What subjects do you tutor?

I tutor mathematics (elementary math through Calculus 1); Spanish (beginner and intermediate); English (basic writing through college essays). I can also help with philosophy, public speaking, history at the middle and early high school levels, and science at a middle school level. 

Do you have a teaching credential?

Yes! I currently have a preliminary single-subject credential from the state of California, which will be cleared by 2029. My specific credential is in high school mathematics, but I am happy to work with students of many ages on a variety of subjects.

What is your educational background?

I have a BA from St. John’s College Santa Fe, where I studied liberal arts (philosophy, history of math, history of science, and classics). I have an MFA in Staging Shakespeare from Exeter University, Exeter, UK. I have also taken numerous extra classes at community college, including calculus, and done a variety of educational trainings for teachers.

How long have you been tutoring?

I began as a peer tutor in high school, continued in college, and have tutored off and on ever since. I began tutoring professionally in 2010 and built a business which continues through the present. I have also worked for companies such as Kaplan Inc. and Parliament Tutors.

Do you have experience with students who have learning differences?

Yes! I have experience working with students with ADHD (both types), as well as mild to moderate dyslexia, dysgraphia, and auditory and visual processing disorders. I find that one on one instruction often reduces the stress and some of the challenges around these diagnoses. 

What is your rate and how do you take payment?

Current rates are $100 per hour for new students, regardless of student’s age, ability, schedule, or location. First lesson is always half price, so the student can get an idea of my process and we can make sure I am a good tutor match for them. I take payment via cash, checks, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle; payments can be made every session, every week, or every month. If a student or family is more than a month behind on payment I reserve the right to cancel future appointments with students (with notice) until payment is up to date.

Can you send me an invoice?

Yes, by arrangement I can send invoices every month. Please mention this when you set up your appointment so we can discuss the best way to give you payment information.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact me through this website or by email ( elizabethlvega AT gmail DOT com) – we can work out details via email or you can provide your number and request a phone call. I look forward to meeting with you!

What if I want a regular appointment?

Great! Many of my students prefer appointments at the same time every week or every two weeks. I am very happy to build a regular appointment at a consistent time and location into my schedule.

My student has after-school sports or other activities. Can you still accommodate us?

Usually! I do appointments into the evening on some days to make this easier. Please contact me to discuss your schedule in detail, and we will see what we can figure out.

What if I don’t want a regular appointment, just meeting on the basis of need?

That usually works fine; you should plan to reach out as soon as you know you want an appointment so we can work it into the schedule. I do give priority to regular appointments scheduled in advance, but I do my best to make things work however you need. 

Can we set up an extra appointment if I have a test coming up?

Absolutely. Please reach out with as much notice as you can so we can find a time.

Do you tutor groups?

Yes, I tutor groups of up to 4 students. Please email me to request group payment rates.

Do you tutor online?

Yes, I am available for appointments both in person and via Zoom. If you would like a zoom appointment please just ask – I have an account and will send out links when the appointment is made. You do not need a paid Zoom account to meet with me online. 

When tutoring in person, what are your COVID-19 safety protocols?

At request, I wear a KN95 mask during appointments. I am fully vaccinated and I will cancel all in-person appointments and quarantine if I get a positive result and/or if I develop any symptoms. I request students also inform me and cancel in person sessions if they test positive or develop symptoms, or if anyone in their home is ill. Cancellation fees are waived in the event of illness and/or positive COVID-19 test.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give 24 hours notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours noticed may be charged a cancellation fee of $50-$100 (this may be waived in case of illness). 

How should students prepare for a session?

Students should bring any homework, recent tests, textbooks, and lecture notes (if applicable) to all sessions. Students should also come to sessions alert, fed, hydrated, and ready to work.

Do you guarantee grade improvement?

A number of factors can influence a student’s grade in any given course or semester. I will do my best to make sure the student has a strong understanding of the material, but students may also need to take on extra practice, meet with their teacher, request extra credit, or take other steps to improve grades in a particular course. I am happy to discuss individual cases and offer advice when relevant; please contact me for more details.

What if I have a question outside an appointment?

The best thing to do is write it on a post-it and save it up for our next session! Due to other jobs and commitments, I cannot guarantee I will be able to answer your homework question outside a scheduled tutoring meeting. 

Can you help with essays or take-home tests?

I am absolutely happy to help with brainstorming, writing, editing, or proofreading essays during a tutoring session. I am not able to remote edit essays between sessions, and I cannot help with take-home tests unless given specific permission from the teacher of the course.

Should I still come to my appointment if I don’t have any homework?

Yes please! There are a lot of useful ways we can spend our time if you don’t have any particular homework this evening, including planning projects, going over concepts, studying for tests, and organizing papers and materials. 

Should I still come to my appointment if I’m ill?

Nope! Let’s all do our part to keep the risk of illness low and keep each other safe. If you are ill but feel you can work anyway, please check in about switching your in-person appointment to a virtual one. If you are too ill to work, please get some rest! (Cancellation fees are usually reduced or waived altogether in the event of illness.)