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Licensed Math and Science Teacher / Regents, AP, SAT, ACT Specialist
Laura S.

5.0 (3,654 ratings)

12,479 hours tutoring

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About Laura

Bio

I am a licensed math and science teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 12,000 hours of one-on-one tutoring. I specialize in helping students build confidence and succeed in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, AP Precalculus, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and New York State Regents examinations. My teaching style focuses on breaking complex concepts into manageable steps so that students develop a deep understanding of the material rather than simply...

I am a licensed math and science teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 12,000 hours of one-on-one tutoring. I specialize in helping students build confidence and succeed in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, AP Precalculus, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and New York State Regents examinations. My teaching style focuses on breaking complex concepts into manageable steps so that students develop a deep understanding of the material rather than simply memorizing procedures.

I work with students ranging from upper elementary school through college and provide support for classroom success, summer enrichment, Regents preparation, AP coursework, SAT Math, ACT Math, CLT Math, and other standardized examinations.

Every student learns differently. I frequently create customized practice materials, review packets, diagnostic assessments, and study plans tailored to each student's individual needs and learning style.

I am familiar with a wide variety of math and science curricula and textbooks used in public schools, private schools, homeschool programs, and college courses. I regularly work with materials from Saxon, Big Ideas Math, McGraw Hill, Pearson, Holt McDougal, Prentice Hall, CPM, OpenStax, and many other publishers. I also maintain access to additional instructional resources, including the Positive Physics suite of interactive textbooks and assignments, allowing me to provide students with engaging practice, review materials, and enrichment activities tailored to their individual needs.

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Education

Washington and Jefferson College
Biology
University of Pittsburgh
Masters
University of Pittsburgh
Other
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I have extensive experience helping students prepare for the ACT Math section through individualized instruction, targeted practice, and effective test-taking strategies. My tutoring focuses on the core ACT content areas, including algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, probability, and trigonometry, while helping students develop the speed and accuracy needed for success on a timed exam. I utilize official ACT practice materials, customized worksheets, and diagnostic assessments to identify areas for improvement and create personalized study plans. I also help students become comfortable with the digital testing format and learn strategies for efficiently solving ACT Math problems. My goal is to help students build confidence, strengthen mathematical understanding, and achieve meaningful score improvement.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra I is one of the most important courses in a student's mathematics education because it provides the foundation for Geometry, Algebra II, standardized tests, and future STEM coursework. I have over 20 years of experience helping students develop confidence and mastery in core Algebra I topics, including linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, functions, polynomials, and quadratics. My teaching approach focuses on building conceptual understanding through step-by-step instruction, customized practice materials, visual models, and targeted review. I work closely with students to identify learning gaps, strengthen problem-solving skills, and improve classroom performance. Whether a student needs ongoing support during the school year, summer enrichment, Regents preparation, or a bridge into Geometry, I develop an individualized plan designed to help them achieve their academic goals.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Algebra II is one of the most important courses in a student's mathematics education because it builds the foundation for Precalculus, AP Precalculus, Calculus, college mathematics, and many standardized exams. I have over 20 years of experience helping students master topics such as quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions. My teaching approach focuses on helping students understand the connections between different types of functions rather than simply memorizing procedures. I use visual models, customized practice materials, review packets, and step-by-step instruction to help students build confidence and improve performance on classroom assessments and Regents examinations. Whether a student needs ongoing support throughout the school year, Regents preparation, summer enrichment, or a bridge into Precalculus, I develop an individualized plan designed to meet their specific goals and learning style.
Calculus

Calculus

I have over 20 years of experience helping students succeed in Calculus at the high school and college levels. I work with students enrolled in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and college Calculus courses, providing support with limits, derivatives, applications of differentiation, integrals, and related rates. My teaching approach focuses on building a strong conceptual understanding while also developing the problem-solving skills needed for success on exams. I maintain a large collection of textbooks, practice materials, and customized review resources to help students strengthen weak areas and gain confidence in Calculus.
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

Last summer, I worked one-on-one with a dyslexic girl. Her mother had been concerned because she had only learned to read that past December and was old enough to be in second grade. After I worked with her all summer, she returned to her regular school and was tested. She had advanced two grade levels over the summer and was able to be placed in her correct age group. I have also worked with dyslexic children previous to private tutoring, while working at a local learning center.
Ecology

Ecology

While, I do not encounter as many students needing help with ecology as many other math and science courses that I tutor, I am always ready and able to provide assistance with this course. While earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I studied and taught a variety of ecology related courses, including aquatic and terrestrial botany, entomology, and stream ecology. Whether students are working on the ecology portion of a freshman biology class, or taking a full ecology course, I have the background, study techniques, and resources to help attain their academic goals.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I am an enthusiastic math and science teacher with 18 years of experience teaching all age levels including college. When tutoring elementary students, I incorporate diagnostic testing, workbooks, and school studies into the students' sessions. There are many diagnostic tests available that can help me to assess an elementary student's areas of weaknesses in a range of subjects, including; reading comprehension in a variety of subjects, vocabulary (word recognition and definition), and math skills. Based on the results of the tests, I can then incorporate practice in these areas using workbooks. I also work closely with elementary students in regards to their school studies. My three-part program has been successful in raising students' grades and confidence in their subject matter.
Genetics

Genetics

While in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, I was a teaching assistant for a college genetics class for several semesters, and wrote many exam problems, graded exams, and taught recitations for the students. I also taught genetics while homeschooling high school students, and also while attaining my teaching certificate at Taylor Allderdice. Finally, I currently tutor genetics within the realm of biology for high school students.
Praxis

Praxis

I have a secondary certificate in biology and currently teach a wide range of math and science skills to students K-12 through adult. The Praxis exam's math component includes the following math skills: basic operations and numbers, fractions, percents, ratios, exponents, and geometry. I currently teach all of these math skills to my students in courses including: pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, SAT math, and GED math. For Praxis students, I will incorporate a Praxis study book into my library of materials for student practice and review.
Reading

Reading

I have a masters degree in ecology, as well as public and private teaching certificates. I tutor full time, and specialize in math and science, but also have a background teaching in the language arts.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have extensive experience preparing students for the Digital SAT and helping them improve both their mathematical understanding and test-taking confidence. My instruction focuses on the most prominent SAT topics, including linear equations, functions, systems of equations, exponential models, statistics, probability, geometry, and trigonometry, as well as concepts such as equivalent expressions, number of solutions, and unknown constants. Using official College Board Bluebook exams, customized practice materials, and targeted review strategies, I help students identify weaknesses and efficiently improve their scores. I also teach students how to effectively utilize the built-in Desmos graphing calculator, which has become an important part of the Digital SAT. Every student receives a personalized approach based on their current skill level, testing goals, and timeline.
Anatomy
ASVAB
Biology
Chemistry
Elementary Math
Geometry
Physics
Prealgebra
Precalculus
Vocabulary
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (3,654 ratings)
5 star
(3,603)
4 star
(51)
3 star
(0)
2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Great tutor, great results!

My son’s algebra grade was hovering around a failing grade. His last test was a 74 and the one before that was far worse. His first test grade after 2 sessions with Laura was an 89 and I can tell he is getting his math confidence back. It used to be his favorite subject and one he did very well in. Now I think he is on his way back. Thank you Laura!

Michael, 19 lessons with Laura

Excellent Start to Algebra Tutoring

We've only had one session with Laura so far, but more to come! My daughter had a positive experience. Laura was patient, knowledgeable, and did a great job explaining algebra concepts clearly. My daughter felt comfortable and more confident after the lesson. We look forward to future sessions!

Stacey, 1 lesson with Laura

Excellent teacher

Laura stands out among tutors because she is more than a tutor. She is a TEACHER. I appreciate how she has taken the reigns of my son's math study, alleviating his stress--and mine!

Andrea, 3 lessons with Laura

Wonderful precalculus and algebra tutor

Laura has done an amazing job teaching both of my kids. My son had a D in precalc when they first met and after many sessions, he got an 85 on the final. Super responsive and helpful - highly recommend Laura!

Nicole, 13 lessons with Laura

Great tutor

Laura is very patient and a great tutor. She took the time and went through with my son over some concepts to prepare him for his test. She undetstood where he was struggling and helped him.

Ravit, 3 lessons with Laura

Excellent tutor

Laura did an excellent job motivating and engaging my 5th grader ! He dislikes math and she was able to meet him where he's at and help him tremendously in just three sessions prior to his state test ! We are definitely going to continue through the summer to avoid the summer slide and head into 6th grade with confidence. I highly recommend Laura!

Julie, 3 lessons with Laura

Knowledgeable and responsive

My son said Laura is nice and helpful. They got through a lengthy take home assignment in their first session. Laura is incredibly flexible with scheduling and very responsive to messaging. It is helpful when trying to manage a complicated household.

Linda, 4 lessons with Laura

From Struggling to Understanding

We feel so lucky to have found Laura. My son, a junior in high school, was really struggling in Algebra II and had worked with a few tutors before, but none connected with him the way she has. Laura is incredibly patient, understanding, and has a great way of adapting to different learning styles. She’s helped build both his confidence and his understanding, and we’ve seen a significant improvement. We highly recommend her!

Kristin , 6 lessons with Laura

Highly effective and adaptable tutor

Laura has been an excellent tutor for my daughter. From the first session, she demonstrated a strong ability to adapt her teaching style to match my daughter’s learning needs and explains concepts clearly, ensuring understanding before moving on. She focuses on key concepts and commonly tested material, which has been especially helpful for standardized test preparation. Her experience with different learning styles really shows in how she structures her lessons. Most importantly, my daughter feels comfortable, supported, and more confident when working with her, even when covering challenging topics. We’re very pleased with the progress and look forward to continuing sessions with Laura.

Lorena, 7 lessons with Laura

Exceptional math tutor

Laura is currently tutoring both of my children in math- Geometry and Algebra 1- She has a very kind and calm approach, making complex concepts easy for them to understand. What truly impressed me is her dedication. She goes over the scheduled time to ensure the kids fully grasp the material. She also tailors her teaching to match their school curriculum perfectly, which has led to a noticeable improvement in the test scores.

JungSun, 46 lessons with Laura