Whether the need is for homework help, extra practice and enrichment, to get grades up, or to prepare for an exam - I have years of experience tutoring high school students. No matter the need, I can work with your teen and guide him or her towards your goals, and results-oriented success.
With regular tutoring sessions providing private, personalized one-on-one instruction, students can better understand concepts and meet the course learning objectives - especially in math. I help them fill in learning gaps, work on study skills and strategies, and build confidence along the way.
High school math, English and French are the courses which I generally tutor. In addition to helping students prepare for tests, I also provide standardized entrance exam prep. Ask me about other subjects or standardized exam requests you may have.
Teaching the subject matter and curriculum
I assess students' needs, consult and provide a plan to develop measurable goals.
Covering knowledge gaps, adapting proven strategies for each individual with their learning style and abilities
Students develop good study and time management habits, build confidence, prepare for the next level, and learn HOW to learn.
My name is Marissa. I've been tutoring for over 25 years, from elementary school to college-level courses. I've provided instruction and tutored privately, as a volunteer in classrooms, and employed as a university-level teaching assistant.
I have a Bachelor's of Arts in English and a Master's in Finance (graduate level mathematics and statistics). I've truly had a rounded education in both qualitative and quantitative analysis - with a love of both words and numbers! I run my own business and always have time to bring on students. Some kids may just need to prepare for an upcoming math test.
Most of the calls I get are for math help, for students who have fallen behind, needing help with concepts in class or fundamentals with which they are struggling. Others, I've worked with long term for the duration of the course. I have even kept on the same students throughout their high school years over multiple subjects - improving their English skills and/or ensuring they stay on track from one math grade to the next.
I also speak French. I am not an ESL teacher for those just starting to learn English. I do provide tutoring services to students who have varying proficiency in English, including for whom English is a second language. I have worked with many students who have come to Canada for high school education. I have linguistics training and understand what it is like to be a learner of a foreign language. For students learning French as a second language, I teach beginners the basics like vocabulary and verbs, as well as work with advanced learners looking to improve their reading, writing and speaking abilities.
I also tutor students who have learning disabilities or challenges, and adapt instruction to their needs, whether they have an IEP or not. I have experienced serious chronic health issues of my own and as such have empathy for those facing challenges.
I foster a caring, supportive learning environment tailored to each student. Whatever their level - catching up, enrichment or working ahead - I will provide a guiding hand and results. I work with teens on building confidence and good study habits. I stress the importance of developing time management skills and having a regular schedule set around schoolwork, prioritizing education.
Want an experienced, reliable White Rock or South Surrey BC tutor to guide your teen towards success? Call 604-330-6977
I offer solutions for high school students with all sorts of abilities and needs, across many subjects. Whether the tutoring required is foundational for a class, or enrichment for the next level - here is a basic outline of the services I offer. Every student is unique of course and I will provide an assessment of his or her needs. Call 604-330-6977
for a free consultation today for private tutoring in White Rock or South Surrey BC.
Whatever the goal is, I will ensure there will be measurable results - improvements in grades when the report card comes or the test results come back, and improvements in confidence - so that they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the next grade and beyond, as they grow into adults.
Most students contact me because they need a math tutor, both for the short term and over the entire course.
From the basics of algebra to trigonometry, geometry or pre-calculus, I can help make sense of the class material, and review the concepts with which students may have previously struggled.
In math, understanding each module is often the foundation for the next being taught.
I am familiar with the curricula and materials and can teach efficient strategies for problem-solving. I am at ease giving extra practice, teaching foundational topics as well as covering material ahead so that the student is well-versed and prepared.
Courses:
Math 8
Math 9
Foundations of Mathematics & Pre-Calculus 10
Workplace Math 10
Pre-Calculus 11
Foundations of Math 11
Workplace Math 11
Pre-Calculus 12
Foundations of Math 12
Apprenticeship Math 12
English
I am an English tutor as well. I can work with most students who have basic proficiency in English.
For those whose first language is English, I can work with them on improving their English grade through instruction on the assigned course material. And, I can help them develop their reasoning, communicating and - especially - their writing capabilities. Essay writing, and learning analytical and critical thinking are key academic skills I teach my students.
Language Learning:
For learners of English as a second language, I can help them improve their reading, speaking and writing abilities to help them become more fluent.
French
I speak French and can work with French Immersion or students taking regular French language classes.
Courses:
English 8, English 9, English 10, English 11 and English 12.
French 8, French 9, French 10, French 11 and French 12.
French Immersion
Got an exam to prepare for, such as a subject test, or a final exam?
Test Prep and Exam Prep:
We can work on a short-term basis to get you up to speed and do extra practice. I can block off sections of time over multiple days if needed, including on weekends.
Have an entrance exam (standardized test) coming up? Some trades at community colleges for example have entrance exams that require math proficiency. Or, US universities have the SAT, with both math and English components. I have done SAT prep with a number of students using proven methods to increase scores.
When it comes to preparing for exams, we'll determine your goals and we will do what it takes to get you those results!
“I needed to bring my grade up for the final exam. The teacher didn't explain the homework enough and we had Zoom classes so I didn't really get to ask questions. Marissa worked with me and explained, and in just two weeks I improved a letter grade.”
"I needed to pass a math exam before I could get accepted into a college Electrician program. I saw some sample questions and couldn't remember any of that stuff. A friend's mom gave me Marissa's name. She helped me majorly with the test prep and I got in. First try! "
Here are answers to common questions about tutoring services. Feel free to contact me for information specific to your son or daughter's academic needs, too!
I tutor students privately, 1 on 1.
I accomodate students' needs, with both in-person and online tutoring sessions.
If in-person sessions are best, then we do those. I tutor in my home generally. For an additional $10/session, I accomodate requests to drive to students' homes, as long as the request fits with my schedule, and the driving distance is within about 15 minutes. That covers most of White Rock and South Surrey. I can also meet in locations such as public libraries.
I offer live video tutoring via Zoom with a Whiteboard for teaching and collaborating on work. Some are more comfortable with virtual sessions so I have been offering these since the pandemic. And - some students are a further driving distance.
I tutor high school students. I also work with adult learners, covering college entrance exams prep (such as for trade schools), and high school equivalency programs like the Adult Dogwood.
I mostly get calls for math - Foundations and Pre-Calculus for grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. I have many years of experience teaching and tutoring these curricula.
I also tutor English and French.
I am always available by email or phone for my students. If you have a question, just ask - no charge! My iPhone (ie texting) is the easiest way to get ahold of me.
For grades 8 through 12, it's $50 for an hour session, in person or over Zoom.
I consider driving requests to your home in South Surrey / White Rock, IF I can accomodate them with my schedule - there is an additional $10 charge per session.
Texting or emailing homework questions in between sessions is always free of charge! I encourage students to study and go over what we worked on! I will provide my iPhone number. I have lots of extra resources and material too for enrichment beyond what is covered in class.
Sessions are one hour; I go longer by request, but usually not shorter. I don't charge extra if we go a few minutes over time.
I accept cash or e-transfer. Parents can arrange per session, weekly or monthly payments.
Sure, I understand that teens are busy with activities, illness happens, and that sometimes exam dates don't line up with regular session times.
I am happy to accomodate and can change your date or time, even offering weekends or extra sessions when my schedule permits.
Cancelling is ok - just let me know before our session is supposed to start.
I am located in South Surrey and can serve neighbourhood and local students in person or via video Zoom tutoring sessions, at the following local high schools: Earl Marriott Secondary, Grandview Secondary, Semiahmoo Secondary and Elgin Secondary.
I also take on private, traditional school and independent/ religious / Catholic school students using the B.C. curriculum, such as at Southridge.
If you're located elsewhere in Surrey, Langley, Delta etc., I offer Zoom video tutoring sessions.
I am a graduate of Earl Marriott Secondary and grew up in White Rock / South Surrey.
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