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A photo of Lena, a tutor from Brown University

Lena

Certified Tutor

I am currently a Political Science and Environmental Studies major at Brown University. I find it extremely satisfying to share my passion for learning with others. From 2011 through 2013, I tutored middle school students in the Oakland Public School system through the Partners Program. From 2014 to 2015, I was employed as a private tutor for students both in middle school and in high school. Over the last year I have tutored international high school students online in test preparation, as well as various academic subjects. I have more informal teaching experience as a counselor intern naturalist at the Point Reyes Nature Science Camp as well. These jobs have been extremely rewarding, as I have had the opportunity to help my students better understand new concepts and form strong study habits. I also have learned how to explain problems and concepts in multiple ways. When I'm not tutoring, I love photography, playing softball, and backpacking long distance trails.

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Lena’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Brown University - Current Undergrad, Political Science and Environmental Studies

Test Scores
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1570
SAT Math: 750
SAT Verbal: 800
SAT Writing: 770
Hobbies

Backpacking, photography, piano, softball

Tutoring Subjects
AP English Language and Composition
College Application Essays
Elementary School Writing
English
Essay Editing
French 2
French 3
High School English
High School Political Science
High School Writing
ISEE Prep
ISEE- Lower Level
ISEE- Middle Level
ISEE- Upper Level
ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
ISEE-Lower Level Writing
ISEE-Middle Level Reading Comprehension
ISEE-Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
ISEE-Middle Level Writing
ISEE-Upper Level Reading Comprehension
ISEE-Upper Level Verbal Reasoning
ISEE-Upper Level Writing
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Phonics
Political Science
PSAT Critical Reading
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading
SAT Subject Test in French with Listening
SAT Writing and Language
Social Sciences
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Test Prep
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning has always excited me, and I want to provide my students with the same feeling of invigoration and understanding that I feel as a student. Instead of purely lecturing, I aim to freshen up my lessons using activities and questions to engage my students in learning. I often use multiple methods of explanation, such as verbal and visual, in order to convey information in a fun, interesting, and clear manner.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

In a typical first session with students, I will first ask questions about them and their school in order to better understand their background. I also like to set up goals with my student, focusing especially on areas where they feel they need more improvement or guidance. These goals will aid us throughout our sessions not only in staying on track, but also in measuring improvement.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I help my students become independent learners not just by providing answers, but by providing my students with scaffolding on which to build their academic success. I ask guiding questions and teach my students not only the subject matter, but study and organization skills that will aid them in their future academic endeavors.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

If students are struggling with reading comprehension, I first like to slow down the reading by reading the same selection multiple times. Next, we go through it line by line, or paragraph by paragraph, and I have my students repeat what the text is saying in their own words. Lastly, we will do a "tell-back" in which my students will verbally summarize the text as a whole.