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Compassionate tutor, specializing in reading, vocabulary and test prep
Amy M.

206 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $55

About Amy


Bio

I am a certified teacher (Massachusetts certification) in High School English, having received this certification from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, in 1994. I substituted extensively in middle schools and high schools in Western Massachusetts, before moving to southeast Georgia in 2005. After tutoring for several years during my time in the Southeast, I relocated to San Diego in late 2021, to be close to my adult children and my grandchildren. My additional background includes...

I am a certified teacher (Massachusetts certification) in High School English, having received this certification from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, in 1994. I substituted extensively in middle schools and high schools in Western Massachusetts, before moving to southeast Georgia in 2005. After tutoring for several years during my time in the Southeast, I relocated to San Diego in late 2021, to be close to my adult children and my grandchildren. My additional background includes having testified before the Massachusetts Legislature, and having guested on both radio and television programs in New England, New York and Florida, explaining then-current legislation and concerns in the field of animal welfare, which has remained a lifelong interest of mine. I have also testified before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, when I was urged by townspeople to speak up regarding the dangers of a nearby, aging nuclear facility; my husband and I were raising our family, plus running our popular blueberry farm, near the plant -- all of which would've been severely impacted had there been a disaster. These crucial moments in my life have served to strengthen my already-strong belief that the ability to express oneself effectively, through both speaking and writing, is absolutely crucial in today's challenging world! I especially enjoy young people's views on life, as well as the exchange of ideas with students of varying ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. I believe strongly that today's students face an exceedingly complex, challenging world. I feel sure that my association with -- and assistance to --them will lessen the trepidation with which they face such a future. Feel free to contact me with any and all questions you may have; I truly welcome such opportunities!


Education

S.U.N.Y. at Binghamton
English
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $55
  • Rate details: Reduced rate for multi-hour sessions.
  • Travel policy: Within 25 miles of San Diego, CA 92109
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 9/1/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ASVAB

ASVAB

I believe that the key to passing the ASVAB is a patient, mature tutor who can help you quickly regain your confidence! It is the "idea" of the ASVAB which is more intimidating than the actual test itself -- utilizing proven prep materials, (with me at your side, ready and willing to help when needed) you will be ALL SET!
Phonics

Phonics

Ever since homeschooling my youngest child, I have been a fervent believer in phonics and the freedom --as well as power -- it provides a student. It is the absolute key to reading, which, in turn, opens the door to lifelong learning. Without the confidence which phonics brings, a student may struggle throughout life to grasp the written word. A tutor who truly BELIEVES in the power of phonics will be a learner's strongest advocate!
PSAT

PSAT

Much of the problems encountered by students taking the PSAT have their roots in test anxiety, mainly due to the pressures put upon them most acutely when approaching this particular test. With my years in the classroom, as well as having guided my three (now adult) children through this oftentimes TRYING period, I feel confident in assuring you that I can be an asset to any student facing the PSAT. Reassurance -- and step-by-step breakdown of its parts -- can change this test from frightening to familiar within a manageable time frame. Given my comfortable, reassuring teaching style, rest assured that I will greatly help your student with this important steppingstone to his/her future!
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As Jerry Seinfeld once said, "The fear of public speaking is greater than the fear of death. I guess that means that if someone's at a funeral, he'd rather be in the casket than addressing the mourners." Does this description fit you? If so, you're hardly alone. I would LOVE to help you get over this fear -- I have years of experience in community theater, and have appeared on television and spoken on radio programs as well. I am a big believer in "getting your message out", especially in this sometimes frighteningly competitive world! I look forward to helping you through the small steps first -- then on to the challenging bigger ones, as we travel together on a journey of self-discovery, which will allow you then to confidently share your unique visions with the wider world.
Study Skills

Study Skills

More than ANY individual subject matter which might be of concern, a student's grasp of effective study techniques is first and foremost. I am a strong believer that mastery of HOW to learn is the absolute key to success for any student. The increase in confidence and self-esteem is palpable once study skills are demystified and mastered. Let me show you how!
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Vocabulary, more than perhaps any other single subject, is carried "like a flag" into one's daily conversations and interactions. Unfair though it may seem, the world "makes up its mind" about us by first impressions -- and vocabulary is a crucial part of this picture! Let me help you expand yours, and add sparkle to your speech; I will introduce you to Greek, Roman, and French aspects of our language -- terrific keys with which to unlock the door to the "world of words."
ACT Reading
English
ESL/ESOL
GED
Geography
Government & Politics
Grammar
Reading
SAT Reading
SAT Writing
Spelling
Amy M.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (127 ratings)
5 star
(127)
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Reviews

Patient, professional and perfect for all ages

We have been taking ESL tutoring lessons for a full year now, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Both my first-grade son and I have been learning through this platform, and our tutor has been absolutely wonderful for both of us. She has a remarkable ability to adjust her teaching style to suit different age groups. With my son, she is incredibly patient, fun, and engaging—he always looks forward to class, and I’ve noticed significant improvement in his vocabulary, pronunciation, and overall confidence in English. She makes learning feel like play, which is perfect for his age. As for me, the lessons have been equally rewarding. The tutor always comes well-prepared, tailors the sessions to my personal goals, and offers clear explanations that have really helped me improve.

Yoonsu, 65 lessons with Amy

Patient, professional and perfect for all ages

We have been taking ESL tutoring lessons for a full year now, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Both my first-grade son and I have been learning through this platform, and our tutor has been absolutely wonderful for both of us. She has a remarkable ability to adjust her teaching style to suit different age groups. With my son, she is incredibly patient, fun, and engaging—he always looks forward to class, and I’ve noticed significant improvement in his vocabulary, pronunciation, and overall confidence in English. She makes learning feel like play, which is perfect for his age. As for me, the lessons have been equally rewarding. The tutor always comes well-prepared, tailors the sessions to my personal goals, and offers clear explanations that have really helped me improve

Yoonsu, 65 lessons with Amy

Great tutor

Amy was a great ACT/SAT tutor for my twin boys. She was very organized and thorough with material used during and after her tutoring sessions . She provided them with all the tools and resources needed in order to be prepared for both the SAT and the ACT .She was always prompt and easy to get in touch with. She was a pleasure to work with.

Caroline, 3 lessons with Amy

ELA tutor

Amy has helped with writing, grammar and many more concepts/ skills related to ELA. She has given him resources to keep at home to use, as well as, added to his reading bookshelf. Awesome person and teacher!

Hunter, 22 lessons with Amy

Great results!

My name is Cindy , I would like to first say I was hesitate about using an online service, after I decided to try I chose Amy as my sons tutor, he was having issues with the act we were also pressed for time and only were able to have 3 lessons with her. I found Amy to be very professional and pleasant my son Josh also really enjoyed working with her. This was a concern since he was not looking forward to being tutored. She was very patient also. She left some information for Josh to do in order to help him later, I am excited to say his reading scores came up 7 points on his act . I will certainly ask for Amy in the future if my son needs additional help.

Cindy, 3 lessons with Amy

Excellent Tutor!

Amy tutored my daughter in SAT reading. She was so helpful and brought my daughters reading score up! Amy is very patient and attentive and brought many prep books to use . I would highly recommend Amy if your goal is to raise test scores!!

Stacy, 9 lessons with Amy

Wonderful tutor

The tutoring that Amy has provided to our son has been very beneficial. She took a genuine interest in his achievements. Upon the first session Amy came with multiple helpful books and study supplies. The resources and knowledge she has makes her an excellent tutor and one I highly recommend.

Robert, 16 lessons with Amy

Great tutor!

Amy tutored my daughter for the SAT/ACT testing. She helped her better understand reading concepts and had a lot of materials to use. She helped build the test taker's confidence so she will be more relaxed and able to focus on testing. They reviewed test taking strategies and after just 2 weeks of tutoring, she helped increase my daughter's reading score by 5 points on the ACT. Amy is a very interesting person and I am so glad we worked with her.

Patty , 8 lessons with Amy

Could not ask for a better tutor!!

Amy tutored my son in English, writing, vocabulary, specifically for the purpose of preparing him for an upcoming SAT test. Being the mother of 4 children, education is very important to me and my husband, and quite honestly I can be a very harsh critic regarding tutors, with high expectations. I cannot begin to explain how great Amy was. She began on Day 1 with conversation, a lesson, and a very spot on assessment of my son's strengths and weaknesses. She brought books specific to his learning style, made flash cards with frequent vocabulary seen on the SAT, worked with him on essays, strategies, and so much more!! Above all, she helped him gain a confidence that money cannot buy. She is well educated and knowledgeable, but also patient and kind. I wish I could reference all of the wonderful traits she displayed while interacting with my son. Go with Amy. You will not be sorry. I give her 5 stars all the way. Thank you Amy!

Amy, 7 lessons with Amy

Awesome tutor

She is awesome, very professional and patient. She has a clear understanding on what the parents are trying to accomplish and I see the results.

Chris, 40 lessons with Amy
Hourly Rate: $55
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