PhD Lead AP History Teacher and Official AP Reader

Ruba A.

I hold a PhD and have over 20 years of experience in education, including teaching at both the high school and university levels. I currently serve as a Lead AP History Teacher, teaching AP U.S. History, AP World History, and World History. In addition, I am an Official AP Reader for College Board with extensive experience evaluating Free Response Questions (FRQs), including DBQs, LEQs, and SAQs according to College Board standards.
My teaching experience includes classroom instruction, one-on-one student support, academic coaching, essay development, and skills-based tutoring focused on critical thinking, organization, and historical reasoning. I have worked extensively with high school students in both regular and advanced academic settings, helping students strengthen writing, improve confidence, and prepare for exams successfully.
My tutoring approach focuses on breaking down difficult concepts into manageable steps while helping students develop analytical writing skills and strong study habits. I specialize in helping students understand how to structure historical arguments, analyze documents, and write effective AP-level essays. I also incorporate organizational and time-management strategies to help students become more independent and successful learners.
In addition to classroom teaching, I have experience mentoring students through leadership programs, debate, Model United Nations, and academic coaching workshops. My goal is not only to help students improve academically, but also to help them build confidence in their abilities.