Tutor Spotlight: Alisa Chung
Meet Alisa.
She brings a compassionate and patient approach to tutoring. With extensive experience as a peer mentor and undergraduate teaching assistant, she excels in creating affirming learning environments tailored to neurodiverse students. Alisa’s academic background and dedication to inclusive education make her an invaluable asset to students striving to understand complex mathematical and scientific concepts.
What's one thing you love about tutoring?
I love seeing my students’ “aha” moments! Teaching has always been a passion of mine, from helping my younger siblings to working as a peer mentor and being a TA during undergrad. Each student is wonderfully unique, making every learning journey different and exciting. Seeing their confidence grow after working through something challenging brings me so much joy—it’s what makes tutoring so fulfilling for me.
How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?
I keep my energy high and engaging during online sessions, adding an extra boost to make enthusiasm contagious, even through the screen. This helps students feel connected and engaged in their learning. I also check in frequently to ensure we’re aligned and working together, incorporate plenty of visuals and animations, and use highly interactive practice problems. Having been a student, peer mentor, and TA throughout COVID, I understand both sides of the online learning experience well.
What's one study tip every student should know?
When in doubt, write it out! It might seem simple, but it truly gets results. Writing things down as you work helps you keep track of each step and often reveals insights or mistakes you might otherwise miss. It’s especially helpful for giving anxious students extra reassurance in their process and for slowing down students who tend to rush. Reflecting on your work as you go is an incredibly powerful tool.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
I enjoyed many classes in high school, fueled by a strong curiosity that still drives me today. I was a well-rounded student, taking advanced studio art, honors English, and AP science and math. The most impactful classes for me were those led by teachers who valued transformative learning. My art teacher encouraged not just technical skills but also clear communication and constructive critique. My honors English teacher focused on critical analysis and allowed us to showcase our knowledge in diverse ways. My AP Physics teacher was incredibly encouraging, even when I struggled, showing me the importance of empathy in education, especially in STEM, where warmth and positive support can sometimes be rare.
share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals.
I have many students I’m proud of! It’s hard to pick just one, but an engineering student I tutored as a TA stands out. They initially struggled with physics and calculus and were determined to finish the year strong. We tackled challenging material together and developed an assignment strategy tailored to their ADHD. Through consistent sessions, they not only gained confidence but also ended the year with high marks in all their physics and math classes. I look forward to celebrating similar successes with my current Portland students as they reach their own goals.
What do you admire about your students?
I most admire my students’ dedication to themselves. Asking for help takes courage, and it’s not easy to make time in their already packed schedules. I admire that they keep showing up, working hard to reach their goals even when the going gets tough. Their self-discipline, perseverance, and positive attitudes are truly inspiring. There’s no doubt they have bright and successful futures ahead!
