About Learn Your Way

Greetings, my name is Dr. Melissa.  

I have been helping students in math, chemistry, and physics for over 9 years now.  I tutor because I love  seeing students develop self confidence, resilience, and problem solving skills that will help them succeed in school and in life.  

 Math and the sciences, require a student  to: fail in-order to learn, work through problems where the answer isn’t obvious, and persevere when a problem is long and difficult.  While these may seem intimidating to a student, learning strategies to solve these problems builds the self confidence and life skills needed in today's world.

How are tutoring sessions organized?

During a tutoring session I not only work on the material the student brings but I also look for knowledge gaps and work to fill those in.  Additionally, I work with the students to develop test taking and problem-solving strategies that work for them as an individual.   If needed, we also work on note taking strategies and organizational skills. 

What teaching strategies do I use? 

I do not have ‘a one size fits all’ approach to teaching.  

Though the material taught never varies, each student is unique and needs individualized instruction. 

I try to let the student guide the session in terms of what they need/ want to accomplish, and then tailor my teaching to them.  I understand the struggles that classroom learning can pose for many children, especially those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. 

What do I expect from my students? 

I expect my students to come prepared with whatever homework, questions, etc. they are struggling with.  I expect them to try, and I expect them to fall.  I will never make a student fell 'less than' for not knowing an answer or for getting a problem wrong.  In fact, I celebrate when we do things wrong so they can see how to learn from mistakes. 

 I encourage them to bring in their tests and quizzes so we can analyze what went right and learn from what went wrong. I do not do homework FOR the student.  I do not GIVE them answers.  For schools with 'Pledged' homework, while I can not directly help them, we can work together to help them understand the concepts being reviewed. 

 Encouraging students to study consistently.  

As long as I have seen the student twice during the month; they can text me anytime they have a question on homework (I am usually in bed by 11pm). My goal in this is to have them “Try, struggle, but before you get frustrated, text me.” Often, we can avoid frustration and enhance learning thru a quick communication. 

Final exams.

While I do help students study for midterm and final exams, tutoring the week before an exam is not a substitute for consistent semester-long tutoring and preparation.  I can NOT  teach an entire semester or year's worth of material in 1-2 study sessions. To this end, when it comes time for mid-terms and finals, scheduling priority is given to those who have worked with me the longest.   

As for my background, 

I have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from MCV-VCU and a BS in chemistry, I Graduated Magna Cum Laude in both degrees.  I work in the community as a pharmacist part time. I have also done ‘long-term’ substitute teaching at both St. Christopher’s and St. Catherines in math and chemistry.  Most of my business in by referral from former students, which is the highest compliment. 

I look forward to working with you and your child!