Hey, Kate here! I can’t wait to get started with you!

I grew up primarily in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but spent several years of my childhood in Shanghai, China, where I attended Shanghai American School. Back in Wisconsin, I discovered my passion for history and English at Kettle Moraine High School. I took every AP history and AP English course my school offered and graduated as salutatorian with a 3.98 GPA. After high school, I spent a gap year studying abroad in Taiwan through the U.S. Department of State’s NSLI-Y program. I then moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, where I graduated magna cum laude from the honors program with double majors in Global Studies and Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, as well as minors in Political Science and Teaching English as a Second Language.

For the past five years, I’ve co-founded and taught at a homeschool co-op in the Columbia Heights area, working with students in grades 4–12 in English and history. I love helping students develop their reading comprehension, writing, analytical thinking, and understanding of history. One of my favorite parts of teaching in the homeschool system is designing my own curricula around students’ interests and needs. For example, last year, I developed an expanded world history course that took students from early human evolution all the way to current events. I believe that learning is most rewarding when students are challenged, curious, and able to make meaningful connections with the material.

Beyond subject-specific skills, I’m passionate about helping students develop the habits that allow them to thrive academically. My teaching philosophy is goal-driven: I encourage students to set ambitious goals, then learn to work slowly toward achieving them. I often begin sessions by asking, “Where do you want to see yourself by the end of our time together?” From there, we build a plan that helps students strengthen their time management, organization, patience, and perseverance. I want students to leave tutoring not only with a stronger grasp of the material, but also with greater confidence in their ability to learn independently.

At Kay Tutoring, I’m excited to work with students in English and history, at the regular and AP level. Whether students are looking for support with school assignments, preparing for the AP exam, or are developing stronger reading, writing, and study skills, I can help! I especially enjoy creating individualized lessons that meet students where they are and help them reach goals that feel meaningful to them.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy scuba diving, weightlifting, traveling, and continuing my Chinese studies. Lately, I’ve also been getting into regenerative agriculture. I can’t wait to get to know you, learn about your interests, and help you reach your goals!