I’ve always been a firm believer that students don’t really start learning until they feel comfortable enough to make mistakes. In my ten-plus years of teaching, I’ve found that the best way to get a student to engage isn't through a rigid lecture, but by being an actual human being they can relate to. I’m naturally a pretty outgoing person, and I bring that same energy into every tutoring session. I’m the kind of teacher who wants to know about your day and your interests before we dive into...
I’ve always been a firm believer that students don’t really start learning until they feel comfortable enough to make mistakes. In my ten-plus years of teaching, I’ve found that the best way to get a student to engage isn't through a rigid lecture, but by being an actual human being they can relate to. I’m naturally a pretty outgoing person, and I bring that same energy into every tutoring session. I’m the kind of teacher who wants to know about your day and your interests before we dive into the work. For me, tutoring isn't just about checking off a to-do list; it’s about building a connection. I learned the most from teachers who took the time to know me as a person, so I try to pay that forward by keeping things laid-back and stress-free.
On the professional side of things, I’ve spent over a decade in the classroom after graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in English Education and a minor in Speech Communications. I’m a certified teacher here in Illinois,. I wear a lot of hats —I’m currently teaching AP Seminar, but I’ve also taught everything from Honors Sophomore English and Freshman lit to speech, history, and reading. Beyond the classroom, I also spend a lot of my time coaching, which has really shaped my one-on-one tutoring style. I know how to push a student to do their best work without making the environment feel intimidating.
Whether we are breaking down a complex AP research paper or just trying to get through a speech for class, my approach is always the same: keep it light and keep it moving. I’ve worked with students of all ages and levels, from volunteer settings to one-on-one sessions, and I’ve seen firsthand how much faster someone improves when they’re actually having a good time. I’m not here to just talk at you; I’m here to coach you through the tough parts and celebrate the wins with you.
