"I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Campbell University. While I performed research in Organic Chemistry and served as a General Chemistry laboratory instructor for two years, I consider my role as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader for Organic Chemistry to be my most cherished accomplishment as an undergraduate. I designed and led biweekly sessions to review and extend my students' knowledge of Organic Chemistry. My main approach was and is to guide students to the answers for difficult problems, rather than simply telling them. I never tire of seeing the surprise in a student's face, when they realize that by working through a comprehensive problem step-by-step, they had mastered previously inaccessible concepts. This big picture approach to learning paid off for my students, who ranked near the top of the class each semester.

Aside from my SI approach, I also specialize in tutoring general, organic, and inorganic chemistry. My teaching approach is to continuously challenge students, but guide them at the same time. I still promote critical thinking, but I do not go above a student's head. I provide the learning tools and as much information as is needed, then I will let student's solve as much of a problem as they are confident with. As a student's confidence increases, I allow them to become increasingly independent thinkers, while insuring that they are learning the fundamental concepts of chemistry. If a student is struggling or a beginner in the field of chemistry, I modify my approach to meet his or her needs. My goal is to increase students' confidence and knowledge, not to leave them overwhelmed.

Depending on the student and circumstances, I may assign homework, challenge problems, or help students with their real assignments. There will always be discussion about what's been learned and I evaluate how a student is responding to my techniques. I adapt my tutoring to different learning styles and I will always care about my students' education as much they them" less...