Our Team
Students love us because we provide mentorship, expertise, and engaging sessions. Parents, schools, and guardians love us because of our proven experience and results.
About Kate's Experience
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Kate Hackett, Maryland native and California resident, is the founder and president of Kate's Tutoring. She graduated with honors from an elite school in Maryland in just three years and then did it again, graduating cum laude from Boston University in just three years with a Bachelors in History and an academic scholarship.
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Ms. Hackett has over 15 years of tutoring and teaching experience with thousands of hours of both one-on-one and classroom teaching. She has worked as a private tutor, test prep coach, and classroom teacher coach. She specializes in the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT test prep as well as a bevy of academic subjects. Ms. Hackett particularly enjoys teaching English and history, is a member of the American Tutor Association, and holds a teaching certification from the state of California.
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In 2012, after many years working for leading test prep and tutoring companies, Ms. Hackett decided that individual programs designed specifically for each student mattered so much more than all of the "cookie cutter" approaches the larger companies took.
She struck out on her own and founded Kate's Tutoring, where she has been able to make the most of her personal teaching philosophy: one size definitely does not fit all.
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Ms. Hackett emphasizes creativity in the learning process, which makes sense given her background in the performing arts. It helps her connect with many different students and find new and different ways to approach problems or questions. She really believes in developing a friendly rapport while pushing students' minds to analyze for themselves. Bottom line: your kid will enjoy the session AND make improvements.
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Kate is a licensed and certified teacher with the California Teaching Commission, CTC #120563373. She is a mandated reporter and has updated fingerprinting / LiveScan certifications.
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When she's not teaching, Ms. Hackett lives with the best dog in the world (sorry other dogs), two cats, and sometimes foster kittens. She enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, reading, and writing. As of March 2020, her sessions have moved almost exclusively online.
Kate Hackett
Why Choose Kate's Tutoring?
1) I'm an expert in my field. I have been tutoring for nearly fifteen years and have over thousands of hours of tutoring under my belt.I graduated top of my class with honors at both my high school and the illustrious Boston University. My scores on the SAT, ACT, AP tests, and subject tests have been near perfect or perfect. I know these subjects.
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2) I am creative, conscientious, and a stickler.
Creative: I pride myself on being able to adjust and connect with all students. Part of being a great teacher is being able to adapt lessons to individual students. It's also one of my favorite parts of teaching; I can listen to my students and adjust ideas so they better understand a subject.
Conscientious: We work together thoughtfully and thoroughly. I care about your child's work being done well as much as I care about her enriching her education.
Stickler: While I am absolutely personable and promote fun during our sessions, I also know when I need to be tough -- so you don't have to!
3) I am a lifelong student. The world is ever-changing and, fortunately, so is our understanding of it. I seek to never stop learning, never stop wondering, and I'm happy to say that I don't think I ever will.
4) Your success is critical to me. Unlike large tutoring companies, my size means that your happiness -- and your student's success -- matters tenfold to me. You will never get lost in the shuffle here, you KNOW who your tutor is every single day, and I take pains to be there above and beyond for all my clients. I know my services are not cheap -- but they are designed to be worth every penny.
Meet The Team
We rigorously evaluate all of our tutors through multiple stages to ensure they are a perfect fit. Here's how we bring them on:
- Comprehensive application form
- Initial interview: background and personality assessment
- Cultural fit evaluation
- External review of online presence
- Follow-up interview: assessment of teaching strategies
- Verification of three professional references
- Background check
- Evaluation of technological skills
All of our tutors have at least one year of teaching or tutoring experience, a bachelor's degree from a reputable institution, are in the United States, and many hold advanced degrees or teaching credentials.
Annie B.
Annie holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. With over ten years of professional tutoring experience, she specializes in middle and high school mathematics, including Algebra and Calculus. Annie has also successfully helped students improve their ACT and SAT scores, ensuring they reach their targeted results. Her tutoring philosophy centers on student engagement and personalized support, believing that every student can excel in math with the right tools and encouragement. She is currently working on her Masters degree.
Katie M.
Katie is an Atlanta native currently residing in Idaho. She holds a Master of Public Health degree and has completed over four years of doctoral studies at Georgia State University, in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Cellular Biology from Georgia Gwinnett College. As a published author of numerous scientific journal articles, Katie has collaborated with esteemed institutions throughout her career. With over 12 years of professional tutoring experience, she specializes in STEM subjects, ISEE/SSAT/ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER/GRE/GED test prep, AP classes, college admissions, college and career mentoring, essay preparation and editing, and English/ESL. Katie’s teaching philosophy focuses on building meaningful relationships with students, tailoring instruction to their individual needs, and fostering their holistic development through confidence-building and mental health support.
Amber P.
Amber holds an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Human and Natural Sciences from Texas Tech University. She has completed teacher training, earned various subject certifications, and currently works as a substitute teacher and speech and theater instructor. Her tutoring focuses on environmental science and English language arts, with additional experience in sciences, math, and foreign languages. Amber has taught students aged 4 to 40, with most between 8 and 23.
Amber's student-centered approach tailors lessons to individual motivations, using PPP (Presentation, Practice, Production) and ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) structures, along with Socratic questioning. Since 2018, she has primarily tutored university-level environmental science, geography, and geology. She is TEFL-certified and teaches SAT/ACT strategies. In her free time, Amber enjoys playing guitar, singing at local venues, reading with tea, and caring for her plants.
Isabella A.
Isabella Atout graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Computer Science; she also holds a K-12 Teaching Certification in Technology Applications and Mathematics. Over the past decade, she has taught in private, charter, and public schools, tailoring experiences to diverse learners. Isabella started her teaching journey teaching Coding, Computer Science and Math at a private school in Austin. Now, Isabella's re-discovery of online teaching and personalized education has led her to tailor educational experiences as a private tutor. Isabella is well versed in different educational approaches including International Baccalaureate, and Liberatory Education. She believes in education as a way to enact justice and hopes to lead the changing of educational institutions towards serving students. Isabella has been working with students since 2014, tutoring in Mathematics, Computer Science, and SAT Prep. When Isabella isn't tutoring, she can be found on the dance floor Zouking to Brazilian beats.
Shana W.
Shana Willis graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in online learning. She also has earned a mathematics degree from Rhode Island College, along with a RI teaching certificate for both middle school and secondary education. With over 26 years of teaching and tutoring math of all levels, Shana has worked with thousands of students both virtually and in person. Shana believes everyone can succeed in math with the proper tools and instruction. Shana has been working with students since 1998, tutoring in various levels of math, including middle school, Algebra 1, 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus. She has experience with college level math courses as well. Additionally, Shana is qualified to teach test preparation, including the SAT and ACT. When Shana isn't tutoring, she can be found outdoors playing with her dogs and her children.
Stephen P.
Stephen graduated from Drew University with a degree in History & Philosophy. He further pursued a Master’s in Neurobiology & Behavior at Columbia University, where he also published a book on Value Theory & Ethics. Since 2013, Stephen has brought his expertise to various tutoring roles, covering subjects such as SAT English & Math, ACT English, Science, & Math, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, and undergraduate-level Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, Essay Writing, French, Philosophy, and Antebellum & Postbellum American History. His teaching approach emphasizes fostering a student’s motivation and self-belief, believing that a strong mindset is crucial for academic success. Outside of tutoring, Stephen enjoys exploring new hiking trails and delving into classic literature.
Why Tutors Join Us
Professionals choose to tutor with Kate's Tutoring because they want an agency that supports them throughout their journey. We celebrate their wins with them and encourage their growth in and out of the classroom. Unlike many of the large "tutor mill" companies, Kate's Tutoring offers competitive rates in line with our tutors' education and experience. We are careful to hire selectively so tutors are not competing with thousands of others and we believe in our team. Kate's Tutoring believes in an equitable workplace and fair compensation for the hard work our tutors do.
Safety & Security
Kate's Tutoring strives to provide a safe environment for all students.
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Professional, Expert Tutors
Our highly curated roster of tutors have been carefully screened and are noted experts in their field. They are certified teachers, professors, and come from top tier schools. They are all based in the U.S.
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All tutors are screened, certified, and background checked.
Every tutor has undergone a thorough application process and background checks via a trusted third party, which includes a criminal background check, education verification, and sex offender check.