Absolutely not! Needing or asking for help doesn't mean someone is less smart or less able. Students at all levels can take advantage of tutoring. Tutoring services are valuable support resources to help you better understand course material and achieve academic success. There are so many reasons why someone may need a tutor. It has nothing to do with how smart you are.

The dictionary defines a tutor as a person who gives individual, or is some cases a small group, instruction. A tutor is there to support the student in his/her own mastery of the subject so that they feel skilled in his/her understanding of the material. A tutor asks open-ended questions rather than "yes" or "no" questions. In time, the tutor teaches students how to learn on their own.

Like teachers, a tutor does their best to help you understand where you are having trouble within a subject. However, a tutor will focus on specific questions you have about applying concepts to assignments.

The tutor is not a teacher. The teacher teaches/lectures and the tutor tutors. The tutors’ job is not to mainly help the student with his/ her homework, nor teach the material their tutee didn’t understand.

Also please see the Tutoring Agreement.

Excellent question! There are many reasons. Here are a few:

• A tutor can help you focus on the topics that are really giving you trouble. Best of all, you are one-on-one, instead of part of a classroom.
• You can learn at your own pace. 
• Tutors have the time to explain difficult concepts in several ways. 
• You don't have to feel shy or hesitant in a classroom to ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
• Everyone learns differently, and a tutor can tailor to your learning style.

What Grammarly CAN do/offer:

• As a proven AI tool, it helps many users primarily check for spelling and grammatical errors. 
• It also checks for writing tone, readability issues and problems with plagiarism. 
• Some features are free to use. 
• Offer a professional and human proofreader for an additional cost depending on how quickly you need their services.

What Grammarly CANNOT do/offer:

• All of its features are not free; but you can upgrade for a fee.
• Provide advice or teach more about the English Language.
• The same level of personalized attention, feedback and guidance as a personal tutor.

On the other hand, a tutor CAN help students:

• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Build confidence and self-esteem.
• Thrive in a supportive learning experience.
• Learn more more about the English language.

Most importantly, a tutor can provide a more comprehensive approach to learning because they can consider the student’s overall development, goals, and interests. 
​

A tutor will not edit your paper nor work the answers for you. Doing a line by line correction and/or providing answers does not allow you to learn for yourself nor own the knowledge.  As your individualized tutor, I will help you improve your skills.

Moreover, I will look at your work as a whole, provide examples of high quality writing and provide comments to help clarify problems you may have in other areas such as spelling, grammar or other writing skills (e.g. writing introductions/conclusions, organizing ideas, etc.).

Using this approach, will help you to develop the groundwork for any writing assignments.

Please refer to the Tutoring Agreement.

This is not an exhaustive list, but includes the following:
● Reading: Research methods, critical reading, elementary reading, and reading comprehension 
 ● TESOL: General English skills, vocabulary, basic and advanced grammar, basic sentence structure, basic and advanced essay writing, pronunciation, one-on-one conversations, written versus spoken communication, special topics by request 
● Writing: Essay writing, creative writing, narrative writing, research paper writing and citations (including MLA, APA, and Chicago Style), and note taking 
● Additional subjects: History (including social studies), literature, grammar, spelling, cursive (reading and writing), letter writing, vocabulary, resume writing and other topics by request

Also, please refer to the Services page for more details

Currently, we are unable to offer test prep tutoring. It may be something offered in the future. In the meantime, if a student would like additional help with grammar and writing subjects that are on these tests, perhaps special arrangements could be made. Should there be interest, we can discuss it further. 

If this is a topic you would be interested in seeing offered, please email info@bighorntutoring.com and use SAT/ACT Prep in the subject line.

EDUCATION 
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME (online)
Master of Education, TESOL 
Summer 2021 

SUNY Canton, Canton, NY 
Associate of Science, Early Childhood Education 
May 2018 

Walsh College, North Canton, OH
Bachelor of Arts, English (Minor: History and Spanish) 
May 1983 

HONORS

• Summa Cum Laude 4.0, SUNY Canton  
• College Academic Award--highest cumulative GPA for Early Childhood A.S.  
• Phoenix Award, SUNY Canton  
• Summa Cum Laude 4.0 GPA, University of Southern Maine 

Most recently, Carrie taught English remotely to Indonesian students ranging in age from pre-school to college. Her other teaching/tutoring experiences span about twenty years and include: student teacher, teaching assistant, trainee teacher, peer and professional tutor, and remote learning TESOL intern. Her professional training includes CRLA International Tutoring Training Program (Certified Tutor, Level 1).

The company’s tutoring model offers a personalized approach that follows College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) principles which include implementing various tutoring strategies that use active listening and responding, modeling problem solving, goal setting and planning, and other advanced study skills. These proven techniques empower students to take responsibility for their own learning, foster academic improvement, build confidence, and increase student engagement in the learning process.  

There will be a complimentary initial meeting and consultation session, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes to determine need, compatibility, and number of sessions needed.  

Some students may need occasional sessions, while others may need to meet more frequently. It really will depend upon each student and their individual needs. Typically, a session can run anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, but as short as 30 minutes.

Pricing is listed in our Rates section.

We are still making arrangements for a public-based meeting location, which will offer an environment conducive to studying and learning. Once you have made an appointment, we will let you know ​where to meet.

That's easy. First and foremost, bring yourself!

Of course, you also will be asked to bring items, materials, and/or questions in preparation of sessions. Your tutor cannot help you unless she can see what you have been learning in class. If you have questions between sessions, you will be provided with a way to contact your tutor for those instances.

A laptop or iPad plus other resources will be available to use. That means we will place your phone in a safe place until your session is over. Distractions will lead to wasted time and will take away from your learning. 

Attend classes at school
Take notes during class lecture
Read assigned material
Try homework problems; write down any questions you have
Bring relevant material
Bring any and all questions!
Remember to follow the Tutoring Agreement

Be an active participant in the session by:

• Taking notes during the session to refer to later
• Ask questions for clarification
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the content covered during the session

So glad you asked!

The Tutoring Agreement is a way to keep both tutor and tutee (student) accountable each and every session. Both parties will sign the document at the initial (first) session, thus defining expectations each time they meet. By having a clear understanding of what will be taught and learned, it empowers students to take responsibility for their own learning, foster academic improvement, build confidence, and increase student engagement in the learning process.  

No, your session can be during any stage of the writing process. Sometimes it may help to initially have a brainstorming session for ideas, formulating a thesis, or generally organizing thoughts before writing your paper. For any visit, always bring your assignment instructions. Remember, these appointments are collaborative in nature and often helps writers with a productive start. 

As your writing tutor I will help you improve your writing skills. I will look at your writing issues as a whole, provide examples of high quality writing and provide comments to help clarify problems you may have with grammar or other writing skills (e.g. writing introductions/conclusions, organizing ideas, etc.).  Using this approach, will help you to develop the groundwork for any writing assignments.

The tutor cannot grade your paper (or your work). Additionally, the tutor will not tell you what grade they think you deserve. Remember, your grades are decided by your instructor. If you are concerned about your grade on a paper, or any other assignment, it is important to talk to your teacher in more detail. By gathering these other details, it will help your tutor to advise you during your tutoring session. Keep in mind, the tutor will focus on helping you improve your communication skills.

Please also see the Tutoring Agreement.

Yes, appointments are required. Sessions may be scheduled up to three weeks in advance.

Because Big Horn Tutoring is a one-person service, it would be difficult to offer walk-in sessions. However, in the future, drop-in/walk-in sessions during the slower parts of the school year could be offered to allow for quick questions to be answered, limited to no more than 10 minutes, and complimentary (free).

You can schedule sessions one of two ways.

By calling or texting 307-763-7336
Emailing: appointments@bighorntutoring.com  

Real life happens and sometimes it might be necessary to cancel and/or reschedule a session. If you must cancel, please try call or text 307-736-7336 at least 3-4 hours in advance if at all possible--24 hours in advance would be ideal. But at the very least, one hour before your appointment.

Remember, if there is a pattern of canceling appointments (including more than 3 consecutive times), the tutor will be asking you and possibly talking with parent(s) to help resolve what issue(s) there might be.

It is extremely important to be on time! 

Every minute of your tutoring session is important. It is most likely there is another session after yours. Be respectful toward yourself and your tutor by showing up on time. Make every second count!

Remember that if you are late, you will not get a full session nor a refund. The full price of the session will still be charged whether you are there for only 20 minutes or the full 30, 45 or 60 minutes.

If you know you cannot make your appointment or will be more than 5 minutes late, it is better to cancel and reschedule so that you will get your full session time.

Call or text 307-736-7336 if you are going to be late and do your best to get there as soon as possible.

For students under 18 years old, the tutor may contact the parent(s) If it seems there is a habit of always being late. The tutor may talk to the adult student in more detail about this issue.

You can email the tutor to inquire about additional appointment times. Your email should provide the tutor with an overview of all the times you have available to meet. The more hours you identify, the more likely your tutor will be able to find a time that works for both of you. It is better to email this information to appointments@bighorntutoring.com rather than through a phone call or text message.

Currently, the plan is to schedule in-person sessions, which is the preferred method for tutoring. There are several reasons for this format. 

Some concepts are best taught in person. In-person tutoring fosters active learning, and many students not only prefer this method but tend to learn better in a physical learning environment. Additionally, this type of learning helps students retain more knowledge over time. In some cases, remote learning may have more distractions than in person.

However, Wyoming winters can be unpredictable, as well as every day life. Thus, depending on circumstances, remote sessions via Zoom may be an option and will be determined on a case-by-case basis, especially if a student lives farther away, or if availability is limited.

The last thing Big Horn Tutoring wants is for a student to experience a bad tutoring session!!

Please speak up immediately to your tutor! If a student feels more comfortable having (a) parent(s) talk to their tutor, then that is absolutely an acceptable option. Hopefully that won't be necessary, but Big Horn Tutoring understands if a student would prefer to do that.

Students have different personalities and working styles, as does your tutor. That is also why there will be a complimentary initial meeting and consultation session, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes to determine need, compatibility, and number of sessions needed. 

Sometimes, regrettably, not all students will connect well with the tutor. Your tutor wants what is best in the long run for the learner. 

Communication is key so let's try to discuss possible solutions to resolve any problems you might have.

When in doubt, please speak up and ask!

We will discuss payment at the time you are ready to sign up for (a) session(s). There is a contract (different from the Tutoring Agreement) that will be signed at the time the tutor is being hired, which will cover payments.

Big Horn Tutoring will accept the following payment methods:
Cash
Personal Check
Credit Cards

At this time, Big Horn Tutoring is unable to take payments online through the website. In the future, that may change. 

Additionally, Big Horn Tutoring understands that money is tight and it might be necessary to work out a payment plan, especially when choosing pre-paid sessions. We are happy to work out an arrangement. Just be sure to ask. 

 I am qualified to teach English to speakers of other languages (or TESOL). I have worked with all levels of learners, from preschool to college. 

Please email esl@bighorntutoring.com. We can discuss your needs, concerns, and questions in written form. It might be easier for you to communicate in your native language initially. I can read and understand some written Spanish, but I cannot really speak it well. 


Estoy cualificado para enseñar inglés a hablantes de otros idiomas (TESOL). He colaborado con estudiantes de todas las edades, desde preescolar hasta la universidad.

Envía un email a ​esl@bighorntutoring.com​​​. Podemos hablar sobre tus necesidades, preocupaciones y preguntas por escrito. Es posible que te resulte más sencillo comunicarte en tu idioma nativo al principio. Puedo leer y entender algo de español escrito, pero realmente no lo hablo bien.

Although it is not currently offered, we would be happy to help you with preparing for your US Citizen test. If this is something you would like assistance with, please email info@bighorntutoring.com with US Citizen prep in the subject line.

So glad you asked! 

This FAQ is meant to help with answering some of the more common questions that you might have. However, it's very possible your situation might be unique. If that's the case, please email your question(s) to ​info@bighorntutoring.com​​​. We are always happy to answer your questions. And it might be good enough to be added to this FAQ!