Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Green.
Christine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been interested in teaching and have been tutoring for 25 years in the Houston area. I attended middle school and high school at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston, TX. My first tutoring took place while fulfilling my community service hours in high school at Our Lady of Guadalupe School. Upon completion of high school with honors, I received a full four-year scholarship to the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. During my years at UST, I volunteered as an English as Second Language teacher and did student teaching at Annunciation Greek Orthodox School. With honors, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Spanish and Theology. Shortly, after graduation, I formally began my tutoring business and also taught at some of the Houston schools.
In 2012, I recognized that there was a gap in the service many of the tutoring companies were providing. While they provided excellent tutoring, there was no feedback loop with the parents and schools to adjust subject delivery based upon school curriculum and the teacher’s style. I am in a unique position to provide that feedback loop to my tutors as I know many of the teachers from past work experience and my double graduate degree from the University of St. Thomas. This feedback loop service is incorporated into my tutoring rate, which is very competitive in the West Loop area. I am very pleased that the business continues to grow, and I am able to help more students achieve their academic potential.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anything worth doing takes a great deal of effort. I recall in 2012 having difficulty with reminding my tutors of scheduled appointments. This was extremely frustrating, and then I realized that my tutors maintained their schedules on smartphones. This prompted me to start using a computerized scheduling app, which allowed for reminders to auto-populate.
Additionally, as any business grows, there are changes in banking, insurance needs, and tax reporting that can be very tedious and costly. Fortunately, I have a large mass of hours that allow me to cover the cost and provide a good income for my tutors. Most of these hours are derived from our good work and word of mouth.
Everyday seems to present a new challenge, which can be trying and very fulfilling once overcome.
Academic Coaching – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Academic Coaching is a full-service tutoring and coaching provider. We specialize in assisting students in the Inner Loop, Houston area. We cover all subjects and match tutors with students by subject matter, personality, location, and availability. We also assist with ACT/SAT test preparation as well as the private, high school placement exams.
Based on feedback from the schools and families, we are best known for the results we help our students achieve.
I am most proud of helping students achieve success especially when they come to me with very difficult situations. This success allows us not only to fill in knowledge gaps but affords them the opportunity to advance their education while building study skills needed for academic success in college. I am also proud of providing our tutors with good employment opportunities and professional mentoring. I believe that the feedback loop and corresponding adjustments in subject delivery we discussed earlier sets us apart from other tutoring companies. Furthermore, our tutors provide specific academic coaching in the areas of study skills, organization, and relationship building tips with the student and his/her teacher. Finally, I hand-pick tutors and match them with the student for the entire semester.
This way the student receives consistent tutoring and the tutor hones his/her technique based on feedback received from my interactions with the families and schools.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As stated by Louis Pasteur, “Chance favors the prepared mind!” I really believe my foundation to success stems from hard work, perseverance, seeking advice when needed, planning, and making good choices. I find my prayer life guides me immensely in the choices I make.
What were you like growing up?
As a young person, I was very driven to succeed. I pushed myself to study and to make the best possible grades. I had a very high sense of responsibility, and my parents never had to get on me for lack of studying or poor academic performance. I prayed a lot as a teenager always seeking help from God to make good choices. I also loved to dance and draw.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.academiccoachinginc.com
- Phone: 713-907- 1884
- Email: Christine.green@academiccoachinginc.com
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