Find a Local Tutor Who Gets It

I found that the small group and one-on-one sessions that occur during tutoring are so valuable in rapidly advancing the learning of my students. I love being able to connect to the kids on a more personal basis because it allows them to be more open about the difficulties they are having which, in turn, allows me as an educator to tailor my assistance to meet their needs. I have taught a wide spectrum of kids with differing abilities- from remedial through honors- and know how to not only reach each child at his or her level, but also how to challenge him or her. As a former military officer, I believe in honoring my commitments. If I agree to tutor a child, I will make sure that I am able to meet their educational needs.

I have been a student from most of my life. At a very young age, I knew the value of education and have often referred to myself as a “perpetual student.” I was an avid reader in grade school, Honors/AP student in high school, and began a career at Patagonia during college. During graduate school, I realized that many professors had full time jobs outside the classroom. They valued learning and teaching in the same way I do and made it a goal to teach part time. I have the same drive and feel tutoring is a way I can contribute.In my professional and personal life, punctuality, diligence, and honesty are characteristics that I uphold and expect of my colleagues and peers.

From my past experiences I have shown that I am hard working and give my fullest effort into all of my pursuits. I hope to contribute this same effort and energy to tutoring. Furthermore, my experience as a tutor and a swim coach has taught me how to communicate lessons and teach effectively. My academic and work history shows that I am a reliable as I have never quit a job and work to the fullest of my ability.Past experience tutoring college level physics, biology, chemistry, and math for one semester in a refresher course for people applying for nursing school.

I believe I would be a great tutor because I have the desire to be a hard-working, passionate, and considerate tutor, as well as the ability to explain and guide a student through the material they are struggling with, as well as give ideas on how to better remember the material and study it. Also, I understand that everybody learns differently and at their own pace, so I know it is important to know the subject well, have a good understanding of the student's needs, and be able to adapt to their learning style to ensure they understand and know the material themselves. Also, here at UCSB, I have dedicated myself and much of my time to my academic career, and, with that, I am happy to say that I will be graduating in only three years, which is a goal I always hoped to achieve. I have worked very hard and have been very committed here, as I would be should I become a tutor for Grade Potential. Upon graduation, I hope to be able to join Teach America, as teaching is something I know I want to do. This opportunity means just as much to me as it does to the student, if not more. This is what I know I want to do and I believe that this opportunity is a great precursor for what I hope to be doing in my future .

I am a very experienced tutor, and have taught individuals as well as groups of 2-6 students hundreds of times in each of the subjects which I listed above. I'm very personable, and have never had any issues on that front with any of my students. I understand that observing and listening to students is absolutely essential to effective teaching. I have about 30-40 tutor reviews, handwritten by students, from when I worked at the college which testify to my ability to make students comfortable and the subject's concepts accessible.

Since 1990 I have been teaching a class at the University of California at Santa Barbara. I find it inspiring to interact with students and help them to achieve their goals. I have challenged myself educationally throughout my life. I have the intelligence, motivation, and passion to help others move beyond their own personal blocks, in order to attain a new level of competency. I understand the process of learning and can help anyone who has educational challenges. I have always enjoyed education and the learning process, and I am able to impart that enjoyment and confidence to others. I am extremely reliable. I would be committed to being on time and keeping my appointments.

I've basically taken calculus and physics twice, once in the high school AP level and once in college, scoring an A in both the second time around. (I did this to better lay down the foundation for my future classes and perhaps give me an easier time freshman year.) I feel very confident in my own abilities having achieved a 3.9 GPA in high school while getting A's and B's in every math and science course.As for tutoring experience, I did constantly help my little sister in math and science while I was in high school,(she still calls for help occasionally), and I have a reputation for helping out with difficult problems in my friend group.Lastly, I can comfortably say I'm a reliable person who keeps appointments, as I've held some jobs as well as internships and know what is expected. My job and internship experience includes working on a food truck here on campus, interning at Tampa General Hospital, and interning for the Department of Commerce.

I think that my college experience not only assures that I am fluent in the sciences up to a college level, but also that I am skilled with time management and overall organization. I also believe that an effective tutor will not only be able to impart information on the student, but also be able to teach the student the study skills to be able to eventually learn the information themselves.