Laura
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of the Master's program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, in addition to holding a BFA in Musical Theatre from Belmont University. Since graduating from high school, I have lived in a variety of places, including Nashville, Northern California, London, and, most recently, New York. Due in part to my background in the performing arts, I am most excited about teaching literature, reading comprehension, and English. I also am passionate about helping students polish essays and language skills in preparation for the SAT and ACT. I am a big believer in the values of a strong education, and am committed to helping people develop the skills they will need for the next chapter. In my spare time, I love to see live theater, attend concerts, play with dogs, and read historical biographies.
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Undergraduate Degree: Belmont University - Bachelors, Musical Theatre
Graduate Degree: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art - Masters, Classical Acting for the Professional Theater
- ACT English: 33
- ACT Reading: 34
Theatre, books, movies, musicals. I love to see live theatre and concerts!
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Science
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Science
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 5th Grade Science
- 5th Grade Writing
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- College English
- Comparative Literature
- Elementary
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- Homework Support
- Literature
- Other
- Phonics
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
I try to see a lecture as a conversation between myself and the student. I encourage questions and discussion in order to gauge his or her levels of understanding of the course material.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I would make sure that the lines of communication are open between us. I want to know if the student is having trouble understanding something that he can absolutely ask me any question without feeling self-conscious.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I can help encourage independent learning skills by taking the time to talk through the thought process behind each new academic skill. If the techniques we use together are practiced regularly, they can soon be performed without my help in an exam setting.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help students stay motivated by giving plenty of encouragement and praise, and by paying special attention to what she is doing correctly--without focusing too much on mistakes.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to brainstorm different ways of explaining the concept. Everyone learns differently--it's usually just a question of communicating in a clearer manner, or looking at the problem from a new angle.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I like to try and relate the material in the form of a story. Everyone understands stories; they are deeply familiar to us. If the student can learn to think of the material in this way, it's often much easier to comprehend what's being relayed.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I like to format the lesson as an open discussion, where we both ask questions of each other. If the student asks me a question, and I explain the answer, I'll usually follow that up with another question about the material to make sure they've grasped the concept.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I try always to focus on what he is doing right, and to be sure to encourage him as he builds new and unfamiliar skills.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I begin each primary session with a conversation during which the student and I discuss what she is struggling with at the moment, and then I try to pay very close attention to any progression or setbacks as we work towards her goals.