Kaela Getz

Biography

I’m passionate about working with kids and helping them understand new concepts—it’s incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow as they learn. What first drew me to tutoring was the opportunity to share my love for science and nature in a meaningful way. I’ve always wanted to inspire others to be curious about the world around them, and tutoring gives me a chance to do just that. Being part of a student’s learning journey motivates me to keep finding creative and supportive ways to teach.

I was born in the Bay Area and raised in Berkeley, California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I developed a strong foundation in the life sciences and a growing interest in conservation. I recently completed my Master’s in Conservation Biology at the University of Queensland in Australia, where I had the opportunity to study ecosystems and environmental issues on a global scale. One of the biggest takeaways from my educational journey is how much of a difference passionate and supportive educators can make—I still remember the teachers who sparked my curiosity and encouraged me to ask questions. As an educator myself now, I aim to create that same kind of engaging and encouraging environment for my students. I’ve learned that learning isn’t just about memorizing facts, it’s about building curiosity, confidence, and a genuine interest in the world.

I’ve always been fascinated by nature and animals—growing up, I spent a lot of time walking in the woods and playing outside, which sparked my curiosity about the natural world. That early connection to nature led me to study biology and eventually pursue a career in conservation. I love teaching science because kids are naturally curious; they ask thoughtful, sometimes unexpected questions, and they’re eager to explore and understand how things work. Seeing their excitement as they discover new ideas reminds me of why I fell in love with science in the first place.

I have several years of experience in educational and outreach roles, both formal and informal. From 2022 to 2024, I worked at the Oakland Zoo, where I was actively involved in public engagement and educational outreach. I regularly interacted with children and families in the touch yard, teaching them about animal behavior, care, and safety. I also led behind-the-scenes tours for school groups at the reptile house and tortoise yard, helping students connect classroom knowledge with real-world animal science. Additionally, I have seven years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor in California, where I taught water safety and swimming skills to students of all ages. Through each of these roles, I learned how to adapt my teaching style to different age groups, communicate clearly and patiently, and build confidence in learners through encouragement and hands-on learning.

My tutoring philosophy is centered on active learning—I like to provide clear examples and then give students the opportunity to try problems or tasks on their own, with guidance and support as needed. I make the most of the 1-on-1 format by tailoring sessions to each student’s learning style, pacing, and interests, which helps build confidence and keeps them engaged. I’ve had a lot of success working with high-energy or easily distracted students by keeping sessions interactive and hands-on, rather than relying on long lectures. I often use visual aids, simple explanations, and real-world examples to make abstract concepts more relatable and easier to understand.

I really love nature, and enjoy spending time by birding with my grandfather, or taking care of my pet lizards. I also really enjoy fibrecrafts, such as knitting and crochet. I am currently teaching myself how to weave.