Tessa

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Tessa is an experienced special education teacher and compassionate tutor who focuses on individualized, hands-on learning. She holds a B.A. in Childhood and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and an M.A. in Education from SUNY Albany. With seven years of classroom experience and leadership in after-school programs, she adapts lessons for learners with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences using clear routines, brain breaks, and positive reinforcement. Tessa believes in curiosity-driven learning, where students build both academic skills and self-confidence. When not teaching, she enjoys time with her Golden Retriever, Piper—her trained therapy dog and beloved classroom companion.

Monday - Thursday 10am-4pm EST
Friday 10am-2pm EST
Saturday & Sunday - No availability

My approach to teaching is first Student-Centered, specifically inquiry-based learning and problem-based learning. I find it is important for students to develop and use critical thinking skills. Then, the Teacher-Centered approach as I find the "I Do, We Do, You Do" method is effective in teaching and tutoring.

I attended SUNY Geneseo where I received my Bachelors in Childhood and Special Education Grades 1-6. Then, I completed online courses for my Masters in Childhood Education through SUNY Albany.

I ran an after-school tutoring program for middle school students for two years. I've also assisted family with technological learning. Being a teacher, tutoring comes naturally.

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Tessa
$106.00 USD

Subject Expertise

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All-in-One
All-in-One
Early Learning
Early Learning
ELA
ELA
Handwriting
Handwriting
Life Skills
Life Skills
Math
Math
Parenting
Parenting
Reading
Reading
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-Emotional Learning
Writing
Writing

My mission

My mission as an online tutor is to provide students with a supportive, engaging, and personalized learning experience that meets them where they are and helps them grow with confidence. I aim to make education more accessible by offering flexible, online support that adapts to each student’s unique learning style and pace. Through patience, encouragement, and clear instruction, I strive to not only improve academic performance but also to spark curiosity and a genuine interest in learning. Ultimately, my goal is to help students build the skills, mindset, and motivation they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

My Story

Buckle up, folks. I grew up at a cemetery. Yes, you read that correctly. My parents are the caretakers of a large, beautiful cemetery just south of Rochester, NY. People have definitely given me looks when I tell them that fun little tidbit about me, but there is nowhere else that I would have rather grown up (well, except maybe Hawaii or Italy). There is a stream that runs through the cemetery to one of the Finger Lakes. Also, there is small chapel in the middle of the cemetery that was built in 1909 but was completely restored by 2020. My husband and I were married there in September 2024. My parents are my inspiration. The dedication they put into the cemetery and the life they built from my brother, sister, and I is truly unmatched. I want to provide the same life to my almost 8-month old daughter, Eleanor.

Cognitive Diversity

How I adapt to students with diverse intellectual needs.

Being a special education teacher, I need to accommodates and differentiate for all students with varying learning disabilities. I have worked with students with ADHD, Autism, ODD, OCD, and other more extreme behaviors.

I have taught for 7 years and have had at least one student who has ADHD every year. I find it important to keep routines clear and consistent for these students. They thrive in a schedule and predictability. I break down tasks into manageable steps. I do brain breaks that incorporate movement. I give clear instructions and a lot of positive reinforcement. I get to know my students interests so that we can have discussions at the end of lessons on something they prefer to talk about.

I have taught for 7 years and have had at least one student who was on the autism spectrum every year.

I have supported students with dyslexia. Repetition is the most important, in my opinion. Also having access to visuals so they can use it as a tool.

Tessa Sample Lesson

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