SAT & PSAT Success with a Master Tutor – 30+ Years of Experience, Real Score Gains

Find out more about Sandy

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Honestly? Probably the first time I explained something to a friend in school and realized, "Wait… I love this." I've always been the go-to person for explaining tricky concepts in a way that actually makes sense. I took that love of teaching to UCONN for my BS in Elementary Education, then got my Master's in English Education (6-12) from Connecticut College. After over two decades in the classroom, I discovered that tutoring allows me to work directly with students and tailor lessons in a way that schools often don't. Plus, I get to nerd out about my favorite topics without worrying about faculty meetings. Win-win.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach test prep (SAT, ACT, PSAT, TOEFL), English, and history-and I do it with a side of humor and a sprinkle of geeky references. My specialty is making boring test prep feel fun and engaging. Want to break down SAT grammar using Star Wars? I got you. Need an AP Lit essay that won't put your teacher to sleep? Let's go. My favorite thing is helping students see that learning doesn't have to be painful. Least favorite? Watching students beat themselves up because they think they're bad at something when they just haven't been taught in a way that works for them yet.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had some amazing teachers who encouraged my love of words and storytelling-one in particular made me realize that literature isn't just about analyzing themes but about understanding people and cultures. That shaped my whole teaching philosophy: learning should be personal, engaging, and not just about memorizing facts for a test. Also, I won't lie-I've learned a lot from fictional characters too. (Yes, I absolutely consider Minerva McGonagall a teaching role model.)

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Patience, adaptability, and the ability to make any subject interesting. Also, a strong sense of humor helps-especially when students are convinced that the SAT is out to ruin their lives. A great tutor doesn't just explain things; they figure out why a student is struggling and tailor their approach. Being a little neurospicy myself, I love working with students who think differently and need learning to be engaging, interactive, and maybe just a little unconventional.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I was younger, I became obsessed with living history, such as reenactments and museums like Colonial Williamsburg. I became the director of the summer day camp at Mystic Seaport Museum, and I joined a Revolutionary War re-enactment group. These immersive experiences sparked such joy in me that I wanted to share this with my students. So, I worked on bringing history to life in my classroom, and I helped students to create memories and learn lessons that will last a lifetime.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  One challenge? Getting students to unlearn bad habits-like thinking test prep is all about memorization or that "some people just aren't good at math." Nope. You just haven't been taught in a way that makes sense for you yet. Also, convincing students that grammar isn't boring. (Seriously, it's just a puzzle with fancy rules!).

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I'm passionate about how people learn. I love breaking things down in a way that actually clicks. I'm also ridiculously enthusiastic about test prep, which, I know, makes me sound like a nerd (guilty as charged). But I love that moment when a student realizes, "Wait… I get this." That's the good stuff. Also, I'm passionate about making learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure-preferably one with pop culture references and a bit of wit.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I make learning fun, test prep tolerable, and academic success actually achievable. I'm a mix of expert tutor, nerdy mentor, and chaos gremlin (in the best way). My students don't just learn-they gain confidence and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Also, I provide elite meme references and will 100% celebrate your academic victories like a proud nerd-parent.