Connect with hundreds of tutors like Marvin

Who needs tutoring?
What prompted you to seek tutoring?

I am very happy with our experience so far with Varsity Tutors. They matched my daughter with reading specialist Mary and she is wonderful! My 10 year old daughter feels happy after her sessions and believes her tutor has already helped her.

— Allison K

What prompted you to seek tutoring?

Varsity Tutors really helped me understand the concepts during my Calculus 2 class. My tutor has such amazing patience and is open to many questions! Lastly, was always on time and very prompt. Highly suggest Varsity Tutors.

— Joey T

How soon would you like to get started?
Did you know?

Understanding your timeframe helps us to develop a tailor-made learning plan just for you.

Let's finish up your profile so we can findthe perfect tutor:
Did you know?

stars

We have a 4.9/5 average customer satisfaction rating.

Let's finish up your profile so we can findthe perfect tutor:

Found me a great Python, C Programming, and MatLab tutor for a Engineering Computation course.

— Charles C

Let's finish up your profile so we can findthe perfect tutor:

The best tutoring service period. The customer service is beyond impeccable. They provide options that are perfectly suited to your needs. They've done such a wonderful job with my daughter in high school, I plan to use their services when she attends college. I highly recommend Varsity Tutors.

— Yvette

Let's finish up your profile so we can findthe perfect tutor:

We know every student is unique. And they deserve a tutoring experience as unique as their needs. With thousands of tutors available, we're confident to find the one best for you.

A photo of Marvin, a tutor from The University of Chicago

Marvin

Certified Tutor

我现在上小学教书er through Teach For America, and I've passed all of my elementary certification exams, while working on finishing my teacher license this academic year from calumet college, St. Joseph. My undergraduate degree is in Economics from the University of Chicago, and I did a lot of statistics, too!

I like having kids how to read, write, and do math. Because I loved doing those in school, and I'll be teaching that this up coming school year. To have a struggling reader all of a sudden love reading and attack hard words never before tried is the best feeling in the world.

I believe education should be fun, loving, inviting, challenging, and organized.

Connect with a tutor like Marvin

Marvin’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: The University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Test Scores
SAT Verbal: 740
SAT Writing: 710
Hobbies

I love distance running, writing, and ultimate frisbee. I also do some work with early childhood education!

Tutoring Subjects
1st Grade
1st Grade Reading
1st Grade Writing
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
Algebra
代数2
Algebra 3/4
AP Economics
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP US History
Business
College Algebra
College Business
College Economics
College English
College Essays
Economics
Elementary Math
Elementary School
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
English
Essay Editing
High School Business
High School Economics
High School English
Languages
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Middle School Math
Other
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Social Studies
Statistics
Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?

Every kid deserves a fun, loving, patient, and supportive tutor or teacher.

That's what I strive to be.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

We will get to know one another. So I'll ask the student what he has experienced before, and what he likes and dislikes about teachers in the past. That way I'll know how to create materials and teach. I'll go over my own expectations, too.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

This really depends on the subject. For reading, it is all about finding the best books for the particular child and exploring it. For math, it's about role playing activities that apply practical skills. For science, I'd have to look for experiments that apply. For social studies, it's about seeing how social studies provides context for our everyday living.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'll have work that builds off of practice in between sessions. That way a student will see how consistent building provides the student competence and confidence. Most kids aren't motivated because they feel dumb. I can show them otherwise.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I try to figure out why, and then adapt with different delivery methods.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I find out why with a diagnostic, and then build a reading plan that includes read-alouds, guided reading, and independent reading at their reading level. Then I hit phonics and vocabulary.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

We start with getting to know each other. Plus, I keep it friendly and cordial by never yelling and always being patient.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I differentiate. And I try to make it fun.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Little quizzes and informal observations.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I differentiate. I start where the kid is at now and build to where they need to be.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

It depends on the subject and grade, but I'd know by looking at previous work, the parents' knowledge, the current teacher's opinion, and my own observations and diagnostics.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I look at the skills a kid has and needs to know. Where the student lags, I fill in.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

It depends, but I like whiteboards and markers, books, manipulatives, and a computer.