Meet Our Exceptional Teacher Tutors!

Meet our exceptional teachers! In addition to having master’s degrees, and classroom teaching experience, our teacher-tutors possess a unique collection of qualities, skills, and teaching abilities, such as communication with both parent and student, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy, and patience.

In addition to these basic qualifications, our teachers focus on conducting engaging sessions, while teaching best practices, coupled with creating and building relationships with each of their students, that inspire and motivate each to a lifelong love of learning.

Don’t take our word for it! Read what parents are saying about our teachers!

S4 Study Skills Teacher Kam I.

“An inspiring teacher needs to have a contagious passion for the subject matter…and clearly demonstrate that they care…[with] empathy and compassion…if the student doesn’t think you care, it doesn’t matter how interesting your lesson is”.

S4 Study Skills Teacher Jessica L.

“..From those moments when students display new found confidence towards [their] work… and becoming extremely enthusiastic about the material [allowing] them the opportunity to succeed at a level that perhaps before they never imagined.”

S4 Study Skills Teacher Elyssa H.

“You can’t inspire kids you don’t know. The focus needs to stay on getting to know each individual student. Kids don’t care how much you have to teach them until they know you care about them as more than students. And so you really have to start with that foundation.”

S4 Study Skills Teacher Nina H.

“What it takes to be an inspiring teacher is to love learning yourself and to let your genuine interest and passion come through to your students…and [when they know that you] authentically care about them…they are much open to learning…Our jobs as [S4] teachers is to make ourselves not needed..so they can apply the skills [on their own].”

S4 Study Skills Teacher Louie V.

“I have a deep passion for the subject of mathematics. The most important thing about being an inspiring teacher is caring about what you do. ..Students clearly respond to teachers that care about their progress.”

What Our Teachers Say

Why Families Should Use Successful Study Skills 4 Students

Why Study Skills So Important

S4 Study Skills & Online Teaching

How S4 Study Skills Improves Student Outcomes

Why Is S4 Study Skills Different From Other Tutoring Organizations

Teacher Bios

Elyssa H.

Educational Background: Tufts University, Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology. Masters of Education in Instructional Practice from Lipscomb University.

Why I Teach: Growing up, I was lucky enough to be placed in the care of incredible teachers who stretched my thinking and encouraged my love for learning. They did this, not by telling me what to think or be, but by showing me how much they thought I could accomplish. It is the curiosity and confidence instilled in me by them that I hope to pass on to each of my students. I have seen how easy it was for teachers and students alike to get swept up in storms of grades and testing, often forgetting that the most important aspects of education are not those that can be measured quantitatively. I teach to make sure my students receive both the academic and social-emotional education they need to become happy, unique, successful individuals.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: S4 is the first program I’ve found that truly focuses not on what students are learning but on how they are learning it. This curriculum enables students to more efficiently use their time and more effectively achieve their goals. It focuses on creating long-term habits that students can continue to use in high school, college, and beyond. By focusing on skills such as time management, planning, organization, summarizing, and questioning, S4 helps students take ownership of their education and more confidently approach challenges they meet throughout their lives. As students begin to implement this program, I see a clear shift from anxiety to motivation and engagement, showing me just how effective S4 can be.

Elyssa has been wonderful! We are very grateful to have found her and very much appreciate her help. We would definitely like to renew for another series. — Rachel Cohen, Westport, CT

Emelda B.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in English Adolescence Education (7-12) at SUNY Cortland. English literature MA program at Stony Brook University (Summer 2021- Present)

Why I Teach: As the daughter of immigrant parents, my education has always been a gift I embrace. My mother came to the States to build a better future for her children and to later gift me the possibilities of success and growth. Education gave me the courage to go away to college, the bravery to travel to Germany, and the life lessons to be a mindful educator.

This past year I realized that I teach because of where my teaching brings my students. Seeing my students become better communicators, readers, writers, and creative individuals has been so refreshing. One important thing I have learned as an educator is that I don’t need to be the teacher I needed growing up, instead, I need to be the teacher my students need. Times are changing, education is transforming, and I want to be able to teach my students how to be well-educated and well-rounded individuals who are open-minded to change.

With a Master of Arts in English degree, I am continuing to read great literature, learn about the world, and grow into a better educator. And so here I am today, proud of what education has given me and excited to see what it will continue to give me.

What I Like About S4: As I am currently still a grad student myself, I realize that study skills are far more than just passing classes, courses, or assessments. Study skills allow students to be better readers, note-catchers, and problem-solvers. Study skills invite conversation for time management and organizational skills, which are life skills that students can bring to any field in any profession. I started implementing mini-study lessons for my high school students because as they transition to a new stage of their life, they must learn how to juggle their education, personal life, and hobbies or sports. Implementing healthy habits now makes life less stressful and gives students a sense of accomplishment. These skills eventually help students manage their lives better so when they do go out into the real world, they walk away with goal-oriented minds.

My son was struggling with organization and focus during his first year of high school. S4 provided someone who is currently a teacher to both serve as a tutor, study/school skills coach and mentor. My son has a great relationship with her and it’s taken some stress out of our relationship with our son so we don’t have to constantly remind him to do homework/study. Study skills have been especially helpful. — Debby CT, Weston, Connecticut

JacklyS_Successful_Study_Skills_4_Students_Teacher

Jacklyn S.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Double major in marketing and management from Manhattan College. Masters of Adolescent English Education (7th-12th) from Molloy College.

Why I Teach: For me, education has always been about empowerment. When I was a student, going to school and doing well in my classes invigorated me and pushed me to be a better person. Teaching allows me the opportunity to pass on this mindset to younger generations. Teaching also allows me the chance to connect with students who are still finding their way when it comes to figuring out what pathway they’d like to pursue in life. There are so many teachers I had while growing up who very literally changed my life and my trajectory. Their feedback and encouragement to be the best version of myself inspired me to never settle for anything less than a career that excites and fulfills me.

I am also passionate about literacy as a life skill. Teaching English specifically allows me the space to teach my students through literature, storytelling, and writing. This, for me, is a huge opportunity to instill social-emotional strategies into my daily interactions with students, whether that be in the classroom or through virtual tutoring. I believe that the right book at the right time can change a life for the better, which is another important aspect of why I teach.

What I Like About S4: Education is so much more than memorizing facts and writing essays. Especially with the way education has shifted over the past few years, education has become a space where students can and should learn how to manage the demands of life in a world where there are very literally ten million distractions all the time. S4 encourages and teaches students to become the self-sufficient and independent individuals that they are capable of becoming. S4 teaches skills that students can take with them for a lifetime – after their secondary schooling and into college, career, and far beyond. I believe in the strategies that S4 teaches, and I have seen the success and new heights that these strategies empower students to reach in their classes. Being organized, dedicated, and diligent is more important than ever in this technological world that we live in. I believe in S4 because it allows me the opportunity to help students feel less stressed in a world where there are constant demands that can take a person away from realizing their full potential.

My child, who is in middle school, would be emotional and stressed before certain exams or completing writing assignments. Her grades were all As but what she went through to achieve this was too much and not sustainable. I wanted for her to learn study skills and organizational skills that would help her with her schoolwork and through life. And that is exactly what she learned during her time with Jaclyn at S4 Study Skills. She no longer stresses before assignments and is more prepared. This enables her to be more balanced in her emotions when it comes to schoolwork. It was a great experience. — Debbie S., Westport, Connecticut

Jessica L.

Educational Background: Graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Sociology. Earned Masters of Arts in English Education from Columbia University, Teachers College.

Why I Teach: Teaching is an ongoing process of construction and transformation where the infinite power of knowledge allows for perpetual future growth. As a life-long learner, I sincerely enjoy the journey of working with today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. This personal passion of mine truly emerged when I majored in English at Georgetown University. While working towards my Bachelor of Arts degree, I was afforded a wonderful opportunity to teach in several underprivileged Washington, D.C. classrooms with quite moving leaders and keen students. With an innate yearning to help further their learning and mission, I instantly knew education was my personal calling. Following my undergraduate experience, I started teaching around the clock in New York City as I completed my Masters degree at Columbia University, Teachers College. Since then, I have taught reading, writing, literature, executive functioning, and much more to a wide range of students in a multitude of different contexts over the last fifteen years.

Above all – I teach to inspire; I teach to instill the vast value of development into my students’ lives and make their educational experiences both moving and meaningful. And as a passionate and dedicated teacher, I continually explore the dual power of practice and pedagogy to grow as an enlightened educator as time evolves.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: A successful final product is the result of a steady, efficient, and productive process. The S4 curriculum effectively prepares students for achievement because it focuses on the entire system rather than just the end goal. When studying for an exam or preparing for a project, S4 students utilize key organizational strategies and structures to map out their plan down to the most integral details. The S4 system values time management and helps students navigate their workload around extra-curricular activities, sports, jobs, and more. Further, S4 offers students multiple tactics and techniques to aid in personal note taking, summarization, and even memorization. S4 recognizes each student as a unique learner and supports individualized learning through appropriate differentiation and one-on-one tutoring. Students are continually given the tools to succeed and offered an incredible support system to sustain personal growth and development.

“Jessica was absolutely fabulous. She worked so well with our son. Thank you so much for matching us up with such an amazing teacher. We could not be happier.” — Deborah Sallaberry, Ridgefield, CT

private-tutor-teacher-s4-study-skills-Fairfield-County-CT-Westchester-NY-online

Kameron I.
Director of Curriculum

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Boston College. Master’s Degree in Secondary English Education from Fairfield University.

Why I Teach: My interest in teaching started as a child because my father is a music professor. During my undergraduate years at Boston College, I developed a love for writing essays and discussing literature. Several professors suggested that I consider teaching, so after I graduated, I decided to substitute teach in Ridgefield, CT, to figure out whether teaching was for me. I loved it. I applied to be an Americorps teaching fellow in New Haven, CT, teaching English at Saint Martin de Porres Academy (SMPA). After volunteering for two years, I continued teaching at SMPA for three years while I earned my master’s degree at Fairfield University. My experiences at SMPA and Fairfield confirmed my passion for education and motivated me to become a lifelong teaching professional.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: I discovered S4 when the president of Saint Martin de Porres Academy (SMPA) brought the organization to my attention. I like the S4 curriculum’s emphasis on developing better habits. Studying is not an isolated action that happens before a test, but a system of good habits that students should practice routinely. S4 supports students in a systematic, user-friendly way, teaching students how to take notes while reading and during class, how to use a planner and pace long-term assignments, and how to engage in the learning process by asking questions, using visuals, and summarizing. If students practice these habits consistently, studying becomes a steady process of learning every day rather than an urgent task of memorizing the night before an exam. I love that students leave the S4 workshops feeling more confident and less stressed about school.

“Kam has had a very positive impact on our son’s approach to his school work as well as his writing. One of the strongest benefits has been how Kam has taught our son how to apply himself to multiple projects, and how to break tasks down. He really respects Kam and doesn’t like to disappoint him, which results in his working hard independently in between their tutoring sessions. Further, Kam has impacted our son as a life mentor, more than I think Kam realizes. Their general chit chats have encouraged our son to think more broadly about topics, and be more thoughtful about his own opinions and critical thought. Our son is not well read, but Kam is, so their current events/cultural discussions have really been educational beyond the academic work. Kam’s involvement has also allowed my wife and I to maintain a positive and cheerful dynamic with our son, since we no longer check to see if homework has been completed. Kam is a pleasure to see every week, is very polite, flexible and responds to our texts promptly.” — David B., Darien, CT

elementary-tutor-teacher-s4-study-skills-algebra-geometry-pre-calc-pre-calculus-Fairfield-County-CT-Westchester-NY-online

Lauren L.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in English and minor in Spanish from Fairfield University, Masters in Secondary English Education from Fairfield University, Sixth Year Certificate in TESOL at Fairfield University. Lauren is certified to teach grades 7-12 and has experience teaching the ACT/SAT.

Why I Teach: I love how wonderfully unique each classroom environment is. I’ve had the privilege of working in different school districts with students of all grade levels and English Language proficiencies. I truly enjoy getting to know my students. I believe the student/teacher relationship should be based on trust and respect because it is difficult to learn something new. I try to make my students feel valued and I enjoy facilitating experiences to give my students a voice to express themselves. I am grateful for their belief in themselves and me. I enjoy learning from them just as much as teaching them. It’s a team effort!

What I like about the S4 Curriculum: I believe the S4 curriculum’s emphasis on breaking down planning and study skills into manageable chunks is essential for success in school and life beyond. At first, studying for a test and getting organized may seem overwhelming, but with practice, you can use these skills to manage your workload in any subject area. I also think being able to apply these skills on a regular basis will enable you to become a more independent and responsible student. It’s a great feeling to be accountable for your work, and have the results as well!

”My rising 4th grader was a terrible reader, and hated it. Your tutoring has built up his reading stamina and comprehension. He is now excited to read and looks forward to his tutoring session, and he is even reading to his younger sisters!” — Susan Spencer, Miami, Florida

Maddy S.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Davidson College. Master of Science in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Why I Teach: I joined Teach for America out of college and was inspired by my students’ determination to learn and grow. I admired their work ethic and commitment and worked each day for the benefit of my students. In the 2019-2020 school year, I received a Fulbright Fellowship to Madrid, Spain, where I learned to apply my teaching knowledge in a different cultural context. My goal is to help students build their curiosity, resourcefulness, and initiative so they can be agents and advocates of their own learning. I have worked with students with a wide range of intellectual and emotional needs and work to sharpen their academic skills and therefore their confidence as well.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: I like the S4 curriculum because it emphasizes the skills necessary to be a lifelong learner. The S4 curriculum provides students the tools and resources to become active participants in their own learning through opportunities to explicitly learn and practice the skills needed to be successful in the immediate and long-term future.

Mandy M.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in English from Iona University; Masters in Adolescent English Education (Grades 7-12) from Fordham University; Masters in Adolescent Special Education (Grades 7-12) from Fordham University

Why I Teach: I had a wonderful professor in college who inspired me to become a teacher. He was brilliant beyond his years, and his passion for literature ignited my love for reading and writing. That is when I realized that sometimes it only takes one person – one person who shares their love of knowledge and helps you realize your full potential. My goal is to help students empower themselves through education. I always tell my students that knowledge is the one thing that no one can take from them; once they learn something, it’s theirs to keep forever.

I also teach because I want to make sure that every student has a chance to succeed. I have worked with students in grades four through twelve, in both a general education and a special education setting. I pride myself in providing students with the tools they need to become successful. Most people know the phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in one day,” but they do not know the second half of the quote, which is “but they were laying bricks every hour.” Learning a new concept takes time, but I am patient and provide my students with the skills, resources, and mentoring they need to build a strong foundation of knowledge that will last them a lifetime.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: I like that the skills taught in the S4 curriculum help students become agents of their own learning, making them more confident and independent in handling academic challenges. The evidence-based skills learned in the S4 curriculum are not used temporarily; they are used to ensure academic success and success in life beyond school. Most importantly, they have been proven to help students adapt to new environments in a healthy way, manage their time, and reduce anxiety, all of which lead to a healthier and more balanced approach to school and life.

Sara R.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in English; Bachelor of Science in Education; Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut

Why I Teach: From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Growing up with a mother and grandmother who were educators, teaching felt like a natural choice. I began my career as an English teacher, and I quickly discovered a passion for working with students with exceptionalities. I actively sought roles in Special Education co-taught classes and later worked at a therapeutic outplacement school for students with language-based learning disabilities. I also worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist for students with ASD. In these roles, I supported my students with their academic, social, and emotional development and I honed my ability to understand and support diverse learning needs. Ultimately, I decided to pursue my Special Education teaching certification; I am now dual certified in Special Education (K-12) and English (7-12).

Teaching is incredibly fulfilling. I take pride in being a safe and encouraging presence and helping students reach their full potential. What I value most is the learning I gain from my students through their resilience, their ability to turn challenges into strengths, and the transformative power of empathy and compassion.

What I Like About the S4 Curriculum: I like the S4 curriculum because it aligns with my belief that effective education goes beyond traditional content delivery and focuses on how students learn and manage their educational experience. I have experience teaching both English and Special Education in outplacement and self-contained classrooms, and I’ve seen firsthand how essential study skills are for student success. S4’s emphasis on time management, organization, and strategic thinking resonates deeply with my philosophy of fostering lifelong skills. The program’s approach equips students with tools for academic and real-world achievement by instilling habits that promote independence and confidence.

Victoria M

Victoria M.

Educational Background: CUNY Queens College, Master’s degree in Teaching English 7-12, and Dual Bachelor’s Degree in English and Childhood Education 1-6. NY Certified to teach grades 1-6 and English to grades 7-12.

Why I Teach: I’ve always had a love for children and teaching since I was a little girl attempting to teach my younger cousins how to read. As I was student teaching, I grew to love teaching literacy. In my first year teaching, I ended up teaching 5th grade reading and I felt like I found what I loved to do and decided to go back to school to specialize in teaching English Language Arts and further my certification to grades 7-12. I’ve been a dedicated NYC Public School teacher for over 5 years. I’ve learned through my experience that students need to be encouraged and affirmed. My goal is to give students the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to be successful academically.

What I like about the S4 Curriculum: The S4 curriculum provides students with the skills, tools, and strategies they need to become successful lifelong learners. My teaching philosophy focuses on making sure students have the skills needed to be independent learners when they leave my classroom. I believe that it’s not always about what content you teach, but more about the students learning how to learn. Many of the tools, resources, and strategies that are provided to students through S4’s curriculum are things that I had to learn on my own in college. The S4 curriculum allows students to take charge of their learning in the classroom as well as in their daily lives. Through my teaching experience, Students need to take responsibility for their work and work efforts, and the S4 curriculum gives them the road map allowing them to do just that.

Will C.

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics (minor) from Tufts University

Why I Teach: The root of why I enjoy teaching I think comes from my parents. They met as teachers at a private school in NYC. In high school, I began by teaching tennis over the summers and worked my up to Camp Director. I also taught guitar lessons as well. After graduating college, I found a profound passion for writing, and several years later, I lucked out and sold a TV show to FOX. Still, my passion for teaching persisted. Even while making a living as a writer, I work part-time as a teacher at Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), a non-profit for underprivileged kids in the Yonkers school district. Here, I teach both Earth Science and Biology, as well as writing. I’ve been working there for 3 years now. I think in any profession, you often chase a certain “high.” In finance, it might be that big bonus. In comedy, it might be a laugh. In teaching, it’s that moment where something clicks for a student – that AHA moment. I can’t get enough of that.

What I like about the S4 Curriculum: The content of what you teach is certainly important. However, what I believe is just as important (if not more so) is HOW kids learn. To me, this is the most under-appreciated aspect of education. If the content is there, but the techniques to absorb that content are lacking, then the whole thing is a wash. I have a unique understanding of this, having had some learning issues when I was very young. My parents, however (both having been teachers) recognized this early, and I was lucky enough to get the extra help I needed. A lot of that help involved learning how to learn, as opposed to just what to learn. Later, with this new knowledge, I was able to thrive in high school and eventually go to a great school. This is exactly what the S4 Curriculum strives for, and the techniques and methods used are some of the exact strategies that helped me. I feel very fortunate and am excited to pass this on to the next generation.

“At first, Ben was very resistant to tutoring, but as he got to know Will, he came to look forward to his online sessions, and actually asked for more. Will kept my son accountable and on-track, teaching and helping him to be responsible for his work. What was especially gratifying was to see my son gradually become more of an independent student.” — Sonia Brown, Summit, New Jersey

Mathematics, Science, Physics, SAT/ACT Teachers

Zander teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Physics, and Honors Physics

Alexander (Zander) M . (Mathematics and Sciences)

Educational Background: BS in Natural Science with Concentrations in Chemistry and History from the University of Pittsburgh, Summa Cum Laude. Texas Educator Certification in Composite Science (7-12) and Social Studies (7-12).

Why I Teach Science:I have always been passionate about science. As a kid, I loved learning how the natural world comes apart and back together in discrete pieces. I’ve always loved the language, the vocabulary, the diagrams, and the ideas of science. Teaching has been a natural passion of mine as well. I tutored in High School and College, before formally becoming a science teacher. I understand how frustrating and sometimes boring science classes can be and I like the challenge of making hard things easy and boring things interesting for students. I enjoy helping kids who struggle with science be successful and improve. I have a wide range of experience working with and teaching the sciences.

Of Note: Zander teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Physics, and Honors Physics

Catherine C. math teacher, science teacher

Catherine C. (Mathematics and Life Sciences)

Educational Background: I hold a bachelor’s in secondary education with a concentration in life sciences, as well as my teaching certification in this same subject area. I focused in mathematics through my time at the University of Maine.

Why I Teach: I love teaching because I like to encourage my students to think for themselves and to always ask why. As a science teacher, I think it is important that students not only learn the concepts but understand how things work and why they work this way. Science is more than just theories and definitions. It is all about the way the world is connected and how forces work against each other. I love it when students ask challenging questions because it allows me to think outside the box and think about things in different ways!

I share a love for mathematics as well. The way I think about math and science is that there is a bridge that connects both. Mathematics is like the “coding” for science because it helps to explain specific scientific concepts. I like to relate these when I am teaching a course because both subject matters are important to each other. When students have strong math skills, it helps them to succeed in those more challenging science classes in the future. I think this helps to set them up for success.

Crystal C. (Mathematics)

Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Why I Teach Mathematics: Math has been a passion of mine since I was in elementary school. It has always been a subject that excites me. I love seeing students light up when they learn a new concept and feel so accomplished. I believe everyone has the ability to learn math but needs to find a way that fits their learning style. I love helping students figure out their learning styles and working with them to find strategies that make the most sense for them. My favorite part of teaching math is when they say, ” Wow, math is actually pretty easy!” I love that they finally see that math does not have to be scary and that everyone has the ability to learn it with practice. I also love to show them how math applies to the real world and how math is important in all areas of life.

Why I Teach: I love teaching because I love seeing students grow from learning new material. I love building those connections with students where they feel comfortable asking questions to gain understanding. I remember my favorite classes were always the ones where the teacher was interesting, funny and kept us engaged. I loved how they made me feel in their class even if I was not fond of that particular subject. I always said I wanted to be one of those teachers that inspired me to try my best!

Henry H. (Mathematics)

Educational Background: B.S. Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University at College Station, M.S. Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Math 8-12 teacher certification

Why I Teach Mathematics: I believe that math is the language of nature with its own vocabulary and universal set of rules. I want to help the learner establish a connection with this language, initially serving as a translator with the ultimate goal of helping the student establish fluency with mathematics. I also believe that being a good mathematician also means being a good communicator. I want students to be able to write and argue clearly in a way that another reader can follow when it comes to mathematics. I know that the world that students are growing into will be a competitive place, and a strong knowledge of mathematics may supply them with an advantage as they mature into adulthood. I feel a sense of responsibility and drive to contribute my part to help prepare our students for this future.

Of Note: Henry teaches AP Statistics, AP Calculus A/B, and AP Calculus B/C, and is a College Board AP Statistics Reader

Our tutor, Henry has been terrific. He has been awesome in helping our 11th grader in pre-calc and SAT math prep. Highly recommend!” — Elizabeth Shelton, Westport, CT

math, mathematics

Jennifer L. (Mathematics)

Educational Background: B.A. Mathematics from the University of North Texas, B.S. Biochemistry from the University of North Texas, M.S. Mathematics from Texas A&M University at Central Texas, Texas Math 8-12 teacher certification

Why I Teach Mathematics: I have a love for mathematics and how it connects the world. I understand that math is a tool developed over hundreds of years by brilliant thinkers and I enjoy contributing to its rich history by teaching curious minds to think critically. I have taught mathematics courses ranging from algebra up to and including Calculus 3. In every class that I have instructed, I maintain the goal of teaching students to confidently explore and solve problems using a combination of logic and strategies that they have learned. Regardless of their chosen major or field, problem-solving will be essential to their success!

Chemistry_Physics_Astronomy_Science_teacher_tutor

Juan M. (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy)

Educational Background: B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester in New York, Texas Composite Science (8th-12th) Teacher Certification

Why I Teach: My first job was working as a tutor for a non-profit organization in New York City when I was in high school. I did very well in my Biology Regents examination and was tasked with helping other high school students pass their end-of-course state exam. I decided to major in Neuroscience when I went to college, and during the summer vacations, I would work as a tutor for another non-profit community organization in my neighborhood teaching students basic skills in reading and math. When I graduated from the University of Rochester, I worked for the Mount Sinai Hospital Rehabilitation Medicine Department desiring to gain some experience as a research assistant in the medical field so that I could pursue a medical degree. After working in a hospital for about a year, and comparing that experience to the fulfillment I derived from teaching students, I decided that I would give full-time public school teaching a try. I got accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows Program in 2003, and have been working as a full-time public school science teacher ever since. The job is intense and challenging, but extraordinarily rewarding, and I wake up every morning looking forward to serving as a guide for students in the domains of rational critical thinking skills and the application of the golden rule as an ethical imperative.

Why I Teach Science: Science is, at its core, a practical method for arriving at answers to questions that can only be answered through empirical experimentation. The methodology of science is the pure pursuit of rational truths about laws that provide order to our universe. Helping students build a solid foundation of rational truth-seeking is my passion. Since we live in the information age, I believe that the task of empowering students with the skill set to be able to apply the scientific method to questions that can be answered empirically will give them the ability to employ a broad-based logical approach to other areas of their life, leading them to make decisions that are backed by rationality and sound insight, improving the likelihood that they will reap the benefits of a well-developed reasoning capacity in all domains of their life.

Of Note:  Juan teaches the following: AP Physics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics, Honors Physics,  Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Astronomy

Marc M., SAT and ACT tutor, mathematics tutor, Westchester, NY, Fairfield County, Greenwich, Darien, CT.

Marc M. (SAT/ACTs, Mathematics)

Educational Background: BS Finance Penn State University Park, minors in International Business and Italian. Member of Gamma Kappa Alpha, The Italian National Honor Society.

Why I Teach: I started helping my younger siblings and their friends with the SAT and continued to work for Penn State’s University Learning Centers. Since I’ve been tutoring all levels of math up to and including calculus and standardized tests full-time for over ten years. In particular, I have established myself as a passionate SAT/ACT tutor, known for my comprehensive understanding of exam content and effective test-taking strategies. My approach is tailored to each student’s unique learning style and areas of improvement, ensuring personalized sessions that build both skill and confidence. Through patience, encouragement, and a structured curriculum, I have successfully guided hundreds of students toward achieving their desired scores, often surpassing their expectations. My dedication to teaching and genuine care for my students’ success makes me a trusted partner in their academic journeys.

“When it came time to find a tutor to help my daughter with the SATs I knew Successful Study Skills 4 students was the right fit. My son has worked with them in the past and they have been terrific. My daughter worked with Marc for her SAT prep. He was patient and very understanding. He was also very flexible with scheduling the sessions. I highly recommend S4!” – Kimberly Lax, Stamford, CT

Victor G., S4 Study Skills Teacher-Tutor in Physics, Physics Honors, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, and AP Physics C: Mechanics & Electromagnetism

Victor G. (AP Physics 1, 2, and C, Mechanics & Electromagnetism)

Educational Background: B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Dallas, M.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas Southwestern, Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Composite Science (Grades 8th-12th) Texas Educator Certificate, English as a Second Language (Grades 8th -12th) Texas Educator Certificate

Why I Teach: As a graduate student, I spent countless hours designing and conducting research experiments, collecting, and analyzing my experimental data as I pursued answers to unanswered questions. It was challenging and hard work. There were days when I felt that I had accomplished nothing. On the other hand, there were days when I would look at my results and see the small breakthrough that would bring me one step closer to the answers I sought. However, out of all those days, I most looked forward to the days when I would have to stand in front of my professors and classmates, present to them what I had discovered, and explain to them why it was important. As I walked them through my thought process and explained my results to them, I could feel my knowledge passing along to them and it would make me realize that all those countless hours of hard work were worth it. As a teacher, I am fortunate enough to be able to experience that every day as I pass along my knowledge and love of learning to my students.

Why I Teach Science: On the surface being a science teacher might seem to be about providing students with the general knowledge of the facts of the various disciplines of science. However, my goal as a science teacher is not to just teach my students what scientists know, but also to teach them how to think like a scientist. I teach them how to observe the world around them, ask questions that might not have obvious answers, and develop critical thinking skills essential to engage in scientific inquiry and argumentation to answer those questions. Science allows us to understand why things happen the way they do. Through the knowledge of science and the skills that come with a strong science education, I hope that my students will gain a better insight into the “how” and the “why” of our world.

Of Note: Victor has over 15 years of experience teaching and developing curriculum materials for Physics, Physics Honors, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, and AP Physics C: Mechanics & Electromagnetism.

Kelsie J. (Spanish)

Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Secondary Education with a minor in English from Fort Hays State University. Master of Arts in Spanish from Kansas State University.

Why I Teach: It all started during a volunteer teaching opportunity in my community. I was tasked with teaching English phrases to students who were learning the language. The look in a few particular students’ eyes when they understood a new concept for the first time and could use it in their daily lives was such a rush! That day, I learned that I’m passionate about helping people learn new skills that allow them to improve their lives and I believe that being a Spanish teacher allows me to do that every day.
 
Why I Teach Spanish: I fell in love with the Spanish language in college after traveling to Guatemala, Peru, and studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. At the time, I was an English major studying English grammar and literature. I was absolutely captivated by discovering the similarities and differences that exist in Spanish and English. This comparison strategy is one I still utilize with my students today. I know that learning a new language can be a very intimidating and vulnerable experience, so I draw from what students already know by being proficient English speakers to make the learning process more comfortable and enjoyable. I love Spanish and I want my students to love it as well!

“Our Spanish tutor for my high school son was absolutely phenomenal- very engaging and helped him enormously.” – Jennifer Engel, Ridgefield, CT

Stephanie S. (French, ELL)

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in French; Masters Degree in Education for the Advanced Studies of Teaching and Learning of World Languages

Why I Teach: I fell into teaching when I came home from 18 months abroad studying at the Alliance Français and then the Sorbonne. I was a long-term substitute in a rural school district that needed a French Teacher. Establishing positive rapport with the students, I was excited to share with them the often fascinating and diverse cultures of the world outside their farms. Teaching for me has been a way to give back to young people the joy and wonder that I have found in my learning.

Why I Teach French: “If you speak to a man in a language, that goes to his head. If you speak to a man in his language, it goes to his heart.” (Author Unknown). I understand the global impact of being multilingual on both career and life opportunities. Learning other languages for me is like solving a linguistic and cultural puzzle. I’ve lived and studied in two francophone countries, done homestays in Costa Rica and Germany, visited numerous other countries, and studied over six languages. I enjoy finding ways to unlock the linguistic codes and breaking down the vocabulary and grammar. I want to make language learning fun, the grammar concepts easy to understand, and raise students’ confidence in their ability to learn another language. I’m passionate about being a globally-minded citizen and it’s my passion to instill this same love in my students.