CHYTEN TUTOR REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s Degree and/or PhD
- Teaching Experience
- Extensive Background Check
- Exceptional Interpersonal and Motivational Skills
QUALIFICATIONS: All Chyten tutors have Master’s degrees and teaching experience. Beyond this industry-leading requirement, Chyten looks for individuals who have outstanding interpersonal, communication and pedagogical skills as tutor candidates. Once a potential tutor meets these qualifications, Chyten runs an exhaustive background check and selects only those who measure up to our standard of excellence.
TRAINING: Tutor training at Chyten is extensive. After meeting initial requirements, tutors must train for between 30 and 100 hours for each test they will teach. During this time, they are taught Chyten’s proprietary teaching methods and strategies, observe tutoring sessions, analyze and annotate all relevant texts, tests and other publications. Finally, they must complete a certification interview with a senior staffer. This process ensures that each and every Chyten tutor meets our strict standards of educational excellence.
EXPERIENCE: Just as important as our hiring and training policies are our tutor retention efforts. Chyten provides tutors with an environment in which they can continue to pursue their own pursuit of personal excellence, without many of the headaches associated with traditional teaching or those associated with in-home tutoring (travel, etc.) As a result, we are able to attract and retain the best tutors in the area.
All of Chyten’s tutors possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree along with teaching experience, and are experts in their subject areas. Call us today for a free academic consultation, and a guaranteed tutor match with your child.
Dr. MARJORIE TIMMS, PhD
Dr. Marjorie Timms brings a rich history of training, research and direct classroom experience to the creation of individualized programs in Writing, Reading, and Communication Arts. With a broad range of teaching experiences in both remediation and enrichment of communication skill development, Dr. Timms combines thorough assessment with innovative, research-based strategies to provide a personalized approach to developmental communication. At Chyten, Dr. Timms serves as mentor, guide, and tutor in helping students to develop effective creative, scholarly, or technical writing. Sessions may involve the infusion of creative and expressive arts or focus on identified communication needs. In addition, Marjorie offers preparation for standardized tests, such as the PSAT/SAT/ACT/SSAT, college entrance essays, study and learning skills, or skills in public speaking and group presentation. Aspects of interpersonal communication may be woven into sessions, with opportunities for practicing skills in conflict resolution, strengthening confidence in communication or refining skills in personal and social communication.
Goal-oriented sessions are based on a combination of diagnostic-prescriptive assessment and identification of learning strengths and special abilities, with a pragmatic focus on incorporating individualized learning styles and multiple forms of intelligence, along with motivational multi-modal, experiential learning and a data-based design for systematic achievement of mutually-selected goals.
A graduate of Northwestern University’s renowned School of Communication, with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and English Education, including combined studies in the Interpretation of Literature, Theatre, and Public Speaking, Marjorie has retained a focus on creative arts infusion and dynamic, interactive learning experiences. Graduate studies have included two Magna Cum Laude Masters degrees – a Master of Arts in Drama: Acting and Directing from West Virginia University’s Creative Arts Center and a Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College/Sir Alexander Ewing Clinic in New York. In addition to completing a 5-year research grant in language and reading from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Timms was awarded a Doctorate in Special Education, with focus on curriculum design and instruction. Marjorie also studied conflict resolution and mediation with Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, resulting in a nine-year project incorporating Rosenberg’s nonviolent communication model (NVC) in work with young people, family communication, and resolving interpersonal communication issues.
Dr. Timms holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech/Language Pathology, (CCC-Sp/L) along with Professional Teaching Certification in Language Arts, English, Speech Communication, Drama/Theatre and Special Education. She has also been honored with Master Teacher status, Who’s Who in American Women, the Woodbury Reports ‘Excellence in Education’ award and over 250 grants for her innovative work in expressive arts and communication for both gifted students and students with learning challenges, as well as ‘twice-exceptional’ gifted learning disabled students.
Marjorie’s particular area of expertise involves her belief in discovering or rediscovering each student’s special gifts and abilities as a springboard to overcoming barriers to achievement. Her broad experience and understanding of successful learning principles and strategies, along with her deep regard for each of her students are hallmarks of her unique approach to teaching and learning.
Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; College Essay Writing; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT English; ACT Reading; RANDD Reading and Study Skills; GRE; SSAT
Dr. LINDA LAWSON, PhD
Linda M. Lawson holds a PhD in mathematics, a Master’s degree with a major in mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, all from the University of Tennessee. She has enjoyed a long and varied career both in academia and as an applied mathematician. Linda has been on the faculty of Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, and East Tennessee State University. She was an applied mathematician for the Atlantic Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (AOML), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she specialized in math modeling as applied to ocean surface waves and underwater sound. Linda has worked with researchers at the Center for Coastal Oceanography (Old Dominion University) on the application of data assimilation techniques to marine ecosystem models. With more than 35 publications in professional journals, Linda’s primary areas of research have been applied math and discrete mathematics with an emphasis on graph theory and numerical modeling.
In addition to tutoring a variety of young students, Linda has taught at all college levels — from developmental mathematics through graduate classes. These classes include integral and differential calculus, differential equations, abstract algebra, linear algebra, matrix theory, graph theory, discrete mathematics and mathematical logic.
With a diverse background, Linda has an unusual depth of understanding and the ability to see topics from a variety of viewpoints. Believing that most students who have problems in maathematics do so because of missing pieces in their math experiences, she is able to help students move forward by examining areas of weakness and developing strong foundations. With an ability to distinguish different learning styles, she is able to help students develop a real understanding of math concepts. She believes that each individual has a unique set of skills and abilities that can be used to cultivate success in mathematics.
Linda tutors all levels of mathematics for Chyten, in all subjects, as well as for standardized exams such as the ACT, SAT, and SSAT.
Subjects: AP Calculus; Algebra I – II; Geometry; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science; GRE; GMAT; SSAT
Dr. JORDAN KISTLER, PhD
Jordan Kistler received her PhD in English at King’s College London, a Russell Group University in the United Kingdom. At King’s College London, she has taught English Literature to some of the best and brightest students from around the world. She has spoken at international academic conferences which have been held at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities, and has had her work on nineteenth-century poetry published in well-regarded academic journals.
Jordan earned her MA in English from York University in Toronto, Canada, and graduated cum laude with a BA from New York University. She has taught literature from the medieval to the modern day, with her own specialty lying in the Victorian period. Her research interests have included various topics such as the intersection between science and the arts, the role of the artist in the nineteenth century, and the impact of French decadence on Victorian literature. Jordan also served as the Managing Editor for Stet Issue 2, King’s Online Postgraduate Journal, and helped coordinate Bad Writing, a one day symposium on genre fiction.
Having taught at a world-class university, Jordan understands the expectations that students will face in the college years and the tenacity, desire and skills they must possess to get there. Having also been extensively trained in Chyten’s methodologies for SAT and ACT test preparation, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her students, and is able to inspire them to a love of learning.
Subjects: AP English, Literature & Composition; SAT Reading, Writing, and Essay; College Essay; RANDD Reading & Study Skills; ACT English; ACT Reading; GRE
Dr. TINA BELL, PhD
Tina Bell holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Georgia, as well as an undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Florida.
Tina spent several years working as a marine evolutionary biologist for the College of Charleston, where she also taught introductory biology courses. Currently she teaches Cell and Molecular Biology, Introductory Biology and Genetics at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina.
Passionate about science and how the natural world works, Tina brings life to the material she teaches, while catering to each student’s individual learning style. Tina teaches all levels of mathematics at Chyten, as well as every type of natural science. She also has years of SAT and ACT tutoring experience, and utilizes that experience along with Chyten’s unique strategies to achieve amazing results!
Subjects: AP Biology; AP Calculus; AP Statistics; AP Chemistry; Algebra I – II; Geometry; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science
CATIE SNIDER, MS
Catie Snider holds an M.S. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Montana, as well as an undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Delaware. She spent several years working in the medical research department at the University of New Mexico, then traveling around the country participating in archeological excavations and analysis of biological specimens.
Catie’s vast experiences and accomplishments in the scientific world are brought to life in the classroom. She believes in fostering the unrelenting curiosity of developing minds to create an ideal learning environment.
Catie’s special interests rest in the biological and chemical world. She especially loves teaching and serves Chyten as a tutor in all sciences, as well as mathematics and written composition.
Subjects: AP Biology; AP Chemistry; Environmental & Earth Science; SAT Complete; ACT Complete; Algebra I – II; Geometry; RANDD Reading & Study Skills; SSAT
MELISSA MYERS, MA
As a language specialist who has trained extensively in Chyten’s reading and writing strategies, Melissa Myers is uniquely qualified to help students achieve tremendous score increases on the SAT and ACT.
Melissa graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Spanish, and later received her M.A. in Latin American Studies, from Ohio University. Melissa has instructed Spanish classes at the college level for three years, and has tutored high school and college students of both English and Spanish for over five years. As a bilingual teacher and tutor, Melissa offers guidance with grammar and vocabulary through reading, writing, speaking and listening activities. Melissa enjoys tutoring because it allows for one-on-one language enrichment that is difficult to execute in a full classroom. Melissa is able to adapt her teaching and tutoring styles to a variety of student needs, and can offer new and exciting ways to present grammatical concepts to supplement classroom learning.
Melissa is no stranger to the many pressures that students face, and can offer firm yet understanding guidance for students who often feel overwhelmed with heavy class loads and pressures to excel academically. Melissa has had great success reaching out to students in the classroom, encouraging participation and genuine enjoyment of language through activities that promote cultural knowledge of both the Spanish- and English-speaking world.
Subjects: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature; AP Spanish Language; ESL; SAT Reading; SAT Writing; ACT Reading; ACT English; College Essay; SSAT; GRE; RANDD Reading & Study Skills; History
REBECCA GALLO, MPT, MEd
Rebecca received her first Master’s Degree from the University of Scranton, in the medical field. She later completed a second Master’s Degree in Education, focusing specifically on math education. Her undergraduate degree was in Health Sciences. She has twelve years of experience teaching and tutoring middle and high school students in a variety of subjects; however, her favorite subject to tutor is mathematics, and she uses Chyten’s strategies to help students achieve amazing results on the SAT, ACT, and SSAT. In addition to her work with middle and high school students, she has also taught and tutored Anatomy and Physiology at the college level.
Rebecca’s MEd research topic was math anxiety, and she enjoys helping students overcome their apprehensions about math. She takes the time to listen to her students and is able to explain topics in a variety of ways. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals by taking an active role in their academic growth, building their self-confidence and motivating them to reach their full potential.
Rebecca is also conversational in French, and has tutored quite extensively in that subject.
Subjects: Algebra I – II; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; Biology; Physics; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science; French I – II – III; GRE; GMAT; SSAT
MELINDA TEACHEY, MS
Melinda holds an M.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech. She has worked as an environmental engineer designing storm water management and bio-remediation systems, has co-authored remediation studies, and has managed remediation projects.
Melinda has over ten years teaching experience including middle school and high school math and science. She has taught in rural, small school settings and large , inner city classrooms. Throughout her teaching career, she has studied various methods designed to prepare students for college and career success, including the proven and effective “Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol”.
In addition to classroom teaching, Melinda implemented several innovative programs designed to develop leadership, mentoring, and study skills for her students. While at Parkway School in Boone, NC, she established and organized a science mentor program for 8th graders and K-3 students, and served as the science department head. In New York City, she supervised After-School Homework Center and was chosen to be a leader in the curriculum development team. She has been involved in curriculum development and mapping in each of the schools she has worked in, and has a thorough understanding of how to break concepts apart to make them accessible to all students.
One a one-on-one basis, Melinda’s strength as a teacher lies in her ability to quickly ascertain comprehension gaps and to present content in a way that fosters connection and understanding. She is most inspired by helping students develop tailored strategies that make learning exciting and successful.
Subjects: AP Biology; AP Calculus; AP Statistics; AP Chemistry; Algebra I – II; Geometry; SAT Math; ACT Math; ACT Science
ALLISON DOSHAS, MS
Allison Doshas holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching with a specialization in Science Education. She received her degree from Coastal Carolina University, as well as a B.S. in Biology from CCU. She has been teaching at the high school level for the past five years, instructing in Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and received an award for her work with 9th graders in Physical Science (an EOC score of 100!).
Allison has adapted her instruction to accommodate every learning style and ability level, ranging from technical application to advanced placement. She has prepared students for and administered SAT, ACT and AP level exams and is one of our experts at helping students achieve maximum growth in all areas.
Subjects: AP Biology; AP Chemistry; English Language and Composition; English Literature; Algebra I – II; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; Earth Science; SAT Complete; ACT Complete; SSAT
LISA DELLAGUARDIA, MS
Lisa DellaGuardia holds an M.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, with teaching certification in both New York and North Carolina. Her undergraduate degree was also in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Lisa has spent the past fifteen years teaching high school chemistry; however, she was also a visiting professor at Vassar College for four years and an adjunct instructor at the State University of New York, Dutchess Community College and AB-Tech.
Lisa effectively teaches her Standard, Honors, AP, and college-level students by knowing specifically what they need in the next level of their chemistry education. Her teaching philosophy includes the ideas that 1) a teacher has not taught until the student has learned, and 2) all students can learn chemistry. Lisa teaches at a very high level, and yet is patient, empathetic, kind, and organized. Her teaching methods involve the illuminatation of student misconceptions about chemistry, and starting there with an introduction of the truths of chemistry in a manner that relates to the lives of her students. She has perfected an array of helpful “tricks” to assist her students in learning chemistry quickly and successfully.
Subjects: AP Chemistry, Chemistry, SAT Subject Test – Chemistry
