Hi, I'm TeAndrea Burnett
I am from Troy, Alabama, and I started tutoring because I wanted local families to have caring, consistent, high-quality support for early reading and math before children fall through the cracks.
I know what it feels like to watch a young learner try hard and still feel stuck. I also know what happens when that same learner gets the right support: posture changes, participation rises, and school starts to feel possible again. That transformation is why I do this work. I built TeAndrea Burnett Tutoring for families in Troy, AL who want more than worksheets and guesswork. I wanted to create a place where your child is known, challenged, encouraged, and taught with intention every single session.
When parents meet me, I want them to feel two things right away: I care deeply about children, and I am serious about results. I am warm, but I am also focused. I do not waste session time. I start with clear goals, track progress, and adjust instruction based on what your child actually needs. I see tutoring as a partnership with families, because your insight helps me teach better and my observations help you support learning at home. That teamwork is part of what makes tutoring Troy AL families can trust feel personal, not transactional.
My teaching philosophy
I believe young children learn best when instruction is explicit, practice is purposeful, and relationships are strong. In kindergarten through 3rd grade, students need adults who can break skills into steps without lowering expectations. I never assume a child is "not trying." I assume the current pathway is not clicking yet, then I find a better one. I model first, guide second, and gradually release responsibility so your child experiences success they can explain and repeat.
Confidence matters as much as content because confidence determines whether a child will attempt hard work. If students feel ashamed, they avoid. If they feel safe, they engage. I create a calm, encouraging environment where mistakes are normal and feedback is immediate. I use specific praise tied to effort and strategy, not empty compliments. I want students to understand why something worked, so they build independence over time. In my sessions, confidence is not motivational fluff; it is a practical learning tool that supports persistence, attention, and willingness to grow.
I also believe families deserve transparency. I communicate what we practiced, what improved, and what we are targeting next. That way, you are never guessing about progress. My goal is to give your child both short-term wins and long-term learning habits that continue in the classroom.
What makes my sessions different
I keep sessions intentionally small so no one disappears into the background. In a group of up to five students, I can hear each child read, check each response, and coach each correction in real time. I learn every student's name quickly and I pay attention to how they think, not just whether an answer is right. That gives me the information I need to adapt pacing and instruction without losing momentum.
I differentiate constantly. One student may need repeated phonics blending practice while another needs comprehension language stems. One child may need slower modeling in math while another is ready for speed drills and application. I do not teach from a fixed script. I teach from evidence I gather every session. That is why families often tell me their child finally feels understood in tutoring.
Communication with parents is part of my process, not an afterthought. I share what I observe, what I plan, and how you can reinforce skills in realistic ways at home. I keep recommendations practical so support is sustainable for busy families. I also protect each child's dignity. I correct firmly but kindly, and I make sure students leave knowing what they did well and what they are ready to tackle next.
Where I tutor
I meet students in three ways depending on what works for your family:
- Troy Elementary School (for Troy Elementary students)
- Troy, AL Public Library (for all other local students)
- Google Meet (virtual, available to all)
My approach by subject
In reading fluency, I coach phrasing, pacing, and accuracy so children move from word-by-word decoding to meaningful reading. In phonics, I teach sound patterns directly and revisit them until they stick. In comprehension, I help students explain their thinking with evidence from text so they are ready for class discussion and written responses. In math, I build number sense first, then fact fluency, then application through word problems. I want students to understand math language, not just memorize steps. Across all subjects, I teach children how to recover from confusion, ask better questions, and stay engaged with work that once felt intimidating.
Parent concerns I hear often
If your child is behind, you are not alone, and you are not too late. I can prioritize the highest-leverage skills first so progress starts to feel possible quickly. If your child is shy, I pace interactions gently and build trust through predictable routines and respectful encouragement. If you tried tutoring before and it did not work, I understand the hesitation. I focus on fit, communication, and measurable skill growth so you can see whether our plan is working. I never ask families to "just wait and hope." I show my process, adjust when needed, and stay committed to what helps your child move forward.
Meet me first
Not sure if I'm the right fit? I get it — you're trusting me with your child. Let's talk first.