.png)
Allow us to introduce our highly experienced resident high school and college admissions standardized test expert NYC tutor, Serena! With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Serena specializes in providing top-notch tutoring services for a variety of standardized tests including the ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, SAT/PSAT, and ACT. Her dedication and passion for helping students achieve their academic goals make her a trusted professional in the field.
Get To Know Our NYC ISEE Tutor
Serena is available for in-person tutoring sessions in New York City, catering specifically to students in the Bronx and Manhattan areas. Her personalized approach to tutoring ensures that each student receives tailored guidance and support to excel in their standardized tests. Serena's proven track record of success and commitment to her students' progress sets her apart as a sought-after tutor in the competitive NYC education landscape.
During our interview with Serena, she shared insights into her tutoring approach and process, shedding light on her strategies for helping students navigate the complexities of standardized tests. Serena's holistic approach focuses not only on academic content but also on building students' confidence and test-taking skills. By creating a supportive learning environment, Serena empowers her students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
How long have you been a tutor?
I am in my 9th year of tutoring.
What are your tutoring specialties?
I specialize in mathematics and test preparation, including both English and Math for exams like the SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, and SSAT. My experience includes working with neurodivergent students and those with learning differences, such as ADHD/ADD, as well as students who require additional time accommodations.
In my tutoring sessions, I emphasize patience and adaptability. I provide a supportive environment by using tools like stress balls and incorporating breaks when I observe signs of fatigue or stress. This approach helps students manage their focus and anxiety, allowing them to engage more effectively with the material. I tailor my teaching methods to each student’s individual needs, ensuring they feel understood and supported as they work towards their academic goals.
What's your tutoring philosophy?
My tutoring philosophy centers on personalized, empathetic, and creative teaching. I discovered my passion for tutoring in high school and have since valued the rewarding experience of helping students while forming meaningful connections with their families. I believe that a "one size fits all" approach is often less effective in teaching; instead, I view tutoring as a creative process tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Drawing from my background in Neuroscience, I focus on understanding how my students retain information and adapt my sessions to their learning styles. This personalized approach not only helps students gain confidence but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the subject. I also employ the Socratic method to encourage active participation, prompting students to ask questions and engage more deeply with the material.
I keep parents informed about their child’s progress and provide suggestions on how they can support learning at home. For example, I might recommend that parents listen to their child explain a concept or reinforce specific areas where the student is struggling. I strive to build a positive relationship with families, taking an interest in their child’s activities outside of tutoring, such as musical pursuits or academic achievements. By understanding their lives more fully, I aim to offer support that goes beyond the classroom and contributes to their overall growth.
When you meet a new student, how do you make them feel comfortable and engaged with the lesson? What's a typical tutoring session with you like?
When I meet a new student, my goal is to create a comfortable and engaging environment from the start. I begin by chatting with them about their day and interests, and I frequently offer support beyond tutoring, such as advice on the college application process or balancing extracurricular activities. This approach helps build rapport and shows that I care about their overall well-being.
During a typical tutoring session, I introduce a lesson by explaining concepts clearly and then guide the student through applying these concepts with practice questions. I will walk through an example question, work through another together, and then the student tackles similar problems independently. I design and customize my own worksheets and questions to keep the material fresh and engaging, incorporating elements that make learning enjoyable and relevant to the student’s interests. This method ensures that students not only understand the material but also feel motivated and confident in their abilities.
I frequently ask for feedback with my students and adjust my methods based on the feedback provided. Throughout the sessions, I focus on celebrating small victories and I'll try to show how to apply the concepts learned into practical uses. Additionally, I employed visual aids and hands-on activities to make abstract concepts more tangible.
What's a recent success story you can share with us?
I recently worked with a student who dislikes math and was preparing for the SAT. He started with a score of 1240 and aimed for 1450 or higher. We began by addressing any foundational gaps in his understanding and refining his grasp of fundamental concepts. We then focused on test-taking strategies, emphasizing the importance of familiarity with the test's format. Unlike school math exams, which often involve advanced concepts and complex formulas, SAT math questions are designed to appear more challenging than they are. Leveraging my years of tutoring experience, I taught him how to recognize and navigate these question "tricks" and effectively solve problems using simpler methods. Additionally, we worked on analyzing reading passages and understanding what the questions were really asking, whether they focused on main ideas, supporting details, or inferences. This comprehensive approach helped him become more adept at both math and critical reading. After 4.5 months of dedicated work, he scored a 1520 on the actual SAT! He also felt confident in his ability to understand math concepts and tackle exam questions, which was a significant achievement from where he started.
What was your greatest tutoring challenge and how did you overcome it?
Early in my tutoring career, I was concerned that I might not be meeting the students’ needs as thoroughly as I hoped or that I wasn’t relaying progress clearly to their parents. To address this, I actively sought feedback from students and their families about my teaching methods and their satisfaction with the tutoring sessions. To better connect with families, I established clear communication channels from the start, setting up regular check-ins and progress reports. I made sure to address any concerns they had and welcomed their input to tailor my approach. Additionally, I practiced being more transparent about my methods and the goals of our sessions. By taking these measures, I was able to build trust with both my students and their families, leading to a more effective and supportive tutoring environment.
What are your passions outside of tutoring and how do they help you be a better tutor?
My passions outside of tutoring include cooking and hiking. Cooking allows me to exercise creativity and patience, and provides a way to de-stress. Crafting new recipes and experimenting with different techniques helps me develop problem-solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail—qualities that I bring into my tutoring sessions. Hiking, on the other hand, offers me a chance to disconnect and rejuvenate. It fosters resilience and endurance, qualities that are valuable when facing tutoring scenarios. Together, these passions contribute to my well-being and professional growth, allowing me to approach tutoring with renewed energy, patience, and creativity.
What's your favorite book you've read in 2024 so far?
My favorite book of 2024 so far is 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi. This poignant memoir deeply resonated with me, highlighting the fragility and unpredictability of life. It’s a powerful reminder to embrace each moment and find meaning in the face of life's uncertainties.
How do you keep up with the evolution of the tutoring industry?
To stay updated with the evolution of the tutoring industry, particularly regarding changes in standardized tests, I employ several strategies. I am part of a group chat with fellow tutors where we share insights and updates about test changes and best practices. I regularly visit official test websites to monitor any upcoming changes or updates. Furthermore, I acquire the latest prep books to ensure that the materials I use are current and aligned with the latest test formats. By adapting my content and approach based on these updates, I ensure that my students are well-prepared for any changes in the tests.
Why is remote tutoring better than in-person tutoring?
I find remote tutoring to be highly effective for several reasons. The digital environment allows me to demonstrate concepts directly on the screen, which is often clearer and more interactive than traditional methods. Instead of leaning over a student’s shoulder to write on their paper, I can use a virtual whiteboard to share my work in real-time. This setup also enables students to participate actively by writing on the whiteboard themselves or by verbalizing their thought processes, which I can then transcribe for clarity. Engagement can be a concern with online tutoring, but I address this by closely monitoring students' focus and promptly redirecting their attention if necessary. The interactive features of the virtual whiteboard help maintain student interest and provide immediate feedback. Overall, the remote format allows for a dynamic and collaborative learning experience, ensuring that both the student and I can see and engage with the material clearly.
Contact Remy for a free strategy consultation to discuss your child's standardized tests or math needs.
Comments