Educator Spotlight: Abby S.
What subjects do you teach?
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Academics: Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc, Calculus AB & BC, AP Statistics. Middle School Math, Elementary School Math
What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?
The most rewarding part is when a student has a “light bulb moment”! Students will work so hard on a concept that is challenging to them and then suddenly you can see it click. They understand the concept, our hard work together has paid off, and I can see their confidence rising.
What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in?
The most common mathematical area I see students struggling in is with real world problems or word problems. They know how to crunch the numbers, but get stuck when words are thrown in there. Students also struggle having the same confidence taking the test as they do during our sessions.
How do you help them improve in those areas?
Lots of practice and repetition is the best way to work on that. I tell my students to read the problem, figure out what it’s asking for, then locate what information given will help us get there. Above all, don’t freak out when you see a bunch of words! It’s not so scary after you have enough practice and know what to look for.
To help with test taking confidence, we often take practice tests together. I reinforce the importance of believing in themselves, having a positive mindset, getting a good night’s sleep, and treating the test just like the practice.
What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?
Outside of teaching, I enjoy being with my friends and family, running, binging TV series, playing the daily Wordle, and crafts.
What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music a great service and company to work for?
I love working for HLM because of the strong relationships between students, tutors, and the leadership team. Students and tutors are thoughtfully paired, and I love being able to adapt sessions for each individual student as I work with them longer. I have always felt fully valued and supported as a member of this team and am grateful to work with such awesome students under a stellar company I’m proud to represent.
Rachel is the Director of Marketing at Hodis Learning & Music. She has years of experience in marketing and public relations. Rachel is also an experienced reading, writing, English, and Spanish tutor.