My Approach

When I’m working with students, I focus on deconstructing built up fear and anxiety surrounding a subject, and reaffirming that hard work and patience (as opposed to innate ability) is all one needs. One-to-one tutoring allows a safe space for students to ask questions, try, fail, try again and celebrate our wins.

I understand the importance of individualized approaches to learning. I’ve worked with students with anxiety, ADHD, and learning disabilities and know that one size does not fit all. I’m sensitive to hardships students might be facing at school and my number one goal is building confidence and resilience. I take feedback from my students and tailor my teaching method to what works for them. Some students need templates, written notes and guides to follow before diving in. Others prefer to wrestle with material on their own and then receive feedback. Some want to focus on learning hard skills first before contextualizing them, others need to debate what a base-10 system really means before they’re willing to add decimals. Some students like to save 10 minutes at the end of our lesson to work ahead of their class, some benefit from 10 minutes at the beginning to review foundational skills. Some are learning rigour and others need to go easier on themselves. Some students come with a list of questions and goals they want to cover, others need help figuring out what exactly the goal is and orienting amidst information overload.

I’ve had success with my students by building trust with them and making sure their sessions with me aren’t the most painful, boring part of their week. I bring a sense of humour and genuine love for the magic of math and language to all my lessons.

Whether your child needs support passing a difficult course, would benefit from the challenge of supplementary enrichment, or is looking to score competitive grades for admissions, I’m happy to help them achieve their goals and build their confidence.

Testimonials

Some of my students I’ve worked with for over five years, mentoring them through middle and high school and even easing their transition into post-secondary education.

My daughter absolutely loves working with Claren. She told me, “every time there’s something I don’t understand, when Claren explains it, I understand right away.”
– Raizel

Claren tutored my daughter for three years in the subjects of math and science.  Tutoring sessions lasted 1-2 hours, at least once a week. Claren was always on time, professional, prepared, enthusiastic, and brought humour, patience and encouragement to every session. As a result, my daughter’s marks came up and she began to enjoy these two subjects. Claren is a gifted tutor and my family gives her the gold seal of approval. She is wonderful!
– Peggy

We have had the pleasure of working with Claren for three years as she is tutoring our sons.  Claren is patient and works hard to engage our boys and find different strategies to help them in areas that they are struggling in.  She is personable and professional and my boys really enjoy working with her.  We have seen great improvement with their grades and we are very pleased with their academic results.
– Paula

My daughter was anxious about math before working with Claren; after just a few sessions her confidence and curiosity have skyrocketed and she is excited about making mathematical discoveries both on the page and in the world. She is less concerned with whether or not she is good at at math and more focussed on all the ways math is interesting and enjoyable. Claren is a relaxed, confident, patient and passionate teacher—all of these things have been inspiring to my daughter, so much so that she looks forward to her tutoring sessions and wishes they were longer and that she could have them more often. I highly recommend Claren to anyone who wants to give their child the gift of a teacher who not only understands why math is important, but why it is exciting and fun and beautiful. This is how my daughter sees math now, thanks to Claren.
– Shannon

Claren has been a tutor for our daughter since grade 10, teaching math, chemistry and English. She is passionate about these subjects. She is very flexible and was able to adjust teaching techniques that met our daughter’s learning style. Claren is good at explaining concepts in a very nice and patient way. She is always following up with us, the parents. Most importantly, Claren puts great emphasis on teaching the student to learn and doesn’t do the assignment or homework for them as she is aware of how important it is for a student to become an independent learner.
– Constanze

Rates

I currently conduct tutoring sessions online through Zoom.

My rates range from $80/hr – $110/hr depending on grade and course level.

Discounted rates are available for families and individuals needing financial accommodation.

Please reach out for a quote.

Subjects

• Math – up to Calculus and Vectors, grade 12
• Sciences
  • Chemistry – up to grade 11
  • Physics – up to grade 12
• English – up to Undergraduate level
  • Reading comprehension
  • Literary Analysis
  • Paragraph structure
  • Essay writing
  • Creative writing
• French as a second language, all grades
• Organizational Support
  • Building to-do lists
  • Scheduling
  • Studying strategies

Contact

P.S. Thanks to Drew Berry for the fancy photo of my face!