Gina Lawler

I graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz, where I earned a B.A. in history with a focus in Europe and the Mediterranean. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree focusing on the modern Middle East with a concentration in Egyptian history, with my end goal being a doctorate degree in teaching. Throughout my high school and college careers, I tutored family members and friends in both their historical studies as well as active reading methods and advanced writing techniques.

I personally believe that students best learn skills in a more intimate, one-on-one setting. These one-on-one sessions allow me to curate my lessons to the specific needs of each student. In my experience, I have noticed that students are more receptive to positive reinforcement—students are more likely to retain information when I focus on what they have done right before explaining how they could improve their skills rather than simply telling them what is wrong. Each student learns differently, and I make a concerted effort to cater to each student’s learning style by identifying their challenges and exploring the explanations and approaches that will help them understand and succeed. My end goal is always for students to feel satisfied with and celebrate their successes.

I have a special soft spot for tutoring social studies and reading skills: history helps us grasp how our society has advanced and where we are going, and reading is a foundational skill that impacts all subjects. However, I enjoy helping students across their academic subjects and in their test prep pursuits, whether they are studying for their middle and high school entrance exams or for the SAT and ACT. Regardless of the subject or test, I work with students to help them find enjoyment in their studies and to lay a strong foundation for their future pursuits, and I appreciate watching my students’ confidence grow as they become familiar with material.

Outside of tutoring students, I enjoy discovering new music, going to the beach, and knitting.