurie

Response time: 4 hours

$90/hour

Laurie R.'s Photo

Laurie R.

$90/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Laurie

Response time: 4 hours