Amy B.

Amy has been in the field of education for over 20 years. Currently, she is a professor of elementary education courses at Loyola University Chicago, where she is also completing her dissertation for a doctorate in Curriculum, Communities, and Culture. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Literacy instruction, and endorsements in English as a Second Language and Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) for special education. She has spent 22 years as an elementary classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and Literacy coach in public schools. She has a passion for culturally relevant teaching, and matching evidence-based practices with individual students to bring joy and efficiency to learning new skills. She believes in using assessment and children’s interests to help design individualized experiences that meet each learner’s unique needs.
While not teaching, Amy enjoys traveling and exploring the Chicago area with her spouse and two children. She is also an avid reader and bike rider. In addition to her 22 years in public schools, she has spent time teaching in schools and daycares in Sydney, Australia, Glasgow, Scotland, and Shanghai, China.

Kimberly K.

Experienced and energetic teacher with 10 years of classroom teaching. Masters degree in cross cultural teaching, Barton and Waldorf trained. Expert with Adhd, dyslexia and Asd students. Together we can work with challenges to create life long and confident learners.

 

 

Trupti P.

Trupti’s background is unique, and it reflects in her teaching approach. She completed the math program at Kumon Learning Center by the 8th grade, after which she immediately began working as an Assistant Grader. Since then, Trupti has been teaching a diverse range of students, from elementary level to higher education. Her teaching philosophy is understanding students and creating a safe space to meet each other halfway. She finds joy in motivating students and being a stepping stone in their academic journey.

Trupti holds an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago and in Biology from the University of West Florida. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish at Benedictine University. She has studied abroad in Spain and the Bahamas.

Currently, Trupti is a new adjunct instructor teaching Introduction to Biology at Harold Washington College. Outside the classroom, Trupti is an artist at heart. She loves dancing, yoga, music, and venturing to museums and plays. In her free time, she volunteers at the Blind Services Association, reading to the visually impaired.

In all, Trupti is a dedicated, empathetic, and passionate educator. She applauds students who show up, even when it seems impossible. Everyone is welcome in this classroom!

Lauren P.

Lauren is a licensed Early Childhood educator with more than six years of experience teaching and supporting students from preschool through 5th grade in both general education and special education settings. She graduated from Elmhurst University in May of 2021 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and holds an endorsement in English as a Second Language as well as a Letter of Approval in Special Education, allowing her to effectively support diverse learners, including English Learners and students with IEPs. She has served as a kindergarten teacher, first-grade classroom teacher, special services teacher, and long-term substitute, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how to meet the unique learning needs of every child. Lauren specializes in building foundational literacy and math skills while fostering confidence, independence, and social-emotional growth through engaging, differentiated instruction. Lauren believes that strong partnerships with families and positive relationships with students are the foundation of academic success. A strength she takes pride in is getting to know her students’ background and interests. This way she can incorporate the student’s interests into fun and exciting lessons. Lauren is eager to help students succeed and feel confident in their learning by finding creative ways to make learning meaningful and teaching different strategies that best support each individual child’s learning needs. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, painting/drawing, hiking, and snuggling up with her dog, Koda! Lauren loves seeing her students excel and find enjoyment in learning!

Kylie N.

Kylie is a passionate middle grades educator dedicated to helping students build confidence, strengthen their academic skills, and discover that learning can be both engaging and enjoyable. She began her educational journey at Mohave Community College before continuing her studies at Murray State University and later transferring to the University of St. Francis, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Middle Grade Education with a concentration in English Language Arts, graduating cum laude. Kylie completed a year-long teaching internship in an 8th grade ELA classroom and now works as a paraprofessional supporting students in grades 6–8 through classroom instruction and individualized academic support. Her strengths include reading, writing, grammar, and helping students develop confidence through engaging and interactive lessons.

Kylie believes strong relationships are the foundation of successful education and strives to incorporate students’ interests and learning styles into every lesson while supporting Illinois learning standards. She loves seeing the “light bulb moment” when students fully understand new material and begin believing in their own abilities. Outside of education, you can usually find Kylie with a book in hand, exploring hiking trails, or playing PC and Xbox games. These hobbies often help her connect with students and make learning more relatable. She also enjoys spending time with her family and young son. At home, her two dogs and two cats always keep life entertaining.

 

Brooke S.

Brooke grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where her grandfather, a teacher, inspired her passion for education. She earner her Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and is a certified teacher. Now in her 7th year of teaching in Philadelphia, Brooke currently teaches 6-8th grade English Language Arts, and is a certified K-12 ESOL teacher at a bilingual school.

She has previously taught 4th and 5th grade English Language Arts and math, and provides specialized reading support to students reading at a K-3rd grade level.Brooke creates an inclusive, engaging classroom where students feel supported, while being held to high standards and encouraged to reach their full potential. Outside of school, she loves running along the Delaware River, cheering on the Phillies and Eagles, and searching for the best bakeries in Philly.

Brian S.

Brian is a recently retired teacher with 20 years certified experience in education, working in a wide array of scenarios in and out of the classroom. He is certified to teach both English Language Arts and English learners and has a master’s degree in the latter. He has taught English both in the US and abroad, including in South Korea, Guatemala, and Mexico. These positions often involved creating and refining his own curriculum and utilizing a wide variety of teaching strategies to target and differentiate instruction. In addition, Brian has done a lot of private tutoring, including working for national company, Varsity Tutors for three years, which included developing and teaching his own class remotely to students in a variety of locations throughout the US during the height of the covid epidemic. Brian is well-versed in reading, writing and language instruction methodology. He understands the importance of building strong relationships with students identifying the best ways to help each individual student and is committed to seeing his students’ continual growth over time. In his spare time, In his spare time, Brian enjoys listening to music and collecting records, watching movies, reading, hiking, and attending Padres games. Finally, he is a proud, doting father of a one year old gray tabby named Harold.

Karen P.

Karen Perez is a Certified Teacher. She grew up in Melrose Park, moving to Chicago to complete an Undergraduate Degree in Secondary English Education. Karen grew up with a deep love of reading and writing. When she decided to pursue teaching as a career, Karen completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Through teaching, Karen has been able to foster her love of reading and writing. During the summer months, she teaches High School Connection, a program designated to prepare incoming 9th graders for 9th grade ELA. Karen has also taught various ACT and SAT Prep courses for 11th grade students. She has supported improving their reading, writing, vocabulary and test-taking skills. Karen believes that by building a solid relationship with her students, she can better meet their needs and grow their learning. In her spare time, Karen enjoys strength-training, jogging, and the occasional donut or two because she believes that life is all about balance.

 

Anna B.

Anna has over 10 years of experience working with children in a variety of K–12 educational settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in Child Psychology, from the University of Minnesota, and later completed her Master’s in Education with a specialization in Second Languages and Cultures.

For the past decade, Anna has taught K–12 ESL students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in Minnesota. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she enjoys building meaningful relationships with students and families while helping students grow in confidence and academic ability.

Because of her extensive work with English Language Learners, Anna is able to tutor a wide range of subjects, from elementary academics and study skills to writing support and college essay preparation. She believes every student deserves access to a quality education and works to create personalized learning strategies that meet each child’s unique needs and learning style.

Outside of tutoring, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors with her Australian Shepherd, camping, hiking, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.

Brenna S.

Brenna S. decided to become a teacher in high school. During this time, she tutored friends who were at-risk of dropping out.

Armed with this powerful experience, Brenna began college at the University of Montana – Western, where she started writing curriculums that combined collaboration and communication techniques with project-based learning to help students better understand the content.

Benna continued her education at the University of Montana, where she became the campus coordinator for America Reads – America Counts, which included tutoring K-12 students every week.

Brenna completed a Bachelors of Mathematics Education at the University of Montana, with a minor in Theatre. During her time in Missoula, she worked for a summer school program, as a substitute teacher in a private school that focused on hands-on learning, and occasionally taught at one of the local public high schools.

Brenna loves guiding students in mathematics and language arts and focuses on how the concepts covered in each are relevant to daily life. She believes any student can achieve academic success, and that practice and perseverance are crucial to success in the classroom and beyond.

When she’s not teaching or tutoring, Brenna enjoys writing. She is currently completing a high-school Geometry curriculum guide and a novella. In addition to writing, Brenna also enjoys biking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking.