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SSAT/ISEE Verbal & Reading (Multilingual Students, Ages 11-14)
Joanie M.

5.0 (1,343 ratings)

3,969 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $77
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Response time: 2 hours
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About Joanie

Bio

If your middle schooler is multilingual and building academic English vocabulary to prepare for the SSAT or ISEE Verbal or Reading Comprehension sections, I can help. These are largely vocabulary tests in disguise.

I help students aged 11-14 improve verbal and reading comprehension scores through targeted vocabulary and question-type practice.

We begin with a practice test section to establish a baseline and identify which words matter most. From there, I create small weekly word...

If your middle schooler is multilingual and building academic English vocabulary to prepare for the SSAT or ISEE Verbal or Reading Comprehension sections, I can help. These are largely vocabulary tests in disguise.

I help students aged 11-14 improve verbal and reading comprehension scores through targeted vocabulary and question-type practice.

We begin with a practice test section to establish a baseline and identify which words matter most. From there, I create small weekly word sets that combine high-value exam vocabulary with personalized words pulled directly from missed questions. The SSAT Verbal focuses on synonyms and analogies. The ISEE Verbal includes sentence completion along with synonyms, so students practice vocabulary both in context and through word relationships.

I also teach common word roots so students understand how words are built and can make educated guesses on unfamiliar terms. For example, the root *mal* means “bad,” which helps students connect words like *malevolent*, *malfunction*, and *malady*. This reduces memorization and improves transfer to new questions.

We target close reading strategies with quality test-prep products. My lessons are structured, calm, and supportive, which helps anxious or perfectionistic multilingual students build confidence while learning flexible reading comprehension and test-taking strategies.

Parents appreciate that my approach is targeted and realistic. Students work with a manageable set of words each week, and parents can clearly see how lessons connect to practice test results.

I specialize in middle school test prep with a strong focus on academic English and vocabulary development. I hold a B.S., a J.D., and TEFL and TESOL certification, and I have taught at Los Angeles City College and Santa Barbara City College. Since 2019, I have worked as a Wyzant tutor.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation (not a lesson) to discuss your child’s needs.

Contact me to schedule a consultation or a first lesson.

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Education

University of Houston-Downtown
Interdisciplinary Studies
Northwestern California University School of Law
J.D.
International TEFL Academy - TEFL/TESOL Certification
Other
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

With over 3,500 hours of tutoring experience and a strong background in middle and high school test prep, I specialize in helping students master the English and Reading sections of the ACT. I focus on grammar, punctuation, passage structure, and timing strategies—especially for students with learning differences or test anxiety. My approach builds confidence through clear explanations, targeted practice, and personalized pacing.
Common Core

Common Core

I help students in grades 5-9 master math and reading with Common Core standards. My lessons make learning clear and simple, so kids feel confident and ready for what’s next!
COOP/HSPT

COOP/HSPT

I provide personalized online COOP/HSPT tutoring to optimize scores in the Language Arts sections. With over five years of experience teaching exam-specific language skills, I focus on improving vocabulary, analogies, grammar, reading comprehension, punctuation, and spelling.
English

English

Engaging and effective online English lessons for ages 10 to adult. More than five years of experience and multiple certifications ensure rapid improvement. I use online games and personalized strategies to achieve student goals.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I help ESL/ESOL students achieve rapid English improvement. As a certified TEFL/TESOL tutor with 4,000+ Wyzant lessons, I provide structured lessons and clear goals that lead to student success within two to three months.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

With over five years of experience in essay prep, I help students break down prompts, organize their thoughts, and write with clarity and purpose. Structured practice and focused feedback lead to real results—fewer red marks, higher scores.
Homeschool

Homeschool

Since 2019, I have homeschooled students in grades 5-9 in reading, writing, and vocabulary. My personalized lessons and engaging methods have helped students excel in language arts.
ISEE

ISEE

Personalized online ISEE English tutoring for optimal scores. More than five years of experience in verbal, reading, and essay prep. I use guided practice and feedback to ensure academic success.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Professional document proofreading services. 5+ years online, legal & teaching expertise. Get error-free documents, fast.
PSAT

PSAT

Build essential PSAT English skills for exam success. More than five years of experience and multiple certifications. Engaging lessons and personalized strategies lead to rapid improvement in key areas.
Reading

Reading

Rapid reading improvement through targeted skill building. Five years of online experience, engaging lessons, and personalized strategies for success.
SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

SHSAT (NY HS admissions)

From revising and editing to tackling challenging reading passages, I help students build the skills they need to excel in the SHSAT ELA section. With 5+ years of experience and a focus on strategy, we tackle everything—one smart session at a time.
SSAT

SSAT

Personalized online SSAT English tutoring for optimal scores. More than five years of experience in verbal, reading, and essay prep. I use guided practice and feedback to ensure academic success.
STAAR

STAAR

I help students feel ready and confident for the STAAR test. I identify their strengths and areas for improvement. My plan helps them perform at their best and feel confident on test day.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I help middle and high school students build the study habits they wish they’d learned earlier. Whether it's note-taking, time management, test preparation, or organizing assignments, I teach students how to study smarter, not just longer. My sessions are customized to each student’s learning style, with a focus on reducing stress, building confidence, and setting up systems that work in real life, not just on paper. Many of my students go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control after just a few sessions.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I'm a certified ESL instructor passionate about helping students excel in their TOEFL exams. With over five years of experience on Wyzant and 2,400+ tutoring hours, I boast a 5/5 star rating with over 950 reviews. My secret? Engaging, personalized lessons that combine the power of interactive videos, games, and structured test materials. I go beyond rote memorization, tailoring each lesson to your unique learning style and goals. This approach has helped numerous students raise their scores substantially, with many achieving scores in the 100+ range.
Writing

Writing

Versatile writing tutor with TEFL/TESOL certification and degrees in law and science. I tailor lessons to all ages and levels—helping native and non-native English speakers master essays, resumes, and a wide range of writing skills.
GED
Grammar
Literature
Microsoft Word
Spelling
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Joanie has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 17 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Joanie ’s answers ›
Joanie M.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Joanie before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Joanie
Response time: 2 hours

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,343 ratings)
5 star
(1,321)
4 star
(12)
3 star
(4)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(5)

Reviews

Outstanding SSAT Tutor

Over the past 8 weeks * （2sessions/week） my daughter’s SSAT （upper）scores have jumped dramatically: +230 on V, +100 on R. Tutor Joanie is outstanding. Three things stand out: 1. Deep expertise and instant customization—she sized up my daughter’s level in the first session and keeps re-tuning the plan every week. 2. A magic toolbox: hand-picked books, websites, drills, all matched to the day’s needs. 3. Zoom classes that actually buzz: I hear my teenager reading aloud, asking questions, laughing—proof that rapport can travel through a screen. Sum up: Joanie is not only helping on the test skill improvement, but also guiding students how to handle a huge difficult task with necessary self-confidence.

Ning, 13 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Ning, for the thoughtful review. It’s been a pleasure working with your daughter, and I’m glad to see her hard work reflected in her SSAT scores. I appreciate your kind words and am especially glad she’s gaining confidence. Thank you for trusting me with her prep.

Great teacher , very patient!

Ms Joanie is a very patient and professional teacher to work with. Each lesson she keeps my daughter engaged a lot !

Qing, 87 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much! Your daughter's curiosity and enthusiasm make every lesson a joy to teach!

A top-notch tutor!

Joanie has been a great tutor for my daughter! She explains things clearly, makes learning interesting, and teaches in a way that works well for her. My daughter is not only doing better in school but also feels more confident. Joanie is always kind, patient, and professional. We’re very thankful for her help and recommend her to anyone who needs a great tutor!

Hyeeun, 70 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much! Your daughter’s hard work and enthusiasm make tutoring a joy. It’s been wonderful seeing her confidence grow!

excellent!

Great and knowledgeable! My kid loves her so much! She is very patient and knowledgeable!Will continue to work with her!

Connie, 12 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you! I'm glad our sessions are enjoyable and making a positive impact. I'm looking forward to continuing to help them grow and succeed!

Great tutor

We love working with Joanie because she is extremely meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring that her work is always precise and of the highest quality for my kiddo

Anjalee, 19 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad that my teaching approach positively impacts your child.

Great teacher , very patient!

Ms Joanie is an excellent teacher to work with for my daughter on the essay topic. She’s super patient and professional!

Qing, 87 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It has truly brightened my day. I have enjoyed working with your daughter and am thrilled to see her making significant progress. I am excited to continue supporting her learning journey and watching her grow even more.

Very patient and experienced tutor

Joanie is teaching my son writing and comprehension for the past few months. She is doing an excellent job in instructing my son in areas he needs improvement and he really likes her class.

Revathi, 51 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your kind words! It is gratifying to hear that your son is making progress and enjoying our classes.

Very very knowledgeable tutor

My daugher has been enjoying her lessons while making good progress. She has lots of experience in tutoring and provides students with good examples. As long as students follow her direction and guidance, they would get to know that they already move up to the next level.

KI HOON, 34 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you! I'm so glad your daughter enjoys the lessons, and I agree her progress is quite good! I'm excited to see her continue learning and growing!

Very thoughtful and patient tutor

Joanie has been instrumental in teaching my son how to write an essay. Before his sessions with Joanie, writing an essay was composed of three or four sentences. Now he is able to write cohesive paragraphs with proper grammar and punctuation. A huge thank you to Joanie!

Nicole , 16 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

I appreciate your kind comments and you’re most welcome!

Knowledgable and patient tutor.

Joanie has been working with my 8th-grade daughter as she is preparing to take the SHSAT to qualify for a seat at one of New York's specialized High Schools. Jone has been doing a fantastic job with my daughter by providing her tools to prepare her for the test. She is patient and knowledgeable in all areas of ELA and grammar. This is an area that the public schools fail our kids the most in. Joanie brings a wealth of knowledge on this subject from her experience as a teacher. My daughter has learned a lot and is enjoying the learning experience. Joanie incorporated fun tactics and resources to help with knowledge retention. I am very impressed with her tutoring and highly recommend her!

Michelle, 17 lessons with Joanie
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your kind words! It has been a joy to work with your daughter, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help her grow and learn. I look forward to continuing to support her on her educational journey.

Hourly Rate: $77
Response time: 2 hours
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