A best-selling author of 14 books and a teacher with over 20 years’ experience awaits the chance to get to know and support you!

Find out more about Tiffini

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Teaching has always been a part of who I am. I was in 9th grade when I taught my first class: a 3rd grade class French. I fell in love with it. In the 12th grade, I created a program called History's Mark that I took to the school board and got implemented into schools. And when I graduated high school, I started working with Junior Achievement. Long before college, teaching was a part of my life. Private tutoring is perfect fit for me because it allows me to really get to know my students, where they excel and where they struggle, and create individual lesson plans for them.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  History, Creative Writing and all things English are my favorite subjects. I love analyzing literature and teaching students how to see between the lines. I am a published author, so creative writing is really fun. I would say science is trickier for me to teach.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had two very influential-life changing, even - teachers. My 6th grade math teacher, Mrs. Hogshead, taught me an invaluable lesson. I was always really bad at math - I struggled. She let me retake the exact same test five times, until I aced it. When I thanked her, she said, "I knew you were trying, and that's what matters." She taught me I could do anything I set my mind to-even math. In the 11th grade, my English teacher, Stackhouse, was life changing. His class was hour long discussions and debates and it taught me how to think and question what I read. Mrs. Waller, my psychology teacher, taught me that others saw me. All three teachers taught me to believe in myself. I have maintained contact with all of them. A recent photo of me and Mrs. Waller is attached.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  To be a good tutor, it's important to have good relationship building skills, flexibility and to be calm. I try to approach each new student with a sense of awe: they are reaching out for help with something - and that is hard to do. Helping others see how far they've come will help inspire (instead of force) them to overcome obstacles.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Teaching is about learning how to harness creativity. If I am facing an issue, but I know about real-life heroes from history or how to express myself in written form, then I have a treasure trove of inspiration to draw from that might help me solve my issue.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Helping students overcome the fear of writing can be challenging. It seems overwhelming to many, or just getting started can seem impossible. Finding creative ways, like through mind-mapping or free writing techniques, to help them see the benefits is a challenge I deeply enjoy.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is teaching in general. I love the "aha" moments and the discussions - teaching middle and high school was a joy because they are capable of so much. Unleashing that potential is very motivating for me!

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  I am very passionate, and I see each student as more than a grade.