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Experienced College Board Science and Engineering Teacher
Ilona J.

5.0 (105 ratings)

667 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $55
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Response time: 15 hours

About Ilona

Bio

I am an experienced STEM educator with a decade of classroom teaching in Engineering and Integrated Science. I offer tutoring in subjects related to AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Computer Science, CAD/CAM (Onshape, Fusion, Revit), robotics (hardware and software), chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and FAA Part 107 test preparation.

I hold a teaching license in grades 7–12 Integrated Science, with experience in biology, chemistry, physical science, environmental...

I am an experienced STEM educator with a decade of classroom teaching in Engineering and Integrated Science. I offer tutoring in subjects related to AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Computer Science, CAD/CAM (Onshape, Fusion, Revit), robotics (hardware and software), chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and FAA Part 107 test preparation.

I hold a teaching license in grades 7–12 Integrated Science, with experience in biology, chemistry, physical science, environmental science, physics, and AP-level coursework. I also have career-tech endorsements in Engineering courses such as design, principles, computer-integrated manufacturing, aerospace engineering, digital electronics, and civil engineering/architecture. While trained in PLTW courses, I also teach hybrid engineering courses that reach beyond the PLTW scope.

In addition, I am a licensed FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. I am certified as an NC3 trainer for Snap-on Multimeters and Snap-On Hand Tool Identification, where I prepare students to obtain industry-recognized credentials. I hold a certification in Community Healthwork. My background includes published research in environmental chemistry, as well as international fieldwork—including conservation work in Zambia studying the illegal wildlife trade and supporting orphaned elephants.

Beyond the classroom, I serve as an education consultant for informal learning organizations and coordinate STEM fellowships at the statewide level. My goal as a tutor is to make complex science and engineering topics approachable, engaging, and relevant for every student.

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Education

Bachelor of Arts
Political Science
Cleveland State University
Other
Cleveland State University
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

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Approved Subjects

AutoCAD

AutoCAD

As an engineering teacher I teach students how to use CAD programs such as Onhape, Inventor, Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. I've used these programs for design, modeling, model analysis, and creating technical sketches. I also teach how to use CAD during post-processing for devices such a as 3D printers, CNCs, and laser cutters to create prototypes of designs.
Biology

Biology

I’m an experienced biology tutor who works with middle school, high school, and AP Biology students. I focus on helping students truly understand concepts rather than memorize them, using clear explanations, visuals, and real-world connections. I’m patient, calm, and especially skilled at supporting students who feel overwhelmed or discouraged, breaking complex topics into manageable steps and reinforcing strong study and test-taking strategies. I also help students interpret lab data, understand experimental design, and prepare confidently for exams.
Earth Science

Earth Science

I bring a strong foundation in Earth science, with expertise across geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. My international field experience in Zambia included teaching in local schools and leading after-school programs that engaged students in gardening and farming initiatives, fostering hands-on connections to Earth systems. I also worked with orphaned wildlife affected by human–wildlife conflict, supporting rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts. In addition, my professional work in environmental chemistry often involved studying how fertilizer and herbicide runoff affected freshwater ecosystems, providing me with direct insight into the interaction between human activity and natural processes. I specialize in making complex topics such as plate tectonics, climate patterns, and Earth’s spheres accessible and relevant, while encouraging students to connect scientific theory to real-world challenges.
Ecology

Ecology

Education consultant for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Teaching Fellow- FFT at Game Rangers International (Zambia) Teacher Leader- Learning Streams International Project Leader- Trout in the Classroom, Publication- Oster, K. A., Kalinowski, S., Jurewicz, I., Smith, G. R., & Rettig, J. E. (2011). Effects of ammonium nitrate, urea, and sodium nitrate on mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) survivorship. Bios, 82(1), 10-12.
Environmental Science

Environmental Science

With nearly a decade of experience as a licensed 7–12 Integrated Science teacher, I bring a strong background in environmental science alongside biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. I have taught AP Environmental Science and conducted published research in environmental chemistry, with international fieldwork ranging from studying fertilizer runoff effects on freshwater ecosystems to working in Zambia on wildlife conservation and the illegal wildlife trade. In addition to classroom teaching, I serve as an education consultant and STEM fellowship coordinator, and I enjoy helping students connect scientific concepts to real-world environmental issues.
Genetics

Genetics

I have 8 years of experience teaching genetics as an Integrated Science teacher in both my Biology classes and my AP Environmental Science classes. I have written a project-based unit that is used in my district where students step into the role of a genetic counselor. This unit includes individual patient histories and pedigrees that I created, with individuals covering a variety of topics in genetics. We also discuss the legal, ethical, and societal considerations that are available with the advances of genetic screening in today's healthcare system. In my AP course, we cover an in-depth unit on genetics including endocrine disruptors, gene therapy, and genetic mutation.
Robotics

Robotics

I bring extensive experience in teaching robotics at both high school and community college levels. My programming skills include block coding, Python, and RobotC, allowing me to adapt to students of varying skill levels. I've worked with a range of robotics equipment including VEX/Arduino kits, Dobot and Lynxmotion robotic arms, CNC machines, and basic drone kits. My well-rounded background enables me to deliver practical, engaging lessons in robotics, automation, and programming.
Zoology

Zoology

I am a former zookeeper that specialized in operant conditioning/training along with my husbandry duties. I have conducted fieldwork in Zambia that focuses on the illegal wildlife trade and human-wildlife conflict while working with orphaned elephants. My other focus is birds, specifically birds of prey and I am a registered falconer in my state. I have worked in wildlife rehab as well as with wildlife sanctuaries for both exotic and native species.
Chemistry
Physical Science
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (105 ratings)
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Reviews

Outstanding and Knowledgeable AP Environmental Science Tutor

I highly recommend IIona to anyone who needs tutoring in AP Environmental Science. Ilona has an amazing ability to break down difficult concepts into concise simple explanations that made it much easier for my daughter, Sadie, to understand the material. Ilona's patience, support, encouragement, flexibility in tutoring , along with her ability to adapt lessons for my daughter's learning style, helped Sadie build both confidence and stronger grades in her APES class. IIona is knowledgeable, caring and truly dedicated to helping her students succeed. I would absolutely recommend her to any student looking for extra support in science.

Sadie, 33 lessons with Ilona

thank you for valuable sessions,

Thanks for the detailed feedback. I will reinforce some of the discipline about trying to reason, before jumping into tools and clicking , which you have included in the feedback. Thanks again for being so diligent and dedicated.

Sudeen, 6 lessons with Ilona

Very knowledgeable.

Very knowledgeable. She helped me understand what I needed to ask, and then was able to answer in a useful way. A well seasoned educator I'd say. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robert, 8 lessons with Ilona

Very knowledgeable and easy to understand engaging

Ilona has made the APES material much more understandable and my daughter was able to make an A on her test. But more importantly, has sparked my daughter's love of the material again. Can not recommend more.

JEFF, 8 lessons with Ilona

Amazing tutor

We went over some AP FRQ questions relating to energy transfer and interactions between earth systems. She helped me better understand the challenging topics and relate them back to the questions. She was very patient in answering my question and knew what she was talking about as well. Clearly, she is very knowledgeable in this area of science. After the lesson, she also wrote out how I could earn each point on the FRQs in the lesson review which she didn't have to do at all. I would highly recommend going with Ilona if you are looking for someone who can teach APES!

Zach, 8 lessons with Ilona
Hourly Rate: $55
Response time: 15 hours
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