"Hello! My name is Sofia, and I’m a student at the University of Illinois majoring in Middle Grades Education. I’ve dedicated my studies to helping students learn in ways that truly make sense to them, focusing on long-term understanding rather than short-term memorization that’s easily forgotten. I worked as a lead math instructor for three years, tutoring groups of 2 to 5 students at a time in elementary, middle, and high school, and I’ve also independently tutored students from 1st through 12th grade in math. In addition, I have experience supporting bilingual learners in Portuguese and understand the sensitivities and challenges that come with being a multilingual student.

My approach centers on understanding each individual student’s learning style, identifying where they struggle and what motivates them. During our first session, we’ll work together to uncover any gaps in prior knowledge that may cause challenges later on and build a solid foundation for lasting comprehension. My goal is for students not only to find the correct answers but to truly understand why each step works, so they can confidently apply that reasoning to new and more complex concepts. Whatever a student’s goal may be, whether improving grades, preparing for tests, or simply feeling more confident in class, I’m here to help them tackle those challenges and reach their full potential." less...