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Award-Winning Science Substitute Tutors

Cathy

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Cathy

Doctor of Philosophy, Materials Science
Cathy's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Geometry

When a science class needs coverage, Cathy's PhD in Materials Science and triple engineering background mean she can pick up virtually any middle or high school science topic — chemical reactions, forces and motion, cell biology — without missing a beat. She keeps lessons moving forward rather than ...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor of Engineering

University of Pennsylvania

Doctor of Philosophy, Materials Science

Christie

Certified Tutor

7+ years

Christie

Master of Arts, History
Christie's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Subject Test in World History
SAT Subject Test in United States History

Christie's breadth across subjects — she holds certifications in both ESL and history and teaches at the college level — makes her a reliable substitute for science classes that need someone who can actually engage students with the material rather than just press play on a video. She's comfortable ...

Education

Butler University

Master of Arts, History

Manchester College

Bachelor of Science, Art Teacher Education

Spencer

Certified Tutor

Spencer

Masters in Business Administration, International Business
Spencer's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade Writing
10th-12th Grade Reading
11th-12th Grade math
Pre-Algebra

Covering science means jumping between topics like cell biology one day and chemical reactions the next — Spencer's broad coursework in physical science, earth science, biology, and chemistry means he can step in without missing a beat. He breaks down unfamiliar concepts using real-world analogies, ...

Education

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Masters in Business Administration, International Business

Brigham Young University-Provo

Bachelor in Arts, International Relations & Russian

Test Scores
ACT
31
Philip

Certified Tutor

3+ years

Philip

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Philip's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Competition Math
Trigonometry
Middle School Math

Philip teaches biology and chemistry at the College Prep, Honors, and AP levels in his day job, so stepping into a science classroom as a substitute means actual instruction continues rather than stalling. He can pick up mid-unit on topics from cellular respiration to stoichiometry and keep students...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
32
Kaitlyn

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Kaitlyn

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Kaitlyn's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade math
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra

A biology major now in medical school, Kaitlyn can step into virtually any K-12 science classroom — life science, physical science, earth science — and pick up right where the regular instructor left off. She connects textbook concepts to real-world examples that make even a single substitute sessio...

Education

Fairfield University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
33
Joshua

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Joshua

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Joshua's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
AP Biology

Biology, chemistry, earth science, physical chemistry — Joshua's science range runs deep enough that he can pick up virtually any middle or high school science lesson mid-stream. His bachelor's in biology gives him the content knowledge to answer the unexpected questions that come up when a substitu...

Education

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
34
Jarrod

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Jarrod

PhD
Jarrod's other Tutor Subjects
AP Environmental Science
AP Biology
Physical Science
Genetics

I am a graduate of Princeton University and Louisiana State University (LSU). I received an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton and a Ph.D. in Biology from LSU. As part of my doctoral work, I completed all coursework for a Ph.D. minor in Experimental Statistics. ...

Education

Princeton University

PhD

Lorenzo

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Lorenzo

BOE
Lorenzo's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm Lorenzo! I'm a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying engineering and education. Teaching has been a lifelong passion and in school I am a part of multiple tutoring organizations in the Philadelphia area. I am passionate about math and science (especially computer science), as ...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

BOE

Pauline

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Pauline

MS
Pauline's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Algebra
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

A PhD student at UT Southwestern Medical Center with master's-level training in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins, Pauline can step into biology, chemistry, or physical science lessons and keep students on track with whatever unit they're covering. She's particularly strong when substituting for chem...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

MS

Southern Methodist University

MS

Nico

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Nico

AB
Nico's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math

Nico's strengths sit squarely in humanities and math rather than deep science expertise, so he's honest about that. What he does bring to a substitute role is strong classroom rapport, organizational instincts honed through years of academic coaching, and enough comfort with data and quantitative re...

Education

Yale University

AB

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Straley

AP Statistics Tutor • +255 Subjects

I hold a Master's degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University. I tutored GED math for 3 years in college, so I have experience breaking down concepts for students with a variety of learning styles. I've also informally tutored other students in my math and science classes. My favorite part of working with students is seeing people's faces light up when they understand a tough concept. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, dancing, and listening to music.

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Megan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +55 Subjects

Hello parents and future students! I've been tutoring for more than six years now and have tons of experience working with learners of all ages. My teaching focuses on building confidence and encouraging vulnerability- we all make mistakes and tutoring helps us fix them! As for some background on myself, I'm a recent graduate of the University of Florida with a BS in Microbiology and Cell Science as well as two minors, one in history and one in Spanish. I'm currently pursuing an MS in Biomedical Sciences from Vanderbilt University before attending medical school in the future. I hope to get to know each and every one of you to help you reach your goals and achieve your dreams!

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Brooke

AP Statistics Tutor • +133 Subjects

Hi! I'm a student currently studying Government at Harvard, and I'm really looking forward to getting to work with you. I have experience tutoring high school students in a number of subjects, including math (Algebra 2 and Precalculus), English, History, and Spanish. I also have helped students write and revise college essays and supplementals. Additionally, I have experience with public speaking as captain of the Harvard Mock Trial team, which has awarded multiple times at the national championship. I'm happy to help with whatever you're looking for, and I feel strongly about catering my tutoring to each individual student's needs. I look forward to getting to work with you!

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Elias

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +99 Subjects

I am attending the University of Pennsylvania where I am majoring in Bioengineering on the premed track, with my goal after graduation to become an orthopedic surgeon. My passion for tutoring stems from a genuine love for helping people discover their strengths and succeed in their learning journey, much like guiding a friend through a challenging but rewarding adventure. My teaching philosophy centers on adaptability and personalized instruction, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of my students. As a tutor, I find immense joy in helping students navigate the field of STEM, while also sharing my enthusiasm for French and Arabic languages. Beyond academia, I am an avid explorer of the world, and I relish the beauty of cultural diversity. In my free time, I enjoy immersing myself in outdoor adventures, savoring diverse cuisines, and partaking in various athletic activities.

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Zoe

Elementary School Math Tutor • +29 Subjects

Hello, I hold two soon-to-be three Ivy League degrees, an undergrad and graduate degree from the University of Pennslyvania and I am currently getting a second Masters from Harvard in Education Leadership. I know what it takes to write an essay or application to get into your dream school and specialize in college application support. I guarantee if your student has a complete essay draft we can polish it in a single two-hour session. Additionally, I am a licensed elementary school teacher with a Master's in elementary education I have educational experience as a kindergarten teacher, second-grade reading tutor, and college readiness tutor. I am skilled in reading and math help in the lower grades K-2 for children who need support in those subjects.

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Monica

Middle School Math Tutor • +22 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Masters degree in Education and have been an Elementary and Middle School educator for over thirty years. I have worked with students in the inner city, suburbs, Appalachia, and Deep South. I love teaching and children, and have discovered my passion in tutoring students who are struggling in Reading and Math. I have taught children with learning disabilities to read, and coached students with dyscalculia in math and reading. I worked as a principal for the past eight years, so was working with students from Pre-K to 8th grade, coaching teachers, analyzing data, and tutoring individual students in math and reading. I have worked as a national park ranger in the past, so social studies and history are areas of strength. Students that I teach respond well to my teaching style and enjoy working with me. I believe that education is extremely important for children's futures and do everything that I can to help them be successful.

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Brianna

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +53 Subjects

I am in school at Grand Canyon University and am working on obtaining a degree in Elementary Education. I currently work full-time as a literacy interventionist in a local elementary school. I'm very good at staying organized and enjoy most school subjects.

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Sidharth

SAT Reading Tutor • +8 Subjects

Hi! My name is Sid Ravi; I am a current sophomore at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina! I am studying Economics, with a Finance concentration, Documentary Studies, and African and African American Studies. I have tutored for many years in subjects like the SAT, Math, and Sciences. I am a substitute teacher in Wake County, the capital county in North Carolina, and have been doing so for the past year and a half. I am very interested in tutoring you and look forward to working with you to meet your goals!

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Madison

Calculus Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a student at Vanderbilt University triple-majoring in Biology, Anthropology, and Medicine, Health & Society, graduating Spring 2023. I conduct sea turtle comparative pathology research with global collaborators and have published journal articles as primary and secondary author. I have extensive experience studying and communicating science topics like Biology, Environmental Science, and Chemistry. I also have a passion for English and enjoy helping students at any stage of the writing process - whether they simply have a prompt or a full paper to edit!

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Chantelle

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am currently a pre-med student at the University of Texas at Austin completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. Although I enjoy teaching other subjects such as math, I am most passionate about teaching science courses since that is what I am currently studying as well. Since I am completing my undergraduate degree, I still remember what it was like to be in high school. I am confident that I will be able to explain concepts in an easy way to understand, as well as give tips on how to succeed and apply to college.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Science Substitute tutors work with you to understand your student's specific curriculum, textbooks, and learning objectives before sessions begin. They review the topics being covered in class and tailor explanations to match how their school is presenting the material—whether that's following a particular textbook, state standards, or district-specific benchmarks. This alignment ensures that tutoring reinforces what students are learning in the classroom rather than introducing conflicting approaches.

Many students struggle with connecting abstract science concepts to real-world applications, memorizing vocabulary and processes without understanding why they matter, and building confidence with hands-on problem-solving. Personalized instruction addresses these challenges by breaking complex topics into smaller, manageable pieces, using examples relevant to the student's interests, and allowing time for questions and deeper exploration—something that's often limited in a traditional classroom. Tutors can also identify specific gaps in foundational knowledge (like math skills needed for physics) and address them directly.

Excellent Science Substitute tutors combine strong subject knowledge with the ability to explain complex ideas in accessible, engaging ways. They're patient with misconceptions, ask probing questions to check understanding, and adapt their teaching style to match how each student learns best. Great tutors also stay current with how science is taught at different grade levels and can connect concepts across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science—helping students see the big picture rather than isolated topics.

With consistent personalized instruction, students typically see improvements in test and quiz scores within 4-6 weeks, increased confidence asking questions and participating in class discussions, and a better ability to explain scientific concepts in their own words. Beyond grades, many students develop stronger critical thinking skills and curiosity about science. The timeline depends on the student's starting point and frequency of sessions, but even one session per week can lead to noticeable gains in understanding and academic performance.

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors across elementary science, middle school general science, and high school subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, environmental science, and AP/honors science courses. Tutors specialize in different grade levels and can match students with someone experienced in their specific course and academic level, whether the student is building foundational skills or preparing for advanced exams.

Absolutely. Tutors can help students prepare for science-based standardized tests, including state science assessments, AP Science exams, SAT Subject Tests, and science sections of the ACT and SAT. They focus on building both content mastery and test-taking strategies—like interpreting graphs, analyzing experimental data, and managing time effectively. Personalized preparation means tutors concentrate on the specific science topics and question types that challenge each individual student rather than reviewing everything.

Yes, many Science Substitute tutors can help students understand the scientific method, interpret lab results, write lab reports, and develop critical thinking skills needed for hands-on investigations. While they can't perform physical experiments during remote sessions, tutors can walk students through the reasoning behind experiments, help them understand why certain procedures matter, explain how to collect and analyze data, and guide them through documenting findings. This support is especially valuable when students need to understand lab concepts for class or assessments.

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