Search
Lisa M.'s Photo

Patient, Knowledgeable, & Creative Tutor
Lisa M.

4.8 (49 ratings)

205 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Lisa

Response time: 11 hours

Lisa M.'s Photo

Patient, Knowledgeable, & Creative Tutor
Patient, Knowledgeable, & Creative Tutor
Lisa M.

4.8 (49 ratings)

205 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (49 ratings)

205 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Lisa

Bio

Though I have been teaching for many years, as a college professor (10 years), and as a private tutor (20 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 (20 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 or WyzAnt Resources. I text or email them to remind them of assignments. I use Quizlet, the online flashcard website - which has Google and iPhone apps - to build vocabulary, reinforce science or math concepts, or review historical 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 BA
Political Science
Smith College Italian Studies
Masters
University Of Pennsylvania International Relations/Political Science
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: SAT, AP & other test prep are $50/hr, emergency, college, graduateadult courses are $55/hr.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/20/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Subjects

Art

Art History

Art History

Although I only recently took the Wyzant qualifying exam to tutor Art History AP, my love of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of art goes back decades. I remember marveling at the artistry of the Cloisters' medieval tapestries and intricate miniatures. In college, I took Smith's year-long art history course; in my junior year, I also took a year-long course (in Italian) in Renaissance and Baroque art history. Together with my husband, a talented artist, computer programmer, and an early creator of digitized art, we have toured the New York Metropolitan, the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Philadelphia Museum, the Coit Tower in San Francisco, and the curious Philadelphia Barnes Museum. Abroad, we visited the Uffizi, the Louvre, and the British Museum several times. I tutored an adult student in the art of Diergo Rivera and others. I also tutored a wealthy, but non college-educated construction engineer in Art History for several months.

Business

GRE,

GRE

The GRE is a computer-adaptive exam to get into graduate school. Doing well on the first (harder) math and verbal sections is essential because performance determines the question difficulty of the second math and verbal portions. In addition to doing well in the exam myself, I have tutored the entire GRE several times, as well as the verbal and math portions individually. Several math-oriented students have thanked me for the online tools I use to boost reading speed and comprehension. Humanities and social science majors applaud my ability to revive long-unused math skills. International students are gratified that I have an ESL background and a good understanding of both American and British academic English. For the essay questions, students also appreciate the way I use humor and expertise to broaden and deepen student vocabulary and writing skills. Wherever possible, I use phone and online apps to sharpen strategies to differentiate question difficulty, improve reaction time and concept familiarity. and build confidence levels on high-stakes tests. Because I know what graduate school professors will expect from students, I provide guidance that ensures that your GRE prep is the next step in your chosen academic profession.
Microsoft Word

Computer

Microsoft Word

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!
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, & I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian at Smith, & spent a year in Florence, including courses in Italian at the Università di Firenze. After college, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, studying in Florence & wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Ph.D. thesis on Italy, doing interviews & research there in Italian. But that doesn't make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I love the country & its culture. 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, & the enjoyment I get from watching the learning process is icing on the cake.
Microsoft Word

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.
Phonics,

Phonics

18 years ago, I started phonics for adults at a local literacy center as a volunteer, and got 6 months training Level 1-2a) in an Orton Gillingham program, which use a multisensory approach to understand the relationship between sound and symbol. I have become more proficient teaching phonics two ways. I teach vocabulary using color-coded letters: one color for short vowels, another for long, a third color for vowel blends (2 vowels, one sound) and another color for R-controlled vowels. I teach 44 phonemes of English - consonant-vowel sounds at the beginning, middle and end of words, closed (short) syllables (hid), open long syllables (table) as well at the other ways to make long sound, the silent e (hide) as well as CVV. Many readers use phonics both in textbooks and in online programs because it is more effective than sight word-based approaches. I also build vocabulary using the roots of the English language in Latin and Greek with pictures to remind students of the meaning of prefixes, roots, and suffixes of the English language. So, a forward arrow for PRO, two joining puzzle pieces for CON, a step for GRAD, GRESS, a HEART FOR for CARD-CORD. so progression, congress , concord. I also use gradebased version of this , on Quizlet to build vocabulary even more. In essence, my motto is: learn the rules, practice. learn the exceptions for spelling, practice .
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.
Elementary Math, Elementary Science, Spelling

English

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 7-9 90-minute sessions. 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.
Writing,

Writing

I have been helping students with their high school, college & grad school applications for many years, often after our SSAT, SAT, & GRE sessions have improved their scores. I help students narrow down the number of schools they apply to, and encourage visits, interviews, and contact with prospective teachers and professors. Because I understand what schools want to learn about applicants, I ask probing questions to discover the passions, anecdotes, or experiences that make a student stand out among thousands of other applicants. One student wrote a memorable essay about learning to bake with her grandmother. Past college applicants have been accepted by Georgetown, NYU, Harvard, and Cornell Universities. Other students have gotten into Syracuse, Lehigh, West Chester, Penn State, James Madison and elsewhere. Grad students have applied to Harvard, West Chester, Temple, Penn, and Villanova. Younger students have successfully applied to Abington Friends, The Hill School, Penn Charter, and Devon Prep. Naturally, I do not, and will not write a student essay. I help with brainstorming ideas and thesis statements, developing the sentence and essay structure, improving diction to avoid faulty grammar, or moving paragraphs around to emphasize a point. Above all, I want the student's personality, skills, and interests to emerge from these essays. I really enjoy opening doors for worthy students.
Spelling

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.
Art History,

Art History

Although I only recently took the Wyzant qualifying exam to tutor Art History AP, my love of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of art goes back decades. I remember marveling at the artistry of the Cloisters' medieval tapestries and intricate miniatures. In college, I took Smith's year-long art history course; in my junior year, I also took a year-long course (in Italian) in Renaissance and Baroque art history. Together with my husband, a talented artist, computer programmer, and an early creator of digitized art, we have toured the New York Metropolitan, the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Philadelphia Museum, the Coit Tower in San Francisco, and the curious Philadelphia Barnes Museum. Abroad, we visited the Uffizi, the Louvre, and the British Museum several times. I tutored an adult student in the art of Diergo Rivera and others. I also tutored a wealthy, but non college-educated construction engineer in Art History for several months.
European History,

European History

I have had a deep interest in European history since I was a teenager. I had a great AP European history teacher in HS, and I got a 5 on the test, as well as a 760 out of 800 on the SAT subject test. My college 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 began reading historical fiction and biographies of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and Charlemagne. During high school, I began a collection of globes and maps, a few of which were sadly lost in a move. I took European AP history, receiving a 5, as well as a 760 in the European history SAT II. Last year, after I tutored a student in World History AP, he got a 4 on the exam as a sophomore. This year I am working with both a European and a World History AP student I have assembled and organized the URLs of many world history URLs and have hundreds of illustrated Quizlet sets on line. But passionate knowledge alone does not make a great tutor. I am also 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 the parents I work with appreciate my commitment.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have tutored Algebra 1 for over 20 years. I check the student's core math skills and understanding of basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples. I discourage overreliance on calculators because there are tests where calculators aren't permitted. I try to get a copy of the textbook so I know what approach the teacher is taking. 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 15 years. For visual learners, and everyone else, color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, even if many don't know how to use them well. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, he or she may need only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky. On the other hand, the sequence of pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry & Algebra 2 exists for a reason. Geometry uses concepts and approaches used in Algebra 1, & Algebra 2 uses techniques that are enhanced by a thorough understanding of Geometry. (Imaginary numbers produce curves that don't intersect w/ the X axis. Above all, DON'T rely on a calculator when mental math would be faster. Your performance and grades will suffer.
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!
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 humor. 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 7-9 90-minute sessions. 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,

Writing

I have been helping students with their high school, college & grad school applications for many years, often after our SSAT, SAT, & GRE sessions have improved their scores. I help students narrow down the number of schools they apply to, and encourage visits, interviews, and contact with prospective teachers and professors. Because I understand what schools want to learn about applicants, I ask probing questions to discover the passions, anecdotes, or experiences that make a student stand out among thousands of other applicants. One student wrote a memorable essay about learning to bake with her grandmother. Past college applicants have been accepted by Georgetown, NYU, Harvard, and Cornell Universities. Other students have gotten into Syracuse, Lehigh, West Chester, Penn State, James Madison and elsewhere. Grad students have applied to Harvard, West Chester, Temple, Penn, and Villanova. Younger students have successfully applied to Abington Friends, The Hill School, Penn Charter, and Devon Prep. Naturally, I do not, and will not write a student essay. I help with brainstorming ideas and thesis statements, developing the sentence and essay structure, improving diction to avoid faulty grammar, or moving paragraphs around to emphasize a point. Above all, I want the student's personality, skills, and interests to emerge from these essays. I really enjoy opening doors for worthy students.
Spelling

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!
Italian,

Italian

My mother was Italian, & I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian at Smith, & spent a year in Florence, including courses in Italian at the Università di Firenze. After college, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, studying in Florence & wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Ph.D. thesis on Italy, doing interviews & research there in Italian. But that doesn't make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I love the country & its culture. 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, & 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 tutored Algebra 1 for over 20 years. I check the student's core math skills and understanding of basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples. I discourage overreliance on calculators because there are tests where calculators aren't permitted. I try to get a copy of the textbook so I know what approach the teacher is taking. 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 15 years. For visual learners, and everyone else, color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, even if many don't know how to use them well. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, he or she may need only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky. On the other hand, the sequence of pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry & Algebra 2 exists for a reason. Geometry uses concepts and approaches used in Algebra 1, & Algebra 2 uses techniques that are enhanced by a thorough understanding of Geometry. (Imaginary numbers produce curves that don't intersect w/ the X axis. Above all, DON'T rely on a calculator when mental math would be faster. Your performance and grades will suffer.
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 humor. 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 tutored Algebra 1 for over 20 years. I check the student's core math skills and understanding of basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples. I discourage overreliance on calculators because there are tests where calculators aren't permitted. I try to get a copy of the textbook so I know what approach the teacher is taking. 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 15 years. For visual learners, and everyone else, color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, even if many don't know how to use them well. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, he or she may need only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky. On the other hand, the sequence of pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry & Algebra 2 exists for a reason. Geometry uses concepts and approaches used in Algebra 1, & Algebra 2 uses techniques that are enhanced by a thorough understanding of Geometry. (Imaginary numbers produce curves that don't intersect w/ the X axis. Above all, DON'T rely on a calculator when mental math would be faster. Your performance and grades will suffer.
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!
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 humor. 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

Writing

I have been helping students with their high school, college & grad school applications for many years, often after our SSAT, SAT, & GRE sessions have improved their scores. I help students narrow down the number of schools they apply to, and encourage visits, interviews, and contact with prospective teachers and professors. Because I understand what schools want to learn about applicants, I ask probing questions to discover the passions, anecdotes, or experiences that make a student stand out among thousands of other applicants. One student wrote a memorable essay about learning to bake with her grandmother. Past college applicants have been accepted by Georgetown, NYU, Harvard, and Cornell Universities. Other students have gotten into Syracuse, Lehigh, West Chester, Penn State, James Madison and elsewhere. Grad students have applied to Harvard, West Chester, Temple, Penn, and Villanova. Younger students have successfully applied to Abington Friends, The Hill School, Penn Charter, and Devon Prep. Naturally, I do not, and will not write a student essay. I help with brainstorming ideas and thesis statements, developing the sentence and essay structure, improving diction to avoid faulty grammar, or moving paragraphs around to emphasize a point. Above all, I want the student's personality, skills, and interests to emerge from these essays. I really enjoy opening doors for worthy students.

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.

Special Needs

Phonics

Phonics

18 years ago, I started phonics for adults at a local literacy center as a volunteer, and got 6 months training Level 1-2a) in an Orton Gillingham program, which use a multisensory approach to understand the relationship between sound and symbol. I have become more proficient teaching phonics two ways. I teach vocabulary using color-coded letters: one color for short vowels, another for long, a third color for vowel blends (2 vowels, one sound) and another color for R-controlled vowels. I teach 44 phonemes of English - consonant-vowel sounds at the beginning, middle and end of words, closed (short) syllables (hid), open long syllables (table) as well at the other ways to make long sound, the silent e (hide) as well as CVV. Many readers use phonics both in textbooks and in online programs because it is more effective than sight word-based approaches. I also build vocabulary using the roots of the English language in Latin and Greek with pictures to remind students of the meaning of prefixes, roots, and suffixes of the English language. So, a forward arrow for PRO, two joining puzzle pieces for CON, a step for GRAD, GRESS, a HEART FOR for CARD-CORD. so progression, congress , concord. I also use gradebased version of this , on Quizlet to build vocabulary even more. In essence, my motto is: learn the rules, practice. learn the exceptions for spelling, practice .

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have tutored Algebra 1 for over 20 years. I check the student's core math skills and understanding of basic definitions (variable, exponent, quadratic, etc.) with multiple illustrations and examples. I discourage overreliance on calculators because there are tests where calculators aren't permitted. I try to get a copy of the textbook so I know what approach the teacher is taking. 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 15 years. For visual learners, and everyone else, color graphing calculators are extremely helpful, even if many don't know how to use them well. Depending on the student's preparation and ability level, he or she may need only a few sessions to clarify issues that previously seemed murky. On the other hand, the sequence of pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry & Algebra 2 exists for a reason. Geometry uses concepts and approaches used in Algebra 1, & Algebra 2 uses techniques that are enhanced by a thorough understanding of Geometry. (Imaginary numbers produce curves that don't intersect w/ the X axis. Above all, DON'T rely on a calculator when mental math would be faster. Your performance and grades will suffer.
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!
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 humor. But I much enjoy the task and find it very rewarding.
Italian,

Italian

My mother was Italian, & I often spent summers speaking with many Italian relatives. I took Italian at Smith, & spent a year in Florence, including courses in Italian at the Università di Firenze. After college, I got an MA in Italian Studies from Smith, studying in Florence & wrote my thesis in Italian. I also wrote my Ph.D. thesis on Italy, doing interviews & research there in Italian. But that doesn't make me a good Italian tutor. I'm good at teaching Italian because I love the country & its culture. 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, & 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

Writing

I have been helping students with their high school, college & grad school applications for many years, often after our SSAT, SAT, & GRE sessions have improved their scores. I help students narrow down the number of schools they apply to, and encourage visits, interviews, and contact with prospective teachers and professors. Because I understand what schools want to learn about applicants, I ask probing questions to discover the passions, anecdotes, or experiences that make a student stand out among thousands of other applicants. One student wrote a memorable essay about learning to bake with her grandmother. Past college applicants have been accepted by Georgetown, NYU, Harvard, and Cornell Universities. Other students have gotten into Syracuse, Lehigh, West Chester, Penn State, James Madison and elsewhere. Grad students have applied to Harvard, West Chester, Temple, Penn, and Villanova. Younger students have successfully applied to Abington Friends, The Hill School, Penn Charter, and Devon Prep. Naturally, I do not, and will not write a student essay. I help with brainstorming ideas and thesis statements, developing the sentence and essay structure, improving diction to avoid faulty grammar, or moving paragraphs around to emphasize a point. Above all, I want the student's personality, skills, and interests to emerge from these essays. I really enjoy opening doors for worthy students.

Test Preparation

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.
GRE,

GRE

The GRE is a computer-adaptive exam to get into graduate school. Doing well on the first (harder) math and verbal sections is essential because performance determines the question difficulty of the second math and verbal portions. In addition to doing well in the exam myself, I have tutored the entire GRE several times, as well as the verbal and math portions individually. Several math-oriented students have thanked me for the online tools I use to boost reading speed and comprehension. Humanities and social science majors applaud my ability to revive long-unused math skills. International students are gratified that I have an ESL background and a good understanding of both American and British academic English. For the essay questions, students also appreciate the way I use humor and expertise to broaden and deepen student vocabulary and writing skills. Wherever possible, I use phone and online apps to sharpen strategies to differentiate question difficulty, improve reaction time and concept familiarity. and build confidence levels on high-stakes tests. Because I know what graduate school professors will expect from students, I provide guidance that ensures that your GRE prep is the next step in your chosen academic profession.
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 7-9 90-minute sessions. 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 many 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.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (49 ratings)
5 star
(40)
4 star
(8)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

See all reviews clear

Very patient and a wealth of resources

Lisa was very professional and very knowledgeable. I was introduced to the basics of Quizlet which I’m really enjoying. We spent some time doing a Q&A getting to know each other trying to understand my learning DNA. And then we got to work. She clearly has a good way of teaching complicated stuff and making it seem very simple.

Wes , 1 lesson with Lisa

Great SAT English tutor for my 16 year old son!

Lisa was expressive and knowledgable about what to expect. She came prepared and explained the process she was using. My son liked her very much and said he could work easily with her- we will use her again!

Trey, 2 lessons with Lisa

Experienced Teacher

Lisa was very experienced, knowledgeable and flexible. She was patient and gave important feedback for improvement areas. Overall, it was a great first session, my 12 year old seems to have had a good learning experience as well!

Vishali, 1 lesson with Lisa

Great!!!

Lisa is knowledgeable and helpful! She helped my daughter revise basic math concepts for the GRE and gave her guidance on how to study for the test. Highly recommend!

Lynda, 1 lesson with Lisa

Great Italian tutor

Lisa was very knowledgeable of the language. She was patient but gave important feedback to improve my learning. She is also flexible with meeting times. I am a mother of three so my schedule can be a bit crazy. I think we had a good rapport.

Donna, 1 lesson with Lisa

Lisa is a patient and knowledgable tutor!

We requested Lisa as a tutor for a beginning college level Italian class. Lisa is an excellent Italian tutor. She is very methodic and organized in her Italian instruction. Her passion for the Italian language and culture is extremely obvious. Many thanks!

Dena, 1 lesson with Lisa

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
Hourly Rate: $45
Response time: 11 hours
Contact Lisa