Beverly

I am a career educator with 27 years of classroom experience specializing in middle school mathematics. My passion lies in helping students master the foundational concepts of Pre-Algebra and Algebra I, turning complex equations into moments where students succeed. Having taught grades 5-8 for nearly three decades, I have a deep understanding of where students typically struggle and how to bridge those gaps effectively. I tutor Math, Science, and ELA for elementary and middle school students.

Tutoring Style

With 27 years in the classroom, I have developed a patient, structured tutoring style that takes the 'scary' out of math. I specialize in identifying the specific gaps in a student's understanding and bridging them through clear, step-by-step instruction. I believe in creating a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and success is built one problem at a time.

Success Story

Math:

One of my favorite success stories involved a 7th-grade student who began the semester convinced they 'just couldn't do' math. To build their confidence, I placed them in a small, supportive tutoring group that met weekly to break down concepts into simple, logical steps. While they finished the term with a solid C, the real victory was the shift in their mindset. By the end of our sessions, the student told me that while math still wasn't their favorite subject, they finally knew they were capable of doing it. Seeing that spark of self-belief is exactly why I love teaching middle school math.

Science:

Although this middle school student was enthusiastic about Science, their test scores did not show it because they experienced a lot of anxiety during exams. To bridge this gap, we started preparing on day one by creating custom flashcards for daily vocabulary and concept review throughout the entire unit. We established a consistent study schedule and utilized "brain dumps" during our sessions to identify exactly which areas needed more reinforcement. These active study strategies shifted the focus from memorization to mastery, providing the student with the structure needed to feel prepared. As a result, the student successfully overcame their anxiety and achieved a test score that finally matched their passion for the subject.

ELA:

‍When I started tutoring a middle school student overwhelmed by the prospect of writing an entire paper, we decided to stop concentrating on the "final product" and changed our approach completely. I made the assignment less intimidating by dividing it into easy-to-handle tasks, such as "creating an engaging introduction" or "describing a single concept," and had students complete these as individual activities. The student did not realize that each separate piece was a building block for the required essay. In our final session, I combined these components into one document and had the student read the result aloud. The look of pure pride on their face was unforgettable as they realized they had composed a complete, high-quality paper all on their own.

Hobbies & Interests

I love spending time outdoors, whether it's boating on the water or going RV camping with family. I am deeply passionate about animal welfare and dedicate much of my free time to working in animal rescue. My home is full of love from my own pets, and I find that these experiences keep me grounded and energized.