Hi! My name is Emily, and I'm a second-year student (Class of 2029) at the University of Chicago majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with plans to attend law school after graduation. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I tutor English, History, English Lit/Lang, and writing more broadly. I am passionate about helping students strengthen their analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and written communication skills. As both a student and a tutor, I know that writing and reading-intensive subjects can sometimes feel overwhelming, so I strive to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and developing their own ideas. Whether you're working on essays, preparing for exams, or improving your writing, I aim to make challenging material approachable, engaging, and rewarding. Outside of academics, I'm a dedicated dancer since I was a kid and perform in dance shows throughout the year. I believe that every student learns differently, so I tailor my approach to each individual's needs and goals. I also enjoy helping students connect what they're learning in the classroom to the world around them. I am excited to work with students in the Chicago area and look forward to meeting you!
If you have a specific tutor in mind, you're welcome to request them directly — we'll confirm whether they're available and the right fit for your student. Otherwise, Ryan writes a personal email to understand your student's needs, learning style, and goals — then handpicks a tutor from the roster. You're not filling out a form and getting assigned randomly. If the first tutor isn't the right fit after the first session, we'll find you a better match at no extra charge.
Yes. Many families start with a single session to see how the tutor and student connect before committing to a regular schedule. There's no pressure to book in advance — reach out and we'll set something up.
Yes. Many of our tutors are strong across several subjects, and sessions can cover more than one if that's what the student needs that week. Flexibility is built into how we work.
Most of our tutors continue working through breaks, either online or in-person at the college if the tutors remain on campus during that vacation. We'll let you know in advance if a tutor has a gap in availability and arrange coverage with one of our other tutors — in-person or online — in the required subject.
Occasionally, if the student lives very close to the tutor's campus. Most sessions take place on or near the college campus or online. This keeps sessions in an academically focused environment — which tends to produce better results.
The families who see the biggest results are the ones who commit to a regular cadence — typically once, twice, or three times a week. One-on-one tutoring with a student from an elite college, who genuinely understands the material, is a fundamentally different experience from a tutoring center or an app. Most of our clients stay with us for multiple semesters.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention which tutor and college town you're interested in, or fill out our Request a Tutor form. We typically respond within one business day.
That depends on where your student is starting and how consistently they show up. Emily will identify the specific gaps, focus sessions on them, and adjust as the student progresses. Families who stick to a weekly schedule typically see meaningful progress within four to six weeks.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention you'd like to work with Emily at University of Chicago, or fill out our Request a Tutor form — you can also click the Request a Tutor button at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and schedule your first session.