17 Years Experience (K-12)

Cathi W.

Cathi Whitley-Shurtleff – Experienced K–12 Science and Reading Tutor

Hi! I’m Cathi Whitley-Shurtleff, and I’ve been an educator since 2008. I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and have over 15 years of classroom experience teaching students from kindergarten through high school.

I began my teaching career in elementary education (K–5) and later moved into middle school, where I taught 8th-grade science for three years. After that, I transitioned to high school, teaching Earth and Environmental Science for eight years. Between these roles, I took a one-year break from the classroom to tutor high school students in Math 1, Biology, Earth/Environmental Science, and Reading, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of one-on-one learning.

I also hold multiple teaching certifications, including: Elementary Education (K–5, all subjects); Middle Grades (6–9) Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts; and General Science (9–12).

Currently, I live in North Carolina, where I work as a substitute teacher while pursuing my Master’s degree in School Counseling and Social Services.

My tutoring approach focuses on reducing anxiety and building confidence. I help students break complex concepts into smaller, manageable steps, focusing on one skill or idea at a time. This strategy helps prevent frustration, strengthens comprehension, and improves overall academic performance.

Whether your student needs support catching up, improving study skills, or simply building confidence in a specific subject, I’m here to help them succeed. I love working with learners of all ages and watching them discover their potential through personalized, encouraging instruction.