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I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors
Certified Tutor
Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sami
I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer.
Duke University
Bachelor of Science (Economics and Computer Science)
Yale School of Management
Current Undergrad Student, Business Administration and Management
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sharon
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classro...
Columbia University in the City of New York
Master of Science, Journalism
University of Chicago
Bachelor in Arts
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Annie
I am currently a second year medical student. I was a Physiological Sciences major at UCLA (class of 2015), and pursued research during my gap year between undergrad and medical school.
University of California Los Angeles
Bachelors, Physiological Sciences
Drexel University College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, MD
Certified Tutor
Tony
I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, Engl...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Top 20 English Subjects
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Matthew
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects
I'm a highly creative person who works best with visual thinkers. Very recently graduated from Stanford University, I majored in Human Biology with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Science. Technical though my background may be, I am currently gigging as a singer/songwriter/composer in NYC and tackle even the most hard-science of problems with a top-down, big-picture, holistic approach. If you have a propensity to look at problems in a cross- or inter-disciplinary manner (or want to learn how to do so), I'm the tutor for you!
Charles
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best describe my tutoring style as one that adapts to each students' needs. For example, I have always tried to frame questions in a different way so that the student can better understand the question. Some students need visual representations of numbers and systems to understand them, and others benefit more by understanding the concepts behind each formula. I prefer to tutor in math and physics, and especially with real world application problems. I hope to help students improve their standardized test scores and their understanding of the math and sciences so that they can achieve their academic goals! Hobbies: art, books, running, reading, music, writing
Tiffany
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
MaryAnn
Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects
I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel
Samuel
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice president of my school's NHS chapter where I ran our tutoring program, and I, myself, tutored. I also was a teaching assistant in the summer of 2020 for a class in discrete mathematics through a program called PACT (Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking). I love learning and hope to make the process enjoyable for you!
Quinn
Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects
I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.
Zachary
Trigonometry Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am passionate about teaching and tutoring and I thoroughly enjoy helping students gain an understanding and a drive for their studies. I have a long history of working with students of all grade levels and abilities (elementary school through college), and I have a good understanding of strategies to excel in both general academics and standardized tests.
Pinelopi
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)
Earnest
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Samantha
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects
I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners! Hobbies: photography, travel, reading, music, writing, running, art, books, traveling
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Fourth graders often struggle with transitioning from basic reading comprehension to deeper literary analysis. Common challenges include identifying character motivations beyond surface-level descriptions, understanding how setting influences plot, distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details in longer texts, and grasping figurative language like similes and metaphors in context. Many students also find it difficult to make inferences from text clues rather than relying solely on explicitly stated information. A tutor can break down these concepts with targeted practice and examples from grade-appropriate literature.
Fourth graders need structured support to move beyond describing "what" a character does to understanding "why" they do it. Tutors help students track character traits across a story, identify how characters change through events, and connect character actions to motivations and emotions. Using graphic organizers, guided reading questions, and discussion of relatable scenarios, tutors make character analysis concrete. This approach helps students write more thoughtful character descriptions in essays and book reports, moving beyond simple plot summaries.
Many fourth graders struggle to make inferences because they haven't yet internalized how to blend what the text says with what they already know. Tutors teach students to mark text clues, ask "Why did the author include this detail?" and practice stating inferences in complete sentences with supporting evidence. Close reading exercises—where students reread passages to find specific proof—build confidence. Regular practice with "show me where in the text" questions helps students move from guessing to confidently backing up their interpretations with concrete examples.
Fourth graders often memorize definitions of similes and metaphors but struggle to recognize them in real texts or explain their purpose. Tutors use comparative activities—like matching figurative language to pictures, creating their own similes based on familiar objects, and discussing why authors use "like" or "as" instead of direct statements. By connecting figurative language to sensory details and emotions in stories students are reading, tutors help these concepts stick. This foundation prepares students for more complex literary devices in later grades.
Fourth grade literature essays often lack organization and specific textual support. Tutors teach students to structure responses with a clear topic sentence, supporting details with direct quotes or examples, and a concluding thought. Many students benefit from graphic organizers that separate "What happened?" from "Why does it matter?" and "What does this tell us about the character/theme?" Tutors provide personalized feedback on drafts, helping students expand vague statements like "The character was brave" into detailed analysis with specific story moments as proof.
Fourth graders reading chapter books for the first time often lose track of plot, forget character names, or zone out during longer passages. Tutors build reading stamina through chunking—breaking texts into manageable sections with check-in questions after each part. They teach students to use sticky notes, create simple character maps, or retell key events aloud to reinforce comprehension. For students who read slowly or struggle with fluency, tutors can model expressive reading and build confidence through repeated practice with engaging texts at the right level.
Themes require abstract thinking that many fourth graders are still developing. Students often confuse theme (the big life lesson or message) with plot (what happens in the story). Tutors help by asking guiding questions like "What did the character learn?" and "What message does the author want readers to take away?" and connecting themes to students' own experiences. Using anchor charts with theme examples and discussing themes across multiple texts helps students recognize patterns. This concrete approach makes abstract concepts like "courage" or "friendship" more tangible and memorable.
Rather than memorizing isolated word lists, effective tutoring teaches fourth graders to figure out unfamiliar words using surrounding text clues. Tutors model how to pause, reread the sentence, and look for hints about meaning—like synonyms, definitions within the text, or context that reveals the word's purpose. They also help students recognize word families and roots to unlock meaning. This strategy-based approach builds independence and confidence, allowing students to tackle new texts without stopping to look up every unfamiliar word, while still deepening their overall vocabulary.
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