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Lisa M.

Patient, Knowledgeable, and Creative Tutor

Patient, Knowledgeable, and Creative Tutor

$40/hour

4.7 (36 ratings)

  • 175 hours tutoring

  • Collegeville, PA 19426

About Lisa

Bio

Though I have been teaching for many years, as a college professor (10 years), and as a private tutor (15 years), I still get excited by helping students reach their fullest potential. Learning comes through a teacher's deep knowledge of the material, creative lesson planning, patient instruction, and a persistent willingness to try almost anything to get something across. Students can be visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or combination learners. I switch from one teaching mode to another to...

Though I have been teaching for many years, as a college professor (10 years), and as a private tutor (15 years), I still get excited by helping students reach their fullest potential. Learning comes through a teacher's deep knowledge of the material, creative lesson planning, patient instruction, and a persistent willingness to try almost anything to get something across. Students can be visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or combination learners. I switch from one teaching mode to another to find whatever works bests for the student. Sometimes an analogy or question can clarify a murky math or grammar problem, or an anecdote can make history come alive for someone bored by names and dates.

I use technology extensively in my teaching. The textbook's website usually contains quizzes, chapter tests and other supplementary resources that students are usually unaware of. I share files with students through Google Drive of WyzAnt Resources. I text or email them to remind them of assignments. I use Quizlet, the on-line flashcard website - which has Google and IPhone apps - to build vocabulary, reinforce science or math concepts, or review history events and people.

I consider my knowledge, enthusiasm, patience and creativity my hallmark as a tutor. I know my current clients feel the same way.

Read more

Education

Smith College, high honors, Phi Beta Kappa
Political Science
Smith College Italian Studies
Masters
University Of Pennsylvania International Relations/Political Science
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly rate: $40
  • Rate details: SAT, AP and other test prep lessons are $45/hour, as are all college courses. Two people at the same level or grade, taking the same lessons together are charged 1.5 times the hourly rate.
  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person and online
  • Travel policy: Within 18 miles of Collegeville, PA 19426
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/20/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Business

GRE

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
French,

French

I took French in middle school and again in college. in between, I became fluent in Italian in college, including a junior year in Italy. By my senior year, I was put into an intermediate French class, because I understood enough grammar and vocabulary to "Frenchify" my Italian, doing very well in that and every class I've taken since. I used French in graduate school and to research my dissertation (French periodical indices were much more accessible than Italian ones); I spoke and read French almost exclusively in Morocco for five months while on a research trip; interviewed French officials while in Paris for several weeks on another research trip, and I have tutored it, on and off for fifteen years. Most native language French I encounter think my accent is excellent. Now that I tutor it through Wyzant, I'm really enjoying refreshing my skills. I tutor introductory through intermediate level high school French and look forward to working with higher level classes.
Grammar,

Grammar

Though grammar isn't taught much these days, it's essential for clear, concise communication. I teach grammar as part of SAT prep, and I teach it when I tutor language arts and writing. I go back to basics (subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, parallel construction) sometimes with games, sometimes with contests to improve the student's ability to communicate in writing and speaking. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding, and I really enjoy every minute of it.
Italian

Italian

My mother was Italian, and I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian in college, spent my junior year in Florence, and took courses in Italian at the University of Florence. After graduation, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, again studying in Florence and wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Penn Ph.D. thesis in International Relations/Political Science on Italy, conducting interviews and research there in Italian. But that wouldn't necessarily make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I understand how the language works (grammar), as well as how people talk to each other in different situations, whether at home with friends, shopping, or in a restaurant. The lessons I teach are driven by the student's requirements, and the enjoyment I get from watching the learning process is icing on the cake.

Elementary Education

Grammar,

Grammar

Though grammar isn't taught much these days, it's essential for clear, concise communication. I teach grammar as part of SAT prep, and I teach it when I tutor language arts and writing. I go back to basics (subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, parallel construction) sometimes with games, sometimes with contests to improve the student's ability to communicate in writing and speaking. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding, and I really enjoy every minute of it.
Reading,

Reading

Being a good reading teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. I really enjoy helping students improve reading skills, as well as their ability to answer the easier and harder reading comprehension questions: the main idea questions, the author's tone and use of literary techniques, inferences questions, vocabulary in context, etc. Usually reading problems are linked to problems with vocabulary. I help students improve their vocabulary skills through word groups (10 words about "stubborn," about "challenging," etc.), then I add a visual cue on its meaning. I also work with the student to write about what he or she is reading, using appropriate vocabulary. Better reading speed and comprehension will improve high school grades and open more doors for college.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have been teaching vocabulary skills to middle school, high school, college and ESL learners since I started tutoring fifteen years ago. I have built a vocabulary database of over 20,000 words, which I can sort by grade level, prefixes, word roots, synonyms, and sentence completion exercises. I also use image based word maps for visual learners, organized around a central concept such as happy (exuberant, ebullient, ecstatic) or harmful (noxious, detrimental, virulent). Students appreciate my efforts, and their grades go up in response.

English

ACT English,

ACT English

Although I have only been teaching the ACT English for about two years, my students have been very successful in that part of the test because I previously taught SAT writing for almost 15 years. Just like the SAT writing, ACT writing focuses on rhetoric, sentence structure and improvement, word choice, punctuation, and grammar and usage. Although schools do not teach grammar very much these days, grammar is essential for clear communication, particularly in college, where professors reward clear oral and written communication from students with higher grades. I am also good at teaching students the importance of quick recognition of errors, as well as improving reading comprehension through skimming and scanning techniques.
English,

English

I have tutored English for many years. In middle school, students often read short stories in a variety of forms and learn how to identify the author’s voice, tone, and purpose, as well as the literary element of internal and external conflict. In high school, they reinforce their understanding of literature by reading novels and plays, such as Julius Caesar, The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Exposure to a wide variety of English literature helps students understand how writers have addressed enduring themes in human history.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
Grammar,

Grammar

Though grammar isn't taught much these days, it's essential for clear, concise communication. I teach grammar as part of SAT prep, and I teach it when I tutor language arts and writing. I go back to basics (subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, parallel construction) sometimes with games, sometimes with contests to improve the student's ability to communicate in writing and speaking. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding, and I really enjoy every minute of it.
Literature,

Literature

I have tutored literature for many years. In middle school, students learn about literary elements such as protagonist, conflict, and the author’s tone, and purpose. Often they read short stories such as The Lady and the Tiger, or contemporary shorter novels such as The Outsiders. I've helped several students with their summer reading of a novel with a rather complex structure, Whirligig. In high school, they reinforce their understanding of literature by reading novels and plays, such as Great Expectations, and Romeo and Juliet. I homeschooled a sophomore for several months who successfully turned in an essay and passed a test on MacBeth. Exposure to a wide variety of literature helps students understand how writers have addressed enduring themes in human history such as jealousy and ambition.
Reading,

Reading

Being a good reading teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. I really enjoy helping students improve reading skills, as well as their ability to answer the easier and harder reading comprehension questions: the main idea questions, the author's tone and use of literary techniques, inferences questions, vocabulary in context, etc. Usually reading problems are linked to problems with vocabulary. I help students improve their vocabulary skills through word groups (10 words about "stubborn," about "challenging," etc.), then I add a visual cue on its meaning. I also work with the student to write about what he or she is reading, using appropriate vocabulary. Better reading speed and comprehension will improve high school grades and open more doors for college.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

The new SAT Reading/Writing sections are longer, harder and evidence-based, with a single 65 minute, 52 question reading section, and a 35 minute, 44 question grammar section. With no penalty for guessing and more questions to answer in less time, students must have good test strategies, especially practice on test sections and full-length tests to gauge how much time to spend on each answer. Depending on individual ability and effort, Reading/Writing can be covered in 10-12 75-minute sessions, The optional essay requires an additional 4-6 hours of tutoring. The new reading section has 5 long passages on academic subjects such as literature, history, and science, some with tables or graphs. Each passage has 10-11 questions: on main ideas, passage details, the author’s tone, inferences, etc. There are about 10 “evidence-based" questions; students justify their answer by citing a particular part of the passage. There are also 10 “vocabulary in context” questions. I have proven methods to help students improve comprehension, reasoning, and vocabulary skills.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I've taught SAT writing since the test was revamped in 2005 and again in 2016. I really enjoy teaching the grammar sections. Though grammar isn't taught much these days, it's essential for clear, concise communication. By going back to basics (subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, parallel construction), I improve the student's ability to communicate. Many students find that with a lot of grammar practice, it is easier to improve their Reading/Writing score. One recent student raised her Reading/Writing score 40 points through grammar alone. More important, though, is the fact that students with a better grasp of grammar are more prepared for college and future employment.
TOEFL,

TOEFL

I have helped a number of students prepare for the TOEFL and TOEFL Junior, which are used by high schools, colleges, and graduate schools to determine the level of English proficiency of non-English speaking applicants. Last summer, I worked with a TOEFL student who had failed the test 5 times, even though she'd lived in the US for several years. I noticed that she kept getting science questions wrong, and I suggested that might be because when she first came to the US to go to school in 9th grade, her comprehension was so limited she didn't understand anything in physical science class. I lent her some middle school science books and worked with her for two months until she finally got the score she wanted.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

I have been teaching vocabulary skills to middle school, high school, college and ESL learners since I started tutoring fifteen years ago. I have built a vocabulary database of over 20,000 words, which I can sort by grade level, prefixes, word roots, synonyms, and sentence completion exercises. I also use image based word maps for visual learners, organized around a central concept such as happy (exuberant, ebullient, ecstatic) or harmful (noxious, detrimental, virulent). Students appreciate my efforts, and their grades go up in response.
ACT Reading, Writing

History

American History,

American History

I took several courses in American history in college, as part of my political science degree. Teaching politics is really teaching about American history: the flight from religious persecution, the Constitution, the democratization of the suffrage, the festering wound of slavery and the Civil War, the waves of immigration and their impact on American industrialization, how the US began to assert itself in the world, etc. Unfortunately, too many students only learn about American history as a bunch of names and dates, and not as a series of complex, interlocking events with underlying themes. My job as a tutor is to teach students how to use their textbooks more effectively, but also to make history interesting and relevant by understanding the big picture.
European History,

European History

I have had a deep interest in European history since I was a teenager. I had an great teacher when I took European AP history and got a 5 on the test, as well as a 760 out of 800 on the SAT subject test. My college and and graduate school political science courses, as well as my dissertation, had a strong European focus. I've taught European Area studies and European politics at the college level a number of times. Finally, I am, a caring, patient, and creative instructor well-versed in finding whatever material is available in books and online, if it will help my students learn.
Geography,

Geography

Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environment. The physical landforms, climates, etc. shape and are shaped by culture, politics, economics, etc. The ancient Greeks became mariners because of the limitations of their environment, while the Arabs in the Middle East used the camel for their voyages. I have a Ph.D. in International Relations in part due to my fascination with geography. Perhaps because I traveled a lot, I started collecting globes and atlases. I can date an older globe by which countries were still colonies. In this era of global connectedness, if we understand geography, we can make better decisions about our world.
Government & Politics,

Government & Politics

I have a BA in political science and a Ph.D. in International Relations/Political Science. I have taught a wide variety of political courses, multiple times, including: American Politics, Congress, The Presidency, The Media & Politics, International Politics, War & Politics, and courses in Immigration, Democratization, European, and Middle East Politics. I've developed tools to help students understand how politics here and elsewhere work, how history and culture shape politics, why so many don't vote in the US, and what motivates some groups to act within the system, and others to pursue a more radical or reactionary agenda. Although most Americans have access to multiple sources of information, they often don't see the need to keep themselves consistently informed on the issues of the day. This makes them more vulnerable to well-crafted, sometimes secretly funded, political ads. The flood of negative ads turns many people off politics, harming our democracy. My job is to show how politics and government do in fact matter.
Political Science,

Political Science

I have a BA in political science and a Ph.D. in International Relations/Political Science. I have taught many political courses, multiple times, including American Politics, Congress, The Presidency, The Media & Politics, International Politics, War & Politics, and courses in Immigration, Democratization, European, and Middle East Politics. I've developed tools to help students understand how politics here and elsewhere work, how history and culture shape politics, why so many don't vote in the US, and what motivates some groups to act within the system, and others to pursue a more radical or reactionary agenda.
Social Studies,

Social Studies

In college, I took eight courses in political science, and eight additional courses in history, psychology, and sociology. I have a Ph.D. in international relations/political science and have taught many courses in Middle Eastern, European, American and international politics at the college level. I have also taken courses in teaching social studies to middle school and high school students. Finally, over the last 15 years, I have tutored many students in grades 5-12 in social studies, helping them become more interested in the world around them.
World History

World History

I have been fascinated by World history since I was a child and created a diorama of a medieval banquet hall, just for fun. I read biographies of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Charlemagne, and belonged to a History Book of the month club when I was in high school. I began collecting history and map books to deepen my knowledge. I took European AP history in high school, receiving a 5 on the exam, as well as a 760 out of 800 in the European history SAT subject exam. Last year, I tutored a student in World History AP, and he got a 4 on the exam, even though he was just a sophomore. But passionate knowledge alone does not make a great tutor. I am also a caring, creative and well-versed in the different teaching methods needed to make history come alive. I will do almost anything to help my students reach their full potential, and most of the parents I work with appreciate my commitment.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have been teaching Algebra 1 for over 15 years. I make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. I enjoy the task enormously and find it very rewarding.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have tutored Algebra 2 to students of every ability level for over 10 years. the new color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, although many don't know how to use them to the fullest. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, it may take only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky.
English,

English

I have tutored English for many years. In middle school, students often read short stories in a variety of forms and learn how to identify the author’s voice, tone, and purpose, as well as the literary element of internal and external conflict. In high school, they reinforce their understanding of literature by reading novels and plays, such as Julius Caesar, The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Exposure to a wide variety of English literature helps students understand how writers have addressed enduring themes in human history.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
French,

French

I took French in middle school and again in college. in between, I became fluent in Italian in college, including a junior year in Italy. By my senior year, I was put into an intermediate French class, because I understood enough grammar and vocabulary to "Frenchify" my Italian, doing very well in that and every class I've taken since. I used French in graduate school and to research my dissertation (French periodical indices were much more accessible than Italian ones); I spoke and read French almost exclusively in Morocco for five months while on a research trip; interviewed French officials while in Paris for several weeks on another research trip, and I have tutored it, on and off for fifteen years. Most native language French I encounter think my accent is excellent. Now that I tutor it through Wyzant, I'm really enjoying refreshing my skills. I tutor introductory through intermediate level high school French and look forward to working with higher level classes.
Geometry,

Geometry

I begin any tutoring assignment by reviewing the student’s algebra 1 basics, because students need good algebra skills to do well in geometry. I also make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (line, angle, triangle, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples, if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. Being a good geometry teacher requires patience, creativity and enthusiasm. But I much enjoy the task and find it very rewarding.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have been teaching preAlgebra to middle school students for at least 10 years. At this age, students have their basic math skills (multiplication, division, place values, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, etc.) reinforced, and learn important skills in ratios, proportions, working with unknowns, algebraic expressions, exponents and other concepts. I've developed my own games and techniques to help students of all ability levels improve their basic skills and new ones. Being a good math teacher at this level requires, patience, enthusiasm, and creativity, and I'm proud to say my students enjoy working with me.
Reading,

Reading

Being a good reading teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. I really enjoy helping students improve reading skills, as well as their ability to answer the easier and harder reading comprehension questions: the main idea questions, the author's tone and use of literary techniques, inferences questions, vocabulary in context, etc. Usually reading problems are linked to problems with vocabulary. I help students improve their vocabulary skills through word groups (10 words about "stubborn," about "challenging," etc.), then I add a visual cue on its meaning. I also work with the student to write about what he or she is reading, using appropriate vocabulary. Better reading speed and comprehension will improve high school grades and open more doors for college.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have been teaching SAT Math for the last 15 years. The new SAT Math test is longer. harder, and heavily focused on Algebra II, especially quadratics, word problems, logarithms, and trigonometry. Students may need help in some areas to perform to their full potential. First, they need to understand the new types of problems (algebra, numbers, and operations, etc.). Those with weaker math skills will need practice to improve performance in the no-calculator and grid-in sections. The removal of the penalty for guessing changes test strategies considerably. Students also need practice on full length tests to learn how much time to spend on each answer. There is one 55 minute calculator section, (38 questions) and one 25 minutes no calculator section (20 questions). Timing is everything! Practice tests also help increase student confidence and performance. Despite the changes in the test, students who diligently do their homework and strive to learn can post significant gains in their math scores. In the recent past, students have seen good improvement, from 370 to 520 in Math, or from 460 to 600.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

The new SAT Reading/Writing sections are longer, harder and evidence-based, with a single 65 minute, 52 question reading section, and a 35 minute, 44 question grammar section. With no penalty for guessing and more questions to answer in less time, students must have good test strategies, especially practice on test sections and full-length tests to gauge how much time to spend on each answer. Depending on individual ability and effort, Reading/Writing can be covered in 10-12 75-minute sessions, The optional essay requires an additional 4-6 hours of tutoring. The new reading section has 5 long passages on academic subjects such as literature, history, and science, some with tables or graphs. Each passage has 10-11 questions: on main ideas, passage details, the author’s tone, inferences, etc. There are about 10 “evidence-based" questions; students justify their answer by citing a particular part of the passage. There are also 10 “vocabulary in context” questions. I have proven methods to help students improve comprehension, reasoning, and vocabulary skills.
Writing

Language

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
French,

French

I took French in middle school and again in college. in between, I became fluent in Italian in college, including a junior year in Italy. By my senior year, I was put into an intermediate French class, because I understood enough grammar and vocabulary to "Frenchify" my Italian, doing very well in that and every class I've taken since. I used French in graduate school and to research my dissertation (French periodical indices were much more accessible than Italian ones); I spoke and read French almost exclusively in Morocco for five months while on a research trip; interviewed French officials while in Paris for several weeks on another research trip, and I have tutored it, on and off for fifteen years. Most native language French I encounter think my accent is excellent. Now that I tutor it through Wyzant, I'm really enjoying refreshing my skills. I tutor introductory through intermediate level high school French and look forward to working with higher level classes.
Italian,

Italian

My mother was Italian, and I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian in college, spent my junior year in Florence, and took courses in Italian at the University of Florence. After graduation, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, again studying in Florence and wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Penn Ph.D. thesis in International Relations/Political Science on Italy, conducting interviews and research there in Italian. But that wouldn't necessarily make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I understand how the language works (grammar), as well as how people talk to each other in different situations, whether at home with friends, shopping, or in a restaurant. The lessons I teach are driven by the student's requirements, and the enjoyment I get from watching the learning process is icing on the cake.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I have helped a number of students prepare for the TOEFL and TOEFL Junior, which are used by high schools, colleges, and graduate schools to determine the level of English proficiency of non-English speaking applicants. Last summer, I worked with a TOEFL student who had failed the test 5 times, even though she'd lived in the US for several years. I noticed that she kept getting science questions wrong, and I suggested that might be because when she first came to the US to go to school in 9th grade, her comprehension was so limited she didn't understand anything in physical science class. I lent her some middle school science books and worked with her for two months until she finally got the score she wanted.

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have been teaching Algebra 1 for over 15 years. I make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. I enjoy the task enormously and find it very rewarding.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have tutored Algebra 2 to students of every ability level for over 10 years. the new color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, although many don't know how to use them to the fullest. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, it may take only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky.
Geometry,

Geometry

I begin any tutoring assignment by reviewing the student’s algebra 1 basics, because students need good algebra skills to do well in geometry. I also make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (line, angle, triangle, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples, if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. Being a good geometry teacher requires patience, creativity and enthusiasm. But I much enjoy the task and find it very rewarding.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have been teaching preAlgebra to middle school students for at least 10 years. At this age, students have their basic math skills (multiplication, division, place values, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, etc.) reinforced, and learn important skills in ratios, proportions, working with unknowns, algebraic expressions, exponents and other concepts. I've developed my own games and techniques to help students of all ability levels improve their basic skills and new ones. Being a good math teacher at this level requires, patience, enthusiasm, and creativity, and I'm proud to say my students enjoy working with me.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have been teaching SAT Math for the last 15 years. The new SAT Math test is longer. harder, and heavily focused on Algebra II, especially quadratics, word problems, logarithms, and trigonometry. Students may need help in some areas to perform to their full potential. First, they need to understand the new types of problems (algebra, numbers, and operations, etc.). Those with weaker math skills will need practice to improve performance in the no-calculator and grid-in sections. The removal of the penalty for guessing changes test strategies considerably. Students also need practice on full length tests to learn how much time to spend on each answer. There is one 55 minute calculator section, (38 questions) and one 25 minutes no calculator section (20 questions). Timing is everything! Practice tests also help increase student confidence and performance. Despite the changes in the test, students who diligently do their homework and strive to learn can post significant gains in their math scores. In the recent past, students have seen good improvement, from 370 to 520 in Math, or from 460 to 600.

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have been teaching Algebra 1 for over 15 years. I make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. I enjoy the task enormously and find it very rewarding.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have tutored Algebra 2 to students of every ability level for over 10 years. the new color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, although many don't know how to use them to the fullest. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, it may take only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky.
English,

English

I have tutored English for many years. In middle school, students often read short stories in a variety of forms and learn how to identify the author’s voice, tone, and purpose, as well as the literary element of internal and external conflict. In high school, they reinforce their understanding of literature by reading novels and plays, such as Julius Caesar, The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Exposure to a wide variety of English literature helps students understand how writers have addressed enduring themes in human history.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
French,

French

I took French in middle school and again in college. in between, I became fluent in Italian in college, including a junior year in Italy. By my senior year, I was put into an intermediate French class, because I understood enough grammar and vocabulary to "Frenchify" my Italian, doing very well in that and every class I've taken since. I used French in graduate school and to research my dissertation (French periodical indices were much more accessible than Italian ones); I spoke and read French almost exclusively in Morocco for five months while on a research trip; interviewed French officials while in Paris for several weeks on another research trip, and I have tutored it, on and off for fifteen years. Most native language French I encounter think my accent is excellent. Now that I tutor it through Wyzant, I'm really enjoying refreshing my skills. I tutor introductory through intermediate level high school French and look forward to working with higher level classes.
Geometry,

Geometry

I begin any tutoring assignment by reviewing the student’s algebra 1 basics, because students need good algebra skills to do well in geometry. I also make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (line, angle, triangle, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples, if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. Being a good geometry teacher requires patience, creativity and enthusiasm. But I much enjoy the task and find it very rewarding.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have been teaching preAlgebra to middle school students for at least 10 years. At this age, students have their basic math skills (multiplication, division, place values, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, etc.) reinforced, and learn important skills in ratios, proportions, working with unknowns, algebraic expressions, exponents and other concepts. I've developed my own games and techniques to help students of all ability levels improve their basic skills and new ones. Being a good math teacher at this level requires, patience, enthusiasm, and creativity, and I'm proud to say my students enjoy working with me.
Reading,

Reading

Being a good reading teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. I really enjoy helping students improve reading skills, as well as their ability to answer the easier and harder reading comprehension questions: the main idea questions, the author's tone and use of literary techniques, inferences questions, vocabulary in context, etc. Usually reading problems are linked to problems with vocabulary. I help students improve their vocabulary skills through word groups (10 words about "stubborn," about "challenging," etc.), then I add a visual cue on its meaning. I also work with the student to write about what he or she is reading, using appropriate vocabulary. Better reading speed and comprehension will improve high school grades and open more doors for college.
Writing

Other

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
Geography,

Geography

Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environment. The physical landforms, climates, etc. shape and are shaped by culture, politics, economics, etc. The ancient Greeks became mariners because of the limitations of their environment, while the Arabs in the Middle East used the camel for their voyages. I have a Ph.D. in International Relations in part due to my fascination with geography. Perhaps because I traveled a lot, I started collecting globes and atlases. I can date an older globe by which countries were still colonies. In this era of global connectedness, if we understand geography, we can make better decisions about our world.
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

I have a BA in political science and a Ph.D. in International Relations/Political Science. I have taught a wide variety of political courses, multiple times, including: American Politics, Congress, The Presidency, The Media & Politics, International Politics, War & Politics, and courses in Immigration, Democratization, European, and Middle East Politics. I've developed tools to help students understand how politics here and elsewhere work, how history and culture shape politics, why so many don't vote in the US, and what motivates some groups to act within the system, and others to pursue a more radical or reactionary agenda. Although most Americans have access to multiple sources of information, they often don't see the need to keep themselves consistently informed on the issues of the day. This makes them more vulnerable to well-crafted, sometimes secretly funded, political ads. The flood of negative ads turns many people off politics, harming our democracy. My job is to show how politics and government do in fact matter.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have been teaching Algebra 1 for over 15 years. I make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. I enjoy the task enormously and find it very rewarding.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have tutored Algebra 2 to students of every ability level for over 10 years. the new color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, although many don't know how to use them to the fullest. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, it may take only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

Being a good ESL teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. ESL students are all unique, with their own needs and goals. Are they beginners or advanced? Learning for school or to get a job? Their needs must be assessed and the best texts for the job chosen. I use the Oxford Picture Dictionary because it's organized thematically, and is a good conversation starter. I also have many "icebreaker" questions: about education, food, or travel in the home country, or their reasons for learning English. I will go to great lengths to get my students talking and learning. It's both a job and a pleasure!
French,

French

I took French in middle school and again in college. in between, I became fluent in Italian in college, including a junior year in Italy. By my senior year, I was put into an intermediate French class, because I understood enough grammar and vocabulary to "Frenchify" my Italian, doing very well in that and every class I've taken since. I used French in graduate school and to research my dissertation (French periodical indices were much more accessible than Italian ones); I spoke and read French almost exclusively in Morocco for five months while on a research trip; interviewed French officials while in Paris for several weeks on another research trip, and I have tutored it, on and off for fifteen years. Most native language French I encounter think my accent is excellent. Now that I tutor it through Wyzant, I'm really enjoying refreshing my skills. I tutor introductory through intermediate level high school French and look forward to working with higher level classes.
GED,

GED

The GED is a group of tests in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science that certify a person has high school level academic skills. It is not a super hard test, but it does cover a lot of ground. It requires at least 6 months to a year of intense, committed study. Over the years, I have helped many get their GED, and some have gone on to college.
Geometry,

Geometry

I begin any tutoring assignment by reviewing the student’s algebra 1 basics, because students need good algebra skills to do well in geometry. I also make sure to reinforce the basic definitions (line, angle, triangle, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples, if needed. Finally, I make sure both the student and the parent keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes and tests. Being a good geometry teacher requires patience, creativity and enthusiasm. But I much enjoy the task and find it very rewarding.
Italian,

Italian

My mother was Italian, and I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian in college, spent my junior year in Florence, and took courses in Italian at the University of Florence. After graduation, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, again studying in Florence and wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Penn Ph.D. thesis in International Relations/Political Science on Italy, conducting interviews and research there in Italian. But that wouldn't necessarily make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I understand how the language works (grammar), as well as how people talk to each other in different situations, whether at home with friends, shopping, or in a restaurant. The lessons I teach are driven by the student's requirements, and the enjoyment I get from watching the learning process is icing on the cake.
Reading,

Reading

Being a good reading teacher requires patience, creativity, and enthusiasm. I really enjoy helping students improve reading skills, as well as their ability to answer the easier and harder reading comprehension questions: the main idea questions, the author's tone and use of literary techniques, inferences questions, vocabulary in context, etc. Usually reading problems are linked to problems with vocabulary. I help students improve their vocabulary skills through word groups (10 words about "stubborn," about "challenging," etc.), then I add a visual cue on its meaning. I also work with the student to write about what he or she is reading, using appropriate vocabulary. Better reading speed and comprehension will improve high school grades and open more doors for college.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have been teaching SAT Math for the last 15 years. The new SAT Math test is longer. harder, and heavily focused on Algebra II, especially quadratics, word problems, logarithms, and trigonometry. Students may need help in some areas to perform to their full potential. First, they need to understand the new types of problems (algebra, numbers, and operations, etc.). Those with weaker math skills will need practice to improve performance in the no-calculator and grid-in sections. The removal of the penalty for guessing changes test strategies considerably. Students also need practice on full length tests to learn how much time to spend on each answer. There is one 55 minute calculator section, (38 questions) and one 25 minutes no calculator section (20 questions). Timing is everything! Practice tests also help increase student confidence and performance. Despite the changes in the test, students who diligently do their homework and strive to learn can post significant gains in their math scores. In the recent past, students have seen good improvement, from 370 to 520 in Math, or from 460 to 600.
Writing

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

Although I have only been teaching the ACT English for about two years, my students have been very successful in that part of the test because I previously taught SAT writing for almost 15 years. Just like the SAT writing, ACT writing focuses on rhetoric, sentence structure and improvement, word choice, punctuation, and grammar and usage. Although schools do not teach grammar very much these days, grammar is essential for clear communication, particularly in college, where professors reward clear oral and written communication from students with higher grades. I am also good at teaching students the importance of quick recognition of errors, as well as improving reading comprehension through skimming and scanning techniques.
GED,

GED

The GED is a group of tests in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science that certify a person has high school level academic skills. It is not a super hard test, but it does cover a lot of ground. It requires at least 6 months to a year of intense, committed study. Over the years, I have helped many get their GED, and some have gone on to college.
PSAT,

PSAT

The new PSAT is a 2 hour, 45-minute test that resembles the new SAT in format and content. The PSAT contains the same number of grammar questions, 5 fewer reading questions, and 11 fewer math questions. Students often take it in 10th and 11th grade. Because the 11th-grade test is used for scholarship competitions, it is not surprising that the test is as difficult as the SAT itself. Because each section is 35-60 minutes long each, students may have problems pacing themselves and spending too much time on more difficult passages or problems. Timing is everything! Despite the new format, I have tutored a number of students who have improved their score considerably from 10th to 11th grade, and then went on to achieve a better score in the SAT itself.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have been teaching SAT Math for the last 15 years. The new SAT Math test is longer. harder, and heavily focused on Algebra II, especially quadratics, word problems, logarithms, and trigonometry. Students may need help in some areas to perform to their full potential. First, they need to understand the new types of problems (algebra, numbers, and operations, etc.). Those with weaker math skills will need practice to improve performance in the no-calculator and grid-in sections. The removal of the penalty for guessing changes test strategies considerably. Students also need practice on full length tests to learn how much time to spend on each answer. There is one 55 minute calculator section, (38 questions) and one 25 minutes no calculator section (20 questions). Timing is everything! Practice tests also help increase student confidence and performance. Despite the changes in the test, students who diligently do their homework and strive to learn can post significant gains in their math scores. In the recent past, students have seen good improvement, from 370 to 520 in Math, or from 460 to 600.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

The new SAT Reading/Writing sections are longer, harder and evidence-based, with a single 65 minute, 52 question reading section, and a 35 minute, 44 question grammar section. With no penalty for guessing and more questions to answer in less time, students must have good test strategies, especially practice on test sections and full-length tests to gauge how much time to spend on each answer. Depending on individual ability and effort, Reading/Writing can be covered in 10-12 75-minute sessions, The optional essay requires an additional 4-6 hours of tutoring. The new reading section has 5 long passages on academic subjects such as literature, history, and science, some with tables or graphs. Each passage has 10-11 questions: on main ideas, passage details, the author’s tone, inferences, etc. There are about 10 “evidence-based" questions; students justify their answer by citing a particular part of the passage. There are also 10 “vocabulary in context” questions. I have proven methods to help students improve comprehension, reasoning, and vocabulary skills.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I've taught SAT writing since the test was revamped in 2005 and again in 2016. I really enjoy teaching the grammar sections. Though grammar isn't taught much these days, it's essential for clear, concise communication. By going back to basics (subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, parallel construction), I improve the student's ability to communicate. Many students find that with a lot of grammar practice, it is easier to improve their Reading/Writing score. One recent student raised her Reading/Writing score 40 points through grammar alone. More important, though, is the fact that students with a better grasp of grammar are more prepared for college and future employment.
SSAT,

SSAT

The SSAT is a test used for entrance to private schools. I have tutored a number of students for admission to area private schools, and the outcomes have frequently been positive. The test, given at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels, can be rather challenging. It resembles the old SAT in that there are penalties for guessing, analogies, and other question types. I've developed a number of study techniques to help students master such material. One student, already in private school, increased her score enough that several schools competed for her with scholarships.
TOEFL,

TOEFL

I have helped a number of students prepare for the TOEFL and TOEFL Junior, which are used by high schools, colleges, and graduate schools to determine the level of English proficiency of non-English speaking applicants. Last summer, I worked with a TOEFL student who had failed the test 5 times, even though she'd lived in the US for several years. I noticed that she kept getting science questions wrong, and I suggested that might be because when she first came to the US to go to school in 9th grade, her comprehension was so limited she didn't understand anything in physical science class. I lent her some middle school science books and worked with her for two months until she finally got the score she wanted.
ACT Reading, GRE

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Up to the challenge...and then some!

I posted in my initial search that my daughter had some social, emotional, and learning differences, as I wanted to be very up front that what a tutor might encounter in MY home would likely be quite different than what one might find in the home of a neuro-typical child who is actually self-motivated to learn or to improve her grade. Lisa responded to my ad immediately despite the issues I forewarned of, wanting to learn more about my daughter’s needs. Prepared for the worst, Lisa arrived the very next day, fully armed and up for the challenges she might be faced with. And I have to say, she COMPLETELY wowed me with her ability to make an instant connection with my daughter, build that rapport throughout the session, and to keep her focused on learning, despite her tendency to drift away. My daughter lasted at least 105 minutes of tutoring (absolutely unheard of for her!), had fun while doing so, and made some nice strides in her self esteem regarding her own belief that she in fact IS capable of learning this challenging material! Lisa had initially expressed concern (on the phone to me) about my description of my daughter “making snap judgments”, and Lisa warned me, “I’m a little bit grandmotherly—have you SEEN my profile photo? How will she respond to an older person?” (Typically an older person, AND a woman, would NOT be my daughter’s preference, but I was feeling a little bit desperate and I also couldn’t believe the good fortune that this ONE local tutor might be able to help my daughter pass BOTH Geometry AND French!) And boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This “grandma” had more energy, tolerance, and an innate ability to re-direct my often defiant, unfocused, and unfiltered daughter than most of her teachers and tutors have been able to do throughout her entire academic career. I can only hope the remaining tutoring sessions go 1/2 as well as the first session did. This particular grandma rocks, she totally “gets it”, and she makes learning fun.

Amy, 1 lesson with Lisa

First Lesson

My first lesson went very well. I have been trying to self teach for many years. Within the first hour of our meeting I was able to clear up some confusion I've had for many years in regards to the use of my grammar. I look forward to future lessons with Lisa.

Mike, 6 lessons with Lisa
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Lisa M.

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Response time: 43 minutes