Every so often, we like to recognize a tutor who has done a particularly outstanding job with his or her students. This time, we want to shine the spotlight on Katelynn, one of ArborBridge's K-8 tutors. We admire Katelynn's passion, kindness, and energy in helping young students succeed in the classroom.
We got to know Katelynn a little more in a recent interview, read on below!
How long have you been with ArborBridge and what subjects do you tutor?
Katelynn: I've been working at ArborBridge as a tutor for their Essential Skills programs and Independent School Entrance Exam programs for about a year. While I love my job as a full time teacher, I truly enjoy and appreciate having the opportunity to work with students one-on-one with ArborBridge.
Why do you tutor?
Katelynn: I tutor for the "aha" moments. There is nothing better than the moment when one of your students learns something and you see that realization and excitement on their faces. I tutor because I am passionate about educating students and inspiring a life long love of learning.
How do you connect with your students?
Katelynn: I connect with my students through my positive and caring personality. I let my students know that I care about them as people and truly want them to succeed. I also show my students that everyone makes mistakes - even adults! Through being totally open, silly, and upbeat with students, I am able to build truly special relationships.
Who do you admire/what inspires you the most and why?
Katelynn: The person that I most admire is my mom. Her positivity and compassion never cease to amaze me. She is the kind of person who puts others first and truly listens to other people. The world could use more people like her!
What do you want to learn more about?
Katelynn: I want to learn more about different cultures in the world! When I was a junior at UC Berkeley, I studied abroad in Rome. Completely immersing yourself in another culture is a rewarding and inspiring experience. I would love to visit as many countries as I can and learn about how different people spend their days.
If you could have a superhuman power which would it be and why?
Katelynn: If I could have a superhuman power, it would be to teleport. Then, I could travel anywhere in the world-- and wouldn't have to sit through Los Angeles traffic!
What advice would you give a new or struggling tutor?
Katelynn: The one piece of advice I would give a new tutor would be to first build a relationship with your student. Once a student truly trusts and feels comfortable with you, real learning that is both fun and productive can take place.
Your best experience as a tutor was when…
Katelynn: My best experience as a tutor was when one of my 2nd grade students who was struggling with reading started to meet her reading goals. When we first started our sessions, she told me "I don't like reading. I'm not really good at it." One of our breakthrough moments was when she turned to me and said, "I love reading! I wish I could read all the time!"
You are not yourself without….
Katelynn: ...a good nights rest!
Your motto is…
Katelynn: "Worry not that no one knows of you; seek to be worth knowing."- Confucius
When Katelynn graduated from UC Berkeley as an undergraduate in 2011, she joined a program called Teach For America that aims to give all children access to a top quality education. During the program, Katelynn taught 3rd grade and graduated successfully from the program. Now, Katelynn continues to teach 3rd grade and loves those “light bulb moments” when a child learns or discovers something new.
