What I Believe

Every student can learn, and each student has their own specific way of doing so. Think of it like DNA. We all have the same basic structures (bones, hair, etc.), but how those structures show up in each person and the exact combination of traits (a little more of this, a bit less of that) are unique to the individual. The brain operates the same way. It is, after all, part of the body.

For better or for worse, standardized tests are a metric that we as a society have chosen to use as an indicator of academic potential. While they certainly do not capture anywhere near the totality of a student’s abilities, they are an effective proxy for skills that are crucial in college. That’s why they have been around for such a long time. As I often tell students, “There can be a thousand different reasons for doing poorly on the test, but there is only one reason for doing well on it: you are good at the skills it tests.”

The benefit of one-on-one sessions is, of course, that I can tailor the presentation of information to the student’s exact learning needs. However, the most vital component of effective tutoring is the relationship. Kids are people first and students second. This principle guides how I treat my students, and I believe it is responsible for a large part of their success.

I do not have a template or predetermined script for my work with a student. How a session proceeds is determined by the specific traits and needs of the person in front of me. There are as many paths to success as there are students, and I am here to help your child find theirs.