Attention Parents

Are you looking for an online based tutor to help your child with...

Better independence in schoolwork & homework.
More confidence in their mathematical skills.
A newfound enjoyment of math.
Bridging the gaps in their understanding.
Improving comprehension of the connections between different topics.
Getting better grades

I'm Dawn

I'm the proud Owner and Founder of Think Outside, LLC. and a native Floridian. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Florida and my Master’s in Education from the University of South Florida. My certifications cover teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade, with specializations in Reading, Gifted Education, and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Following my graduation from USF, I had the privilege of working in diverse school settings across various grade levels. It was during my classroom years that I discovered my passion for assisting students facing challenges in reading and math. Having personally experienced struggles with reading due to hearing and speech difficulties during my childhood, I dedicated myself to helping students through various individualized interventions.

Beyond the classroom, I provided private tutoring to students after school and on weekends. This commitment to witnessing and wanting to make a more substantial impact on my teaching methods led me to achieve National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for Early Elementary.

After 17 fulfilling years in the classroom and overcoming some personal health challenges, I made the decision to transition my teaching to an online platform. Working one on one with students proved to have a more significant impact than teaching to a whole class, allowing me to address the "whole learner." I remain committed to staying updated on methods and techniques for supporting neurodivergent students, including those with ADD, ADHD, Discalculia, Dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges.

In today's educational landscape, my focus is on preparing learners for the future by providing them with cognitive strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles, particularly for these neurodiverse individuals. When not actively engaged with students or working behind the scenes, you'll find me at the beach, traveling, hiking, reading, or simply relaxing in a hammock with my feline companion, Robère. Certifications cover teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade, with specializations in Reading, Gifted Education, and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Are you finding elementary and secondary school math challenging for both you and your child?

Any of these concerns familiar to you?

Tears and frustration, coupled with the fear that this struggle will persist.
Feeling tempted to give up altogether.
Worrying that they won't achieve the necessary grades.
A lack of confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Test results not reflecting their true potential.
Doubts about ever excelling in mathematics.

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Kind Words

An excellent teacher

I found out about Mrs. Porta from a local teacher. My son was performing average to above average in his classes but was having difficulty with his organizational skills and keeping on track with assignments. Ms. Porta makes sure he is on track for success. Currently he is performing above average to excellent in his classes. Ms. Porta is an excellent teacher. She listens, corrects and makes sure the student understands. She holds students accountable to be organized and she knows how to talk to children.

- M. Chang

Improved greatly in just a few months

We found out about Ms. Porta from a local teacher. Our son was struggling to keep up with in-class work and homework. Since working with Ms. Porta, he has improved greatly in just a few months not just with his grades but his organizational skills as well. We were pleased with her experience as a teacher as well as the one-on-one learning she provides. We would definitely refer Ms. Porta to other families as she has the experience and can cover several subject areas.

- #RescueRiley

Makes the time fun and interactive

I found Ms. Porta on a Facebook homeschool group and reached out to her. My daughter was struggling and below average in Reading. Ms. Porta found fun and engaging ways to assist her growth. Now my daughter is not so nervous to read and tries more. She shows more of an interest in her books. Her sight words are fluent and she is also learning cool tricks to remember sounds, letter and vowel patterns from Ms. Porta. Absolutely would refer Ms. Porta! Especially in COVID times, kids are falling behind and the zoom classes are so easy. Ms. Porta is so sweet and she makes my daughter feel so special. The one on one time she gets has helped her focus on her work. Dawn makes the time fun and interactive.

- Mother of Three wonderful Daughters

Back on track with his class work

Ms. Porta helped our son get back on track with his class work and homework. Helped him improve his grades and enhance his organizational skills. We liked that she is able to cover all subjects. She also offers other great, creative outdoor group activities that incorporate fun, being outdoors, and learning all at the same time.

- R. Richendollar

Helped me get organized

My mom found Dawn through a Facebook group and I was struggling a lot with math. Dawn re-taught me the math skills that I was struggling with in a way that I was able to understand better. I loved how kind and patient she was with me. I also feel like she really helped me get organized. I would definitely recommend Dawn to another friend or family member.

- Jaylen (7th Grade)

She helped me tremendously

Mrs. Porta tutored me in various subject areas when I was in 3rd and 4th grade. She was very patient, easy going and understanding when I struggled in an area. She always found a way to make lessons engaging to keep my interest. Having these sessions with her enhanced my learning abilities, which inevitably has heightened my comprehensive skills throughout my schooling. I recommend Mrs. Porta to anyone looking for tutoring for themselves or their child, she helped me tremendously when I was looking for a tutor and I guarantee she will do the same for you.

- S. Aidinejad

Frequently Asked Questions

How does online academic math tutoring work?

You and I meet online through video conferencing for academic math tutoring. We will focus on academic math. Our meetings will be on the Zoom platform. Each student receives their own private and secure Zoom meeting number and passcode. They will use it each time we meet.

Zoom provides whiteboard options and shows up in realtime and we can use the share screen feature. It is also easy for students to take a snapshot of their homework and place it in the whiteboard to show me.

What are the hours for academic math tutoring sessions?

Tutoring hours are:

Monday—Thursday tutoring hours are: 9:00am—8:00pm and Eastern Time, USA

How much does online tutoring cost?

As an educator with 20 years of teaching experience, I can individualize lessons to each student’s exact goals and needs. I am not an educator who uses a cookie-cutter curriculum to teach math. If you want that specialized attention and would like to hire me, my hourly rate is $75 per session.

What is Google Classroom? Do I need to have a Google Account?

Google Classroom is a place where students and teachers can communicate with each other, send and review assignments, and collaborate on homework, practice and projects. You can post any of your assignments or ask questions in Google Classroom. You can also find readings, resources and web links posted there.

You don’t need to have a Google account. You will only need to go to https://classroom.google.com, enter as a student, and then type in the class code I will send you.

What if I need to cancel an online session?

If, you need to miss a tutoring session; you will need to cancel 24 hours before our scheduled time. Otherwise, you will be charged for that tutoring session. I do allow you to have an exception to this rule if there is an important emergency.

Why do you tutor online?

I really believe the best way to help you become stronger in math is by working individually with you. Tutoring online is a great way for me to make my lessons geared specifically to your child. I focus on what you need and want to learn about math. Also, there are many online math and research resources we can use during our tutoring sessions. Plus, I can tutor students from anywhere in the world!

What age do you teach?

My background is in elementary education, but I have tutored students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. I have also worked with students in all grade levels with Executive Functioning Skills.

How long are lessons?

Lessons are 55 minutes long, which allows for 5minutes changeover and a quick chat.

How often are lessons?

Most people book weekly lessons, but I can be flexible and provide lessons either more frequently or every other week. Weekly is a good frequency to gradually build up confidence and skills over a long period of time without it being a huge pressure or financial burden.

Are you a certified teacher?

Yes, I keep my Florida Teaching Certificate active. Which means I have to attend and complete enough professional development hours to renew my certificate every 5 years.