"Dear Future Student (and Parents),

I’m a fully licensed middle school teacher holding an active Illinois Professional Educator License in Middle Grades Science and English Language Arts. I earned my Bachelor’s in Middle Level Education (Science major, ELA minor) from Eastern Illinois University and am most passionate about working with 6th–8th graders. The age when curiosity is sky-high and real growth happens fast with the right support.

My training included years of middle school placements and student teaching, where I led hands-on science labs (chemical reactions, forces, ecosystems) and taught reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing across genres. In 2023–2024 I taught 7th–8th grade science full-time at Ludlow Elementary and covered 5th–8th grade ELA in combined classes, learning to differentiate instantly for students years apart in skill and age.

My favorite experience, though, was co-leading a voluntary after-school program with my wife. In small groups of 1–5 students (grades 1–8), we tackled whatever they needed; science projects, tough texts, essays, or homework. Several students who started below grade level finished at or above it, and several students jumped a full year in reading. Those quick, visible gains reminded me how powerful consistent one-on-one attention can be.

That’s why I’m thrilled to tutor online again. I love making science fizz and pop on camera with safe, household experiments and walking step-by-step through reading and writing challenges. My style is patient yet purposeful: we pinpoint exactly where you are, close gaps of knowledge, and push forward with clear explanations and plenty of “aha” moments.

Whether you’re stuck on photosynthesis, dreading essays, prepping for tests, or aiming ahead, I’d love to help. Science is my first love, but I truly enjoy ELA too (just give me a little prep time!).

Looking forward to working together!

Best regards,

Mr. S." less...