"Hi there!

I'm Leyla, and as a current undergraduate student at Duke University, I am committed to facilitating active learning. Having navigated the competitive college admissions process and completed advanced coursework, I understand the pressures students face today---and hope to help alleviate them. With a 1550+ SAT, 35 ACT, and two research projects, I am determined to provide more than just knowledge. I plan to help students bridge the gap between understanding a concept and communicating it masterfully.

My teaching experience is diverse and caters to a variety of students. I served as an AP Biology TA and Neuroscience tutor during my senior year of high school, where I coached student groups for the AP exam and the national Brain Bee competition. In these sessions, I learned to use the Socratic approach to challenge students' thinking and visual tools to ground abstract theories in reality. I also specialize in Psychology, having earned a 5 on the AP exam and completed Psychology 101 (from basic neuroanatomy to social psychology, I've got you covered!).

Beyond STEM, I led weekly small-group speech tutoring sessions as a 2x National Qualifier in Speech & Debate, where we practiced the writing and delivery of impromptu and prepared speeches---focusing on consistent practical application over theory. After tutoring piano for 3 years to 7 clients (ages ranging from 6 to 65), I then learned the value of pivoting my instruction style to accommodate a student's unique learning style and pace.

This unique learning style includes language. My experience studying Spanish and Russian (scoring functional fluency in both via Global Seal of Biliteracy) gives me a unique advantage when working with ESL learners, where I can help non-native speakers refine their academic vocabulary and find their voice in English.

Lastly, I offer college admissions coaching and am willing to leverage my experience at a T10 school to help students craft compelling narratives.

Looking forward to connecting!" less...