Tutor Spotlight: Ben D.
Meet Ben.
Now in his eighth year with North Avenue Education, Ben tutors a wide range of subjects, including the SAT and ACT, AP History and Social Sciences, and graduate exams like the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT. He is passionate about teaching and finds it especially rewarding to watch students grasp elusive concepts - whether a theme in U.S. History, the properties of exponents, or how to identify necessary and sufficient conditions in logic – and apply them independently in new contexts.
What's one thing you love about tutoring?
I love the challenge of getting to know a new student – their goals, learning style, and areas for growth - then working with them to build a plan tailored to their needs. The true joy comes when a student shares an insight or connection they’ve made entirely on their own. That’s when tutoring moves beyond just the transfer of knowledge: it becomes a process of empowering students to confidently master the material. The best tutors don’t just explain things; they help students take ownership of the subject and become independent learners.
How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?
Virtual sessions are often the best fit for students, offering flexibility amid a busy schedule. But they also bring unique challenges. I keep students engaged online by making our sessions interactive and personalized. I ask a lot of questions, use shared documents and virtual whiteboards, and regularly check in to make sure students are on track. I also adapt in real time when a strategy isn’t working. Humor and genuine curiosity about each student help build rapport and keep them engaged. The key is to foster a sense of collaboration – we’re not just reviewing material, we’re working through it together. When students feel seen and heard, they’re far more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
What's one study tip every student should know?
Be consistent. While “slow and steady” might not win every race, it is the key to mastering a body of skills and concepts. I encourage students to spend at least a few minutes each day on the subject they’re learning. Regular, focused review builds long-term retention, deep familiarity with a subject, and confidence. But success doesn’t come from academic discipline alone. Learning is holistic – sleep, exercise, and mental health matter just as much as study habits. When students care for their overall well-being, they’re better able to learn and retain new material. Sustained effort over time always outperforms last-minute cramming.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
My twelfth grade English literature class was my favorite, largely thanks to a teacher who encouraged each of us to approach the material in ways that sparked our individual interest. While there was a core set of texts we all were expected to read, she also left room for us to pursue our own interests, not just in what we read, but also in how we engaged the material. I remember submitting a book report on Lord Byron’s Don Juan (an obscure satirical epic written entirely in ottava rima) that itself mimicked Byron’s unusual style. Though I’d probably cringe if I reread it now, I still recall that exercise with deep fondness. That class shaped my love for close reading and critical thinking - skills I now help my own students develop, whether we’re analyzing a literary text, an essay prompt, or a logic puzzle.
Can you share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals?
One student I worked with struggled with test anxiety and felt stuck below her target SAT score. With that challenge in mind, we focused not only on strategy and content, but also on mindset - building confidence through small wins and steady, reflective practice. Over several months, her scores improved, and on her final attempt, she scored well above her goal. But what made me proudest wasn’t the number – it was seeing her begin to trust her own ability to tackle challenges. That shift in self-perception meant more than any composite score ever could.
What do you admire about your students?
I admire my students’ resilience. Learning is hard, especially when you're balancing school, extracurriculars, and life’s many pressures. Yet again and again, I see students show up – curious, determined, and willing to grow. I’m inspired by their questions, their honesty, and their courage to face difficult challenges. Whether they’re working through a tricky math problem or carefully revising an essay line by line, my students remind me that perseverance, paired with trust and effort, leads to genuine transformation. Their dedication rekindles my passion for teaching and reminds me why this work matters.
