Private Online Physics Tutoring: Tailored Support For Students

Valeria earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University, where she served for three years as a Writing Center Tutor. She has also served as a Certified English Language Learner tutor and Matriculate College Advising Fellow. Additionally, she has worked as an Executive Assistant and College Prep Coordinator at Freedom University for two years, an organization dedicated to providing college prep classes, college and scholarship application assistance, and leadership development for undocumented students in Georgia.

As a first-generation student, Valeria intimately understands individuals' challenges when navigating higher education with limited support. Her passion for coaching is deeply rooted in her experiences and further fueled by her diverse admissions counseling roles. Working with students from varied backgrounds, she is inspired by their unwavering determination to pursue education despite facing adversity. 

Valeria’s teaching style is kind but firm, allowing students to have grace with themselves while encouraging them to take steps to achieve their goals—a responsibility that is ultimately up to them. She ensures each student's wants and dreams are centered in every conversation. For example, a student may want to be a doctor; ensuring they know each step to take in the college admissions journey is one step closer to achieving their dream. Valeria is open-minded and willing to talk through every decision, big or small. She is excellent at recasting ideas back to the applicant in a clear, concise manner, and she is a thoughtful listener and deep thinker who takes time to absorb and understand how to strengthen a candidate’s ideas.

When she isn’t coaching, Valeria enjoys writing, jogging, journaling (physically + digitally), playing Animal Crossing, and board games.

Min's educational journey began in China, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Nanjing University. He then pursued a PhD in Physics from Iowa State University. This academic background has equipped Min with a deep understanding of the intricacies of math and physics, which he skillfully translates into accessible, engaging lessons for students. Min has over a decade of experience as an educator and tutor, teaching over 1000 students.

Min has served as an Adjunct Instructor of Physics at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and as a Physics tutor at the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) of DMACC. In these roles, he has honed his ability to adapt his teaching style to suit the diverse learning needs of his students, creating a supportive environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

One of Min's greatest strengths as a tutor is his ability to make complex subjects interesting and relatable to students. He employs a variety of strategies to engage learners, such as incorporating humor, suspense, and storytelling into his lessons, using interactive quizzes and YouTube clips to prompt discussion, and asking thought-provoking questions that encourage students to explore the material more deeply. By making the content relevant and accessible, Min helps students develop a genuine interest in math and physics, setting them up for long-term success in these subjects.

When students encounter learning blocks, Min draws upon his extensive teaching experience to provide targeted support. He breaks down complex topics into manageable chunks, uses visual aids to illustrate connections between concepts, and engages students in active learning techniques such as peer teaching and hands-on activities. Min also emphasizes the importance of metacognition and self-reflection, teaching students how to monitor their own learning and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.

To keep students motivated, Min sets clear goals, provides frequent feedback, and creates a positive learning environment that encourages effort and celebrates progress. He helps students see the relevance of what they're learning, offers real-life rewards for success, and serves as a role model for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Min approaches each student with compassion, understanding that learning can be challenging and offering support and encouragement every step of the way. His natural curiosity drives him to explore creative ways of explaining concepts, while his adaptability allows him to adjust his teaching style to suit individual learning preferences. Above all, Min is a patient mentor who celebrates small victories and encourages persistence, helping students develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

Amanda graduated cum laude with a BS from Villanova University before pursuing an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. With extensive admissions counseling experience, Amanda's journey began with a two-year tenure on the Ross School of Business Admissions Student Committee. In this role, she served as both an interviewer and applicant evaluator. Additionally, she served as a College Coach with ScholarMatch, where she guided students in finding their ideal college fit, reviewed SAT/ACT policies, finalized college lists, edited essays, secured recommendation letters, and assisted with applications for financial aid and scholarships. 

Professionally, Amanda’s career has spanned the financial, software, and nonprofit industries. Her experience includes marketing communications, program development, strategic planning, and new business development. She has worked for several notable companies, including JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

For Amanda, the most rewarding aspect of her work is passing along her skills and knowledge. She finds it extremely fulfilling to help change the trajectory of someone's future by laying down the foundation for lifelong learning by guiding students through college decisions. 

As a coach, Amanda prioritizes collaboration and rapport with students, recognizing that trust is fundamental in these relationships. She maintains open lines of communication, ensuring students know they can always rely on her as she is there to support them on their personal journeys. She also excels at staying organized; she sets realistic goals and deadlines while maintaining high expectations for both her students and herself. 

Drawing from her admissions experience, she knows committee members look for applicants who demonstrate genuine interests that align with their institution. She ensures each student's passion shines through in their applications and always highlights the positive aspects of their background. 

In her free time, Amanda likes to travel, go on nature walks, practice yoga, and read.