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Laura S.

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic from Kindergarten to SAT/ACT Prep

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic from Kindergarten to SAT/ACT Prep

$65/hour

5.0 (264 ratings)

  • 1,117 hours tutoring

  • Plano, TX 75023

About Laura

Bio

As Valedictorian of my high school class and a Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University, I have a record of excellence in education. With a BA degree in English and a minor in accounting, I have a flair for all things English and all things math. For several years, I have honed my tutoring skills in 2 arenas: English and test prep. I am an expert in English (grammar, reading comprehension, and writing), and I love math. For several years, I have taught an ACT test prep class, and I have...

As Valedictorian of my high school class and a Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University, I have a record of excellence in education. With a BA degree in English and a minor in accounting, I have a flair for all things English and all things math. For several years, I have honed my tutoring skills in 2 arenas: English and test prep. I am an expert in English (grammar, reading comprehension, and writing), and I love math. For several years, I have taught an ACT test prep class, and I have tutored numerous students to prepare them for taking the ACT, SAT, GMAT, ISEE, and PSAT. I have the ability to prepare my students for not only the English sections of these tests, but also the math sections as well. I have tutored kids in every level of math from kindergarten counting to trigonometry. I have imparted my love of learning and my test-taking abilities to my students whom I have tutored for the last 20 years. From acting as an ESL tutor for a young mother from Burundi during my college days in Bryan/College Station, to imparting GMAT test-taking skills to a young professional in Plano who wants to get her MBA, I have enjoyed sharing with others the knowledge I have. I look forward to helping you or your child progress to the next level of academic excellence.

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Education

Texas A&M University
English

Policies

  • Hourly rate: $65
  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person and online
  • Travel policy: Within 12 miles of Plano, TX 75023
  • Lesson cancellation: 5 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/21/2018

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Business

GMAT, GRE

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL, GMAT, Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored elementary school children for thirteen years in a wide variety of subjects. I have taught children how to read using an extensive phonics curriculum. Additionally, I have tutored in grammar, writing (including book reports), and literature. I have taught math from simple counting to pre-algebra. I have tutored in social science, American history, and world geography.
Homeschool,

Homeschool

I spent 20 years homeschooling my two sons and one daughter. I taught each of them how to read by age 3 using the ABeka phonics program. I taught each of them every subject from kindergarten through 6th grade, and I then managed their courses from 7th grade through 12th grade (at home, ABeka DVDs, dual credit, and co-op classes). My three children have achieved a graduate degree in cyber security, Texas Army National Guard, and National Merit Finalist status. I have extensive experience in using ABeka curriculum, using Saxon math curriculum, creating high school transcripts, enrolling students in dual credit classes, enrolling students in homeschooling co-op classes, and helping my children apply to and be accepted by major universities such as Texas A&M University, UTD, and OU.
Phonics,

Phonics

I have personally taught 3 children how to read by the age of 3 by starting out with the Dr. Seuss ABC book. Then, after the child can identify and pronounce letters, I move on to a comprehensive phonics program that utilizes flash cards, letter blends, colorful pictures, and short books for every level of beginning reader. Do you remember or have you heard of the old "Dick and Jane" readers that we grew up with decades ago? Well, those books are not phonics based! Notice that the title itself includes a more complicated "ck" blend and a long vowel. I do not subscribe to a whole-language approach that produces weak readers; I am a firm believer in a phonics-based approach to learning how to read!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.
Elementary Math, Elementary Science, Grammar, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University. For the last 20 years, I have tutored students in English grammar, reading, writing, and literature. The reason I was voted "Most Intelligent" of my high school class was, in part, due to my relentless fulfillment of academic duties. I did my homework! Thoroughly! I cannot wait to make you do yours! Thoroughly! I love taking tests. I can help you prepare so completely for the ACT that you will look forward to taking your test!
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University. For the last 20 years, I have tutored students in English grammar, reading, writing, and literature. For several semesters, I have taught an ACT Prep Class at a private school in Plano. For the reading section of the ACT test, I emphasize finding the evidence for the answers. I discuss strategies such as timing and recognizing trends in test answers.
English,

English

With a degree in English from Texas A&M University and nearly 1000 hours of tutoring experience, plus 4 years of teaching English at a private school in Plano, Texas, I am uniquely equipped to help students master the English language. I have taught children how to read; I have helped students improve their understanding of grammar; I have honed students’ writing skills. I am a big believer in the power of words; in order to succeed, people need to be able to communicate effectively. I am here to help students improve their command of the English language.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I am in my 6th semester of teaching a college entrance exam prep class at a private school in the Dallas area. I have also tutored numerous students who are wanting to improve their test scores. I enjoy showing my students how to tackle reading passages. Timing is important. Knowing the mindset of your test writer is important. Paying attention to details and understanding that there truly is only one correct answer is crucial to gaining more points.
ESL/ESOL, Grammar, Literature, Proofreading, Reading, SAT Writing, Spelling, TOEFL, Vocabulary, Writing

History

Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

For more than two decades, I have been an avid student of the Bible. I have read the entire Bible. I have participated in several Bible studies on topics ranging from the book of Daniel to the power of words to marriage. Furthermore, I served as a teacher of an elementary grade Sunday school class for two years, teaching Bible stories and principles to children. I have even led a Bible study at my place of employment. I enjoy memorizing Scripture and have memorized several chapters of the Bible. Finally, I research topical threads in the Bible using Thompson's Chain Reference Study Bible.
Social Studies,

Social Studies

I have tutored students for the last 15 years in social studies, from Kindergarten through 8th grade. I have taught and reviewed with children a wide variety of topics regarding countries, cultures, and current events. From every U. S. state and capital to Canadian provinces to European bodies of water, I have engaged students in the wonders of the globe! I love maps, I love geography, and I love current events; and I have imparted that love of social studies knowledge to my students. I may not be able to draw free-handed the map of the U. S. with all of its states like my Dad can, but I can label every state and capital and more besides! I believe that children should possess a certain body of knowledge as a foundation; I have contributed a portion of that store of knowledge to children by helping them learn and retain social studies facts.
American History, European History, Geography, World History

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored elementary school children for thirteen years in a wide variety of subjects. I have taught children how to read using an extensive phonics curriculum. Additionally, I have tutored in grammar, writing (including book reports), and literature. I have taught math from simple counting to pre-algebra. I have tutored in social science, American history, and world geography.
English,

English

With a degree in English from Texas A&M University and nearly 1000 hours of tutoring experience, plus 4 years of teaching English at a private school in Plano, Texas, I am uniquely equipped to help students master the English language. I have taught children how to read; I have helped students improve their understanding of grammar; I have honed students’ writing skills. I am a big believer in the power of words; in order to succeed, people need to be able to communicate effectively. I am here to help students improve their command of the English language.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I am in my 6th semester of teaching a college entrance exam prep class at a private school in the Dallas area. I have also tutored numerous students who are wanting to improve their test scores. I enjoy showing my students how to tackle reading passages. Timing is important. Knowing the mindset of your test writer is important. Paying attention to details and understanding that there truly is only one correct answer is crucial to gaining more points.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.
Algebra 1, ESL/ESOL, Prealgebra, Reading, SAT Math, Spelling, Writing

Language

ESL/ESOL, TOEFL

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

My minor from Texas A&M University (1991, Cum Laude) is in Accounting. I love working with numbers! As Valedictorian of my high school class, I excelled in math, receiving A's in every math class through Calculus. I have tutored in ACT Math, as well as arithmetic through Algebra 1, and I have helped students with strategies to score more points. You might point out to me that the ACT has lots of Geometry, but that's OK, because, though I detest proofs, I love working with angles and triangles and other shapes to solve problems. Since the ACT Math section requires solving 60 problems in 60 minutes, we are safe from being threatened with proofs! I treat each problem as a mini-puzzle that many times should be solved creatively in order to be solved more quickly. Finally, though my overall ACT score was a 32, my ACT math score was a 33!
Algebra 1, Prealgebra, SAT Math

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored elementary school children for thirteen years in a wide variety of subjects. I have taught children how to read using an extensive phonics curriculum. Additionally, I have tutored in grammar, writing (including book reports), and literature. I have taught math from simple counting to pre-algebra. I have tutored in social science, American history, and world geography.
English,

English

With a degree in English from Texas A&M University and nearly 1000 hours of tutoring experience, plus 4 years of teaching English at a private school in Plano, Texas, I am uniquely equipped to help students master the English language. I have taught children how to read; I have helped students improve their understanding of grammar; I have honed students’ writing skills. I am a big believer in the power of words; in order to succeed, people need to be able to communicate effectively. I am here to help students improve their command of the English language.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.
Algebra 1, ESL/ESOL, Prealgebra, Reading, Writing

Other

Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

For more than two decades, I have been an avid student of the Bible. I have read the entire Bible. I have participated in several Bible studies on topics ranging from the book of Daniel to the power of words to marriage. Furthermore, I served as a teacher of an elementary grade Sunday school class for two years, teaching Bible stories and principles to children. I have even led a Bible study at my place of employment. I enjoy memorizing Scripture and have memorized several chapters of the Bible. Finally, I research topical threads in the Bible using Thompson's Chain Reference Study Bible.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.
ESL/ESOL, Geography

Science

ACT Science

ACT Science

Having finished five semesters of teaching an ACT prep class at a private school in Plano, I have had plenty of experience in showing students how to tackle the science section of the ACT test. The science section is not so much a science test as a reading comprehension/do you know how to interpret charts and graphs kind of test. Allow me to help you to be bold, to be thoroughly unintimidated, and to conquer the ACT science section!

Special Needs

Phonics,

Phonics

I have personally taught 3 children how to read by the age of 3 by starting out with the Dr. Seuss ABC book. Then, after the child can identify and pronounce letters, I move on to a comprehensive phonics program that utilizes flash cards, letter blends, colorful pictures, and short books for every level of beginning reader. Do you remember or have you heard of the old "Dick and Jane" readers that we grew up with decades ago? Well, those books are not phonics based! Notice that the title itself includes a more complicated "ck" blend and a long vowel. I do not subscribe to a whole-language approach that produces weak readers; I am a firm believer in a phonics-based approach to learning how to read!
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored elementary school children for thirteen years in a wide variety of subjects. I have taught children how to read using an extensive phonics curriculum. Additionally, I have tutored in grammar, writing (including book reports), and literature. I have taught math from simple counting to pre-algebra. I have tutored in social science, American history, and world geography.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have spent the last 15 years helping students with their study skills. Studying for tests and completing homework occurs most successfully when several factors are in place. First, the study space needs to be visually and orally clutter free. In other words, television, your favorite DJ, five texting/face booking friends, and trash on the table are not conducive to a positive study environment. Secondly, the mind needs to be clutter free. Anxiety about yesterday's argument with a friend can truly hinder anyone's ability to accomplish tasks. Consequently, I encourage the student to identify the source of worrying and either eliminate it quickly, if possible, or assign a concrete time in the future to address the issue. Then, I encourage the student to focus on the academic task at hand. Finally, because procrastination is often a problem due to a sense of being overwhelmed with a big project or research paper, I help students break big assignments into manageable pieces. Calendars are crucial to helping students set mini-deadlines in order to meet the final due-date.
Algebra 1, ESL/ESOL, GED, Reading, SAT Math, Writing

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University. For the last 20 years, I have tutored students in English grammar, reading, writing, and literature. The reason I was voted "Most Intelligent" of my high school class was, in part, due to my relentless fulfillment of academic duties. I did my homework! Thoroughly! I cannot wait to make you do yours! Thoroughly! I love taking tests. I can help you prepare so completely for the ACT that you will look forward to taking your test!
ACT Math,

ACT Math

My minor from Texas A&M University (1991, Cum Laude) is in Accounting. I love working with numbers! As Valedictorian of my high school class, I excelled in math, receiving A's in every math class through Calculus. I have tutored in ACT Math, as well as arithmetic through Algebra 1, and I have helped students with strategies to score more points. You might point out to me that the ACT has lots of Geometry, but that's OK, because, though I detest proofs, I love working with angles and triangles and other shapes to solve problems. Since the ACT Math section requires solving 60 problems in 60 minutes, we are safe from being threatened with proofs! I treat each problem as a mini-puzzle that many times should be solved creatively in order to be solved more quickly. Finally, though my overall ACT score was a 32, my ACT math score was a 33!
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University. For the last 20 years, I have tutored students in English grammar, reading, writing, and literature. For several semesters, I have taught an ACT Prep Class at a private school in Plano. For the reading section of the ACT test, I emphasize finding the evidence for the answers. I discuss strategies such as timing and recognizing trends in test answers.
ACT Science,

ACT Science

Having finished five semesters of teaching an ACT prep class at a private school in Plano, I have had plenty of experience in showing students how to tackle the science section of the ACT test. The science section is not so much a science test as a reading comprehension/do you know how to interpret charts and graphs kind of test. Allow me to help you to be bold, to be thoroughly unintimidated, and to conquer the ACT science section!
ISEE,

ISEE

Having a degree in English (B.A. Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University, I enjoy helping students prepare for reading and math standardized tests. I have tutored students to help them prepare for the upper level ISEE test in order to get into the private school they have chosen. I help students in verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and essay writing. Additionally, I explain the unique testing format of the math sections of the ISEE test as a part of the math prep. Focusing on general test-taking strategies helps my students as well.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I am in my 6th semester of teaching a college entrance exam prep class at a private school in the Dallas area. I have also tutored numerous students who are wanting to improve their test scores. I enjoy showing my students how to tackle reading passages. Timing is important. Knowing the mindset of your test writer is important. Paying attention to details and understanding that there truly is only one correct answer is crucial to gaining more points.
STAAR,

STAAR

Having a degree in English (B.A. Cum Laude) from Texas A&M University, I enjoy helping students prepare for reading and writing standardized tests. I have tutored students in preparing for the STAAR tests in elementary and middle school grades. I have helped students in reading comprehension, identification of writing errors, and essay writing. Utilizing past STAAR writing prompts, I give students writing assignments, and then I help them edit their papers. I help them find evidence in passages to support their answers to reading comprehension questions. Focusing on grammar rules and general test-taking strategies helps my students as well.
GED, GMAT, GRE, PSAT, SAT Math, SAT Writing, TOEFL

Resources

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (264 ratings)
5 star
(256)
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Reviews

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All reviews sweet patient explaining explained things productive advice

Knowledgeable and clear.

I had a 2 hour tutoring session in GRE math and English with Laura. I was very pleased with her grasp of both subjects and her ability to clearly explain the important notions in both subjects.

Marie, 2 lessons with Laura

Knowledgeable and Prepared

We sent Laura copies of problems that my daughter was having problems with and Laura prepared ahead of the tutor session to make sure she could teach my daughter both the answer and approach. Laura helped my daughter on both math and science ACT questions, and she was really knowledgeable in both areas!

Michele, 7 lessons with Laura

Knowlegeable and provides better ways of learning English

I am learning not only just English expression through various speech or articles but also the (cultural, political etc.) background of topics. I can increase my ability of listening and speaking because of that.

Hiroyuki, 10 lessons with Laura

Patient and thorough lesson. Laura also made learning fun for my son.

She taught him in his academics as well as training him in being an organized student. She kept the lessons upbeat and fun. Laura was also very patient and explained the objectives of the lessons clearly.

Paula, 18 lessons with Laura

Responsive and Helpful!

Laura explains concepts clearly. Her examples are easy to follow and she really helps you understand problems. I would recommend her!

Renee, 4 lessons with Laura

Helpful and very knowledgeable

Laura reviewed my previous test results before our first session so she would be ready to help me with the areas that needed the most help. She had great tips and was very dedicated to my success. After just two sessions, my score improved and I'm meeting with her more in hopes to continue improving!

Jennifer, 5 lessons with Laura

We are glad to have her as our teacher

Very nice and productive hour, she explained things clearly and gave an overview for the test. Besides that, she also teach kids how to take test and study habits, which is really important for kids getting advice from teacher instead of parents. Not only teaches, but educated kids. Great teacher.

May, 13 lessons with Laura

Great tutor with lots of patience!

Laura is great!! She is very knowledgeable with the topics covered - ISEE prep, vocabulary, algebra - but, in addition to that, she is very patient and explains it in a manner that my son understands.

Denise, 20 lessons with Laura

Wonderful Tutor

For the past few days this week I had the opportunity to work with Laura S. on ACT Preparation in all areas of the test (writing, mathematics, reading, science, and English). She was very accessible outside of tutoring lessons as well. She provided me with some great strategies that I used on my test and which allowed me the opportunity to do practice problems in our sessions with her help and explanations as needed. She had a great system and variety of resources which helped me to gain a broad overview and many helpful tips. Excellent tutor!

Rachel, 4 lessons with Laura

Very patient and worth every penny I spend.

Laura is the most patient, sweet yet extremely involved with her students. My daughter cannot wait to see her every time we meet. I expected my daughter to have a slight discipline in regards to learning at 4 yrs old but Mrs. Laura has her so engaged that I too get excited to see Mrs. Laura! She's an amazing teacher!

Nikki, 12 lessons with Laura
Contact Laura

Response time: 2 hours

$65/hour

Laura S.

$65/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Laura

Response time: 2 hours