In elementary and middle school, I was a student who struggled in most subjects. Even then, a one-size-fits-all mainstream education system was unable to meet my academic needs. My well-meaning teachers and parents assumed I’d eventually catch up. During those years, I dreaded school. I was frustrated, embarrassed, and felt ashamed of my inability to keep up with my peers. Homework took forever for me to complete. I felt like there was something wrong with me that I just wasn't able to fix. Later, after being encouraged by a few amazing and supportive teachers, I began to study how to better help myself learn. I realized that there was nothing wrong with me and that I just learned a little differently than my peers. I began to love school after I realized I could learn in my own way. And, I decided to pursue a career in education to help other kids avoid the same frustration, shame, and anger that I had. I set out to help students feel confident in their ability to learn and grow.

 

Fast forward to graduating with my elementary education degree. I was married to an active duty military member, and during the first few years, I was unable to stay in one place long enough to get a classroom teaching position. I still had a passion and drive to help students, so in 2015 I started tutoring in Pensacola, Florida. I quickly saw the unmet need for personalized learning. My students didn't fit into the typical mold. The way subjects were taught in the classroom didn't work for them. I began tailoring sessions to each student's needs and learning style, and they saw academic improvements and an increase in confidence.

 

In 2017 I made my dreams of helping more students a reality by focusing on online tutoring. I continued to see great numbers of students who didn’t fit the mold in education and who needed more than what their school was offering. I wanted to help students find highly qualified tutors who worked well with their specific needs—even if that perfect tutor wasn’t me. In 2018 Zoie Hoffman Tutoring became Hoffman Tutoring Group and I began onboarding the best online tutors I could find. Teaching is an art, as well as a science. Because each student and tutor are unique, I don’t require my tutors to use pre-packaged lessons. Each tutor plans each session to help their student learn, whatever that looks like.

 

In 2020 we were all thrown for a loop when the pandemic started. In most cases, kids had no choice but to complete months or years of schooling at home. The wrench thrown into our education system has at best frustrated kids and parents, and at worst left them completely alone and isolated without the help they need We know that many students are struggling after 2+ years of not getting the support they needed. Here at Hoffman Tutoring Group we’ve committed ourselves to standing in the gap to support our students and families where they are right now. We understand that everyone has been through a lot and that students need individualized help now more than ever. We’re working with parents and students to fill gaps, build confidence, and provide quality one-on-one tutoring help from the comfort of home (that can be completed even while quarantining). We feel blessed to have been put in the position to help students online from the very beginning of the pandemic.

 

- Zoie Hoffman