Hello! My name is Alyssa. I am a graduate of Biola University with a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministries, as well as a graduate of the Torrey Honors Institute; an honors program at Biola that focuses primarily on how to better read and write. I have always done well in school and have achieved a place on the Dean's List all four years by maintaining a cumulative GPA of higher than 3.20.
Along with this, I have ample experience as a tutor. This past year I tutored a high school senior in essay/paper writing and close reading. In addition to this, I have acted as a teaching assistant in a third-grade geography class, worked as a homework assistant for elementary aged children, and am currently working as a tutor/teacher for third-grade children at a daycare. I have worked with a plethora of ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade, in some instances writing my own English and Bible curriculums. Though English is my biggest strength, I am also well equipped to tutor in history, government, theology, bible/bible verses, essay/paper writing, creative writing, elementary math, geometry, algebra, close reading, geography, and elementary sciences.
I have a passion for watching others learn and grow. I love being able to see the moment a student connects a concept with the practical; to watch as they grasp and understand knowledge. One of the things I particularly love is translating complex concepts into something that is easily grasped and understood. As such, I believe that God has given me the spiritual gift of teaching. It is my role to communicate the truth, goodness, and beauty that God has placed in the world to others - to help others discover it for themselves. As Romans 12:2 states, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Through teaching others, I am able to better help them renew their own minds so that they may discern the will of God and draw nearer to Him.
I believe education should be centered around God. Education is a tool we use to better understand God, his creation, and the truth, goodness, and beauty that all things hold. It is our job to find and learn about this truth, goodness and beauty in order to better see and know God in all aspects of our lives. This is done through investigating the world around us, the thoughts and ideas of others, and all that God has made. This allows us to not only know and love God in a fuller way, but also to know and love those around us in a fuller way. Seeking truth is the basis of all education. It is only fitting, then, that we seek God's truth, and use it in a way that allows us to better love God and others.
- third grade geography classroom assistant
- nanny/homework helper for children ages 6-14
- writing/close reading tutor for high school senior
- third grade daycare distance learning teacher
- bible study/close reading teacher
- written curriculum for essay writing, creative writing, and close reading
- Graduate of Torrey Honors Program
- Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Biola Univeristy
- Placed on Dean's List at Biola for having a GPA higher than 3.20 all four years
- Provost Academic Scholarship at Biola University 2016 and 2015
- Distinguished Scholar at Biola University 2015
I started volunteering in children's ministry when I was in sixth grade, the earliest age my church at the time allowed kids to serve in ministry. I have continued working in children's and youth ministry since then in volunteer, intern, and paid positions. I have worked with all ages: I worked in the 3 and 4 year old room for about five years, first as an aide, then as a teacher/music leader. After this I served in the kindergarten room as a teacher. During this time I was also leading/discipling a group of girls in the church's 5th and 6th grade ministry. Once those girls moved up to junior high, I moved with them. Here I taught, started a small group, planned and lead events and eventually became that ministry's intern. I was in that position for about four years. While serving in that capacity I was also teaching the 1st and 2nd grade class every other Sunday and working Sunday nights as a teacher for elementary aged kids while their parents met in small groups. I have also started, planned, and led bible studies and was briefly on a student leadership team for that church's college ministry. Most recently I planned and led a camp for a group of junior high girls.