"Hi, I’m Denise! I have a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, as well as a master’s degree in elementary education. I realized I was meant to teach when I was finishing up my undergraduate degree; I was volunteering regularly at one of the local elementary schools and absolutely loved it! While I was pursuing my master’s degree I worked as a substitute teacher and that confirmed for me that teaching was my calling.

Once I completed my degree in 2004, I began teaching elementary school near Washington DC. While working as a first grade teacher in the DC metro area, I took courses to become a math specialist and served as the math contact as well as the third and fourth grade math tutor for my school. After several years I moved to a third grade position at the same school. Along with teaching, tutoring after school, and maintaining my position as the school math contact, I also started an after school cupcake decorating club for the students at my school. Then, in 2017 I moved to central New York and took a position teaching pre-algebra and engineering by design. While in that position I privately tutored high school and college students. In 2021 I accepted my current position to teach grade 5 science. I have loved every teaching position and grade, but my current position is especially fun because I love getting students interested in learning science!

My method of tutoring is to start by helping students gain confidence in their learning process. During the first few sessions I try to establish how the student I'm working with learns best (visually, auditorily, etc.), and teach primarily using that method. For all my students I also try to give them insight to their learning styles so they can capitalize on them going forward. Additionally, I help my students plan out their study time and manage assignments. I believe students respond so well to genuine praise and encouragement, so I prioritize frequently providing them with genuine positive feedback." less...