Jessica

Certified Tutor

I received my BA in History, English Literature and Russian Language Studies from the University of Iowa in 2007 and my PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2015 in Modern European History. I have a strong background in general European history, and have taught a variety of courses at the college level, including, but not limited to, European History, U.S. History to 1865, U.S. History from 1865 to the present, the History of Russia and the Soviet Union and general historical writing courses. As such I have extensive experience working with students both one on one and in lecture settings.
As a tutor, I am not only responsible for conveying material, but also for identifying where students struggling. It is my goal that my students engage with texts more completely, develop their own opinions about historical events, and learn to question historical authors and their motivations. I also feel that it is important for all students to develop strong writing skills, no matter what their future holds. This applies not only to history courses, but other subjects as well. The ability to write in a cogent, succinct, and simple manner is applicable across all subjects and disciplines, and more than any other, this is the skill that I hope my students accomplish through working with me as their tutor.
As a result of my studies and teaching experience, I have a strong background in American, British, and Russian Literature. In the past five years I have lived abroad in England, Latvia, and Russia, and have extensive experience in the Russian language, which I have studied for 10 years. I also have conversational knowledge of both Latvian and Polish.
In my free time I appreciate a good book or film, and enjoy sewing.
I find working with students to be not only incredibly fulfilling, but helping students obtain the skills and confidence that is necessary to achieve their goals is truly amazing, and the most motivating factor for me as a teacher and tutor.