Perfect 5.0 Rating • 90+ Reviews
Expert K-12 Tutoring Throughout the Pacific Northwest
Serving families throughout Portland metro and Greater Seattle communities. Get personalized tutoring that’s tailored to your student’s needs—building confidence, improving grades, and reducing stress both in the classroom and at home.
Personalized Tutoring
Help for K-12 & Beyond
In-Person & Online Options
5.0 Avg. Rating
LOCATIONS
Academic Excellence Across the Pacific Northwest
From struggling to thriving—we create personalized learning journeys that unlock every student’s potential across Portland, Seattle, and the greater Pacific Northwest.
Portland, OR
- 22 Expert Local Tutors
- In-Person & Online Sessions Available
- 5.0 Avg. Rating from Portland Families
- Aligned with Portland Public Schools (PPS) Curriculum
Seattle, WA
- 9 Expert Local Tutors
- In-Person & Online Sessions Available
- 5.0 Avg. Rating from Seattle Families
- Aligned with OSPI Washington State Standards & Curriculum
OUR APPROACH
Emergent Education — Tutoring for the Whole Student
Eric Sorensen founded Emergent Education in 2020 to offer a broader model of academic support—combining subject tutoring, executive function coaching, and mentorship into one integrated approach.
To bring that model to life, we have intentionally built a team with varied backgrounds and expertise, selecting tutors who are thoughtful, engaging, and skilled at building trust and rapport.
Holistic Support for Your Student
Academic progress is only one part of student success. We also support confidence, motivation, executive-functioning skills, and effective learning habits.
Research-Informed, Individualized Teaching
Every student has a different story. Our tutors take time to understand each student’s background, strengths, needs, and goals, then draw on established learning science to adapt instruction.
Thoughtful Matching and Lasting Relationships
We match students with tutors based on academic needs, personality, communication style, and the potential for a genuine connection that can grow across subjects and school years.
At Emergent Education, we believe that when the fit is right, tutoring becomes more than the sum of its parts—turning curiosity, effort, and reflection into growth that reaches beyond the classroom.
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WHAT WE DO
K-12 Academic Coaching For Pacific Northwest Students
Our Pacific Northwest tutors provide comprehensive K-12 academic coaching across core subjects and standardized tests. Whether your student needs hands-on math and science support in Capitol Hill or targeted test prep across Portland’s west side, we tailor every session to improve grades and build lasting academic confidence.
Subjects Taught
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Math
- Elementary Math
- Middle School Math
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Calculus
- IB Math
- Probability & Statistics
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Science
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English Language Arts
- Elementary Reading & Writing
- Writing (Grades 6-12)
- Reading Comprehension (Grades 6-12)
- Literature
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History & Social Studies
- Geography
- U.S. History
- World History
- Government & Civics
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Foreign Languages
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Mandarin
College Admissions & Test Prep
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College Admissions Counseling
- College Selection & Research
- Application Strategy & Planning
- Personal Statement & Essays
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Test Prep
- PSAT / SAT Prep
- ACT Prep
Student Support
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Gifted & Talented
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Neurodivergence
- ADHD
- Executive Dysfunction
- Autism (ASD)
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
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Anxiety
Our Team
Meet Our Pacific Northwest Tutors
Highly credentialed, relationship-driven educators serving Portland and Seattle families in-person and online.
Senior Tutor
Portland
Thirty years ago Ron Antlitz found and fell in love with teaching. As a special educator, he has dedicated his career to helping those who struggle to learn. During the day he applies this passion to working with students with learning, behavioral, social and emotional struggles at a local middle school. In the summer he applies that passion to teaching advanced algebra to struggling high school students in a credit recovery program. Finally, after school, Ron applies this passion to tutoring students who need a little extra help in order to succeed.
“I believe that every student can and will succeed once the barriers to learning are moved out of their way. I believe the job of a tutor is to help students discover their unique pathway to learning.” Ron brings to his profession expertise in a variety of learning strategies, community building, restorative justice, equity, behavioral intervention strategies (including DBT STEPS and Neurosequential Model for Education) and more. Ron was named the Clackamas ESD Teacher of the Year for 2023. He has won the North Clackamas Star Award for excellence in teaching and has been featured as an “Everyday Hero” on KATU news.
Ron’s greatest joy is helping individual students succeed. He provides tutoring in all academic subjects on an elementary and secondary level.
Qualifications:
- Teaching and tutoring experience across subjects and grade levels with an emphasis on Special Education (1996 – Present)
- Masters in Teaching from Goucher College
- 2023 Clackamas ESD Teacher of the Year
Senior Tutor
Portland
Anna brings a holistic approach to education, focusing on understanding each student’s unique learning style and building a strong rapport. She believes that true success comes from creating sustainable strategies that not only build skills but also foster intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love of learning.
With years of experience in diverse educational settings, Anna has taught in the NYC public school system as a special education teacher, developed curriculum for classrooms and nonprofits, and led small writing classes for homeschoolers. She also founded a homeschool academic co-op and has been a homeschooler herself for six years. Her deep understanding of special education, particularly with students with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, informs her tailored and empathetic approach to tutoring.
After moving to Portland, Anna discovered the joy of one-on-one and small group tutoring. This setting allows her to inspire true engagement and help students achieve meaningful growth. Whether she’s providing academic coaching, supporting reading and writing development, or teaching math, Anna’s goal is to empower her students with confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Qualifications:
- Teaching and tutoring with an emphasis on academic coaching, reading, writing, and elementary math (2007-present)
- B.A. in English with a minor in Education from University of Florida
- Master’s in Special Education from Long Island University
Senior Tutor
Portland
Adventurous, enthusiastic, and curious, Thao (Pronounced: “tah-ow” and rhymes with “wow”) is an advocate for exploring and understanding the world in all its forms. An expert communicator, deep listener, and avid reader, they’re always in search of new perspectives. With over a decade of tutoring and teaching experience in the U.S. and abroad, Thao’s creative, student-centered approach has helped students from elementary through graduate school meet their goals and thrive with confidence.
Their love of teaching began early and has carried through a wide range of subjects, including reading comprehension, writing, IB History and English, IB Environmental Science, anthropology, sociology, public/global health, and academic study skills. Thao blends whimsy and wonder into every session, fostering “a dynamic of reflection, care, and connection” and teaching with the belief that “learning is about being present, making meaningful connections, and contributing towards a better world.”
Previously, Thao was a Lecturer in Global Health at Maastricht University and holds a Dutch University Teaching Qualification focused on problem-based, experiential learning and small-group facilitation. They also bring 8+ years of university admissions consulting experience, having helped students gain admission to institutions such as the University of Oxford and Harvard University.
When Thao isn’t teaching or researching, you might find them zooming across a skatepark on roller skates, foraging for snacks on a forest hike, or trading zines at a local DIY music venue.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in teaching, tutoring, and mentorship
- 8+ years of experience in university admissions consulting and coaching
- PhD in Eco-gastronomy, Education, and Society (Global Health & Sustainable Food Systems), Universitá degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche (Italy)
- MSc in Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford (UK)
- BA (Honors) Anthropology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland (USA)
- Dutch University Teaching Qualification (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs)
Senior Tutor
Portland
Charles has formed a belief—shaped by his experiences as a farm kid, theoretical mathematics student, Peace Corps volunteer, PhD economist, nearly 30 years as an innovative classroom educator, teacher leader and parent—that all students are natural learners and inherently curious. That philosophy has been the primary driver of his career as an educator who individualized instruction to fit students’ needs and infused care, kindness and joy into his instructional practices. His goal is always enhancing the learning experience of students and helping them find themselves in what and how they learn. Charles specializes in helping students find the practical and relevant side of school work and their own motivations for learning. He uses an inquiry learning approach and using questioning strategies as a primary instructional tool.
Qualifications:
- BSc in Mathematics (+ 1 year as a math PhD candidate)
- PhD in Economics (specializing in game theory and statistics)
- U.S Peace Corps Volunteer (1989-1991)
- K-8 Instructional Specialist (1999-2001)
- High School Math Teacher and Instructional Specialist (2002-2025)
- Co-Founder of Educational Non-Profit (2025-present)
- Oregon Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching (2025)
Senior Tutor
Portland
Sarah grew up helping her mom prepare her classroom every summer, but it wasn’t until she lived abroad that she began seeking social work roles in education. This interest led to her first formal teaching job in Taiwan, where she taught English to K-12 students. “I always saw myself more as a social worker than a teacher until I had the opportunity to teach and realized that teaching can be invaluable social work.”
After two years in Taiwan and nearly four years abroad, Sarah relocated to the West Coast. In Portland, she taught in Montessori settings as both a classroom teacher and a children’s yoga instructor through her own company. She also launched a private tutoring business to support families during distance learning, and briefly ran a Forest School at Mount Tabor. “Over the years, I am reminded that teaching is so much more than sharing information. It’s a profession that requires introspection and constant improvement to help my students succeed.”
Sarah incorporates her knowledge of yoga and mindfulness to help students work through challenges. “I strive to understand each student’s personal qualities so I can leverage their unique strengths to help them achieve their goals.” Her goal is to foster a community of confident and purposeful learners.
Qualifications:
- Teaching and tutoring experience with an emphasis on elementary education, domestic and abroad (2016 – Present).
- B.A. in sociology from Berea College.
- ESL formal training and experience.
Senior Tutor
Portland
Susan believes that trust and mutual respect are essential to student engagement and success. She takes time to understand each learner as an individual, creating an environment where students feel heard, valued, and comfortable taking the academic risks that lead to growth. Her experience supporting neurodivergent students and learners across a wide range of academic levels has made her highly skilled at adapting instruction to each student’s strengths and needs.
With more than 20 years of experience teaching elementary and middle school, Susan brings a deep understanding of classroom expectations, curriculum, and student development. She is highly organized while remaining flexible and responsive in her teaching. Her background in project-based learning helps her encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving while making challenging material accessible and engaging. Susan is especially experienced in guiding students through the writing process, including those who feel overwhelmed by writing or insist that they hate it.
Colleagues describe Susan as warm, adaptable, and exceptionally skilled at balancing positive structure with student choice. She strives to help every learner feel capable, develop greater independence, and recognize their own potential.
Qualifications:
- 22 years of classroom teaching experience in elementary and middle school
- Extensive experience with differentiated instruction, project-based learning, writing support, and neurodivergent learners
- Oregon and Washington teaching licenses, with Oregon endorsements in English Language Arts, Elementary–Multiple Subjects, and English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin
Senior Tutor
Portland
Nicole believes that all students can succeed with the right tools, support, and encouragement. With more than 15 years of classroom experience, she brings deep knowledge of middle school students and the unique academic and developmental challenges they face. She is known for making learning engaging and relevant while helping students develop stronger skills, greater confidence, and increasing independence.
Nicole begins by building a genuine relationship with each student. Colleagues describe her as a “kid magnet” who connects naturally with students and families, including those who can be difficult to reach. Her warmth, patience, and adaptability help students feel supported as they take on challenges and work toward high expectations.
Whether a student is writing an essay, developing questions for a science project, organizing assignments, or practicing a new note-taking strategy, Nicole brings enthusiasm, creativity, and structure to the process. She is highly organized and dependable, and she tailors her approach to each student’s strengths and needs. Her goal is not only to improve academic performance, but also to give students practical tools they can use independently and help them become confident, lifelong learners.
Originally from Illinois, Nicole relocated to Oregon in 2021. She loves Oregon’s natural beauty and enjoys hiking to quiet spots where she can settle in with a good book.
Qualifications:
- More than 15 years of classroom teaching experience
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois
- Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Illinois
- Oregon K–12 teaching certification in English Language Arts and Social Studies
Expert tutors serving Portland families
In-Person & Online · 5.0 Rating · Aligned with PPS Curriculum
Senior Tutor
Seattle
Julia arrived in Seattle in 2023 from Belgium, where she completed her thesis on neurodivergent self-made cultures and graduated with her Master’s in Anthropology. Between graduating with a BA in English from UC Irvine in 2017 and going back to school in Belgium, she lived for four years in Chicago working in the local publishing and writing education scenes. Since 2016, she has provided professional test prep tutoring for a variety of companies as an expert in the new SAT and ACT, as well as AP Language and Literature.
She has been assisting students with reading, writing, algebra, and test prep for 10 years, specializing in working with neurodiverse students. Her methods are very collaborative: She helps ND students find a way into the material through their own unique motivations and passions and teaches students where they can accommodate themselves in order to achieve their goals. While her subject specialty is in language arts — she can assist with essay writing, short stories, research papers, application essays, and more! — she also has many years of experience helping middle and high school students with the transition into algebra and more abstract math.
She is a big reader, traveler, and a lifelong dancer. She’s the happiest reading a good book on a train or building Legos at home.
Qualifications:
- 12 years of Reading and Writing tutoring; 10 years of SAT, ACT, and AP Lit/Lang test prep tutoring
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BA in English from University of California, Irvine
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MSc in Social and Cultural Anthropology (with an emphasis on neurodiversity and disability studies) from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Senior Tutor
Seattle
Chelsea is a Washington-certified educator who has been supporting students in and out of the classroom for over a decade, including tutoring, elementary education, middle school humanities, AP/IB Social Studies, and coaching debate. She is passionate that each of her students feels known and supported while also being pushed toward real growth.
Chelsea is committed to building relationships with both students and families that support the whole child. Her expertise is in working with students with a gifted learning profile, including twice-exceptional learners, those with ADHD, academic anxiety, and executive dysfunction. By helping students build skills in self-advocacy, self-confidence, organization, working memory, and communication, she addresses academic challenges at their core. “As a teacher, I know that academic skill gaps are rarely solely an academic issue, and I enjoy helping students build the skills they need to be successful.”
Whether supporting foundational STEM skills or high school humanities, college admissions coaching or test prep, she prioritizes a relationship-first approach. Outside of the classroom, Chelsea is an amateur florist, dedicated reader, and serial hobbyist.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of student support; 8 years of classroom teaching
- Master of Arts in American History, Gettysburg College
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Texas A&M, Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts in History, Yale University
- Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certification (WA)
- Elementary Education Teaching Certification (WA)
Senior Tutor
Seattle
Susie has spent 20 years in supplemental education, including 11 as owner and director of two after-school math and reading centers in the Chicago area. She has personally taught more than 1,600 students.
Math has been her specialty since she was the kid friends brought their homework to. She teaches students why a method works before giving them the formula for it. “If a student only memorizes steps, they’re stuck the second the problem changes. Once they understand why it works, the formula is just the fast version of something they already get.”
Susie is equally convinced that there is no single right explanation. Her two decades of one-on-one work have made her quick at recognizing how a student is already thinking about a problem and building from there. “I’d rather figure out how a student already thinks and meet them halfway than make them learn it the way I learned it.” It’s why she especially enjoys working with students who have decided they’re bad at math. In her experience, that’s almost never true—there is usually a gap from a few years back or an explanation that never matched how they think.
Susie supports elementary and middle school math through pre-calculus and statistics, as well as reading and writing across grade levels. Eleven years of running centers built around short, consistent routines also taught her that a student who is drowning is often missing a workable system rather than the underlying ability.
In 2026, she completed specialized training and launched an English-language program for Spanish-speaking families at her centers. Susie grew up speaking Spanish with her grandparents and can also tutor students in Spanish.
She recently moved to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, where she can usually be found walking her dog, Scout.
Qualifications:
- 20 years in supplemental education, including 11 years as owner and director of two math and reading learning centers
- More than 1,600 students taught and thousands of diagnostic and placement evaluations completed
- Instructor certification in a national K–12 math and reading curriculum spanning early elementary through calculus
- Specialized training in English-language instruction and a heritage Spanish speaker
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Northeastern Illinois University
Expert tutors serving Seattle families
In-Person & Online · 5.0 Rating · Aligned with OSPI Washington State Standards
HOW IT WORKS
Get Started in 3 Easy Steps
From matching you with the right tutor to measurable academic progress, we make it easy for Pacific Northwest Families to get meaningful support— without the stress.
1
Free Phone Consultation
Start with a quick, no-pressure call. We’ll learn more about your student’s tutoring needs and availability, and will address any questions or concerns you may have.
2
Tutor Matching & Schedule Options
We handpick potential tutors based your student’s learning style, academic goals, and availability. We’ll send you a few options to choose from.
3
Tutor Selection & Sign-Up
Choose your preferred tutor and schedule, and fill out a sign-up form to complete the process. We’ll get you on the calendar, and all set up for your student’s first session!
Perfect 5.0 Rating • 90+ Reviews
What Our Families Are Saying
★★★★★
Portland, OR
Emergent Education Tutoring has wonderful tutors that provide top notch, personal attention to students. The tutors are extremely well versed in their subject matter and great to work with. I highly recommend Eric, Emergent Education, and his staff of tutors.
★★★★★
Portland, OR
Rosa is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. Overall, I am so glad to have her as my daughter's tutor and she can be a true role model for young girls!
★★★★★
Portland, OR
Our experience with Emergent Education has been very positive. We have had the opportunity to work with two tutors who have both been excellent. We are happy to recommend them to other families.
★★★★★
Seattle, WA
Eric has been incredibly helpful tutoring my 17-year-old twins in math, and also preparing them for the SAT. When the pandemic hit and they couldn’t go to school, Eric quickly transitioned their sessions to an online platform, so they were able to keep up with the curriculum as if they were still in class. They both felt confident taking their first SAT this month and said they were so much more prepared than they realized. This last year would have been so much more challenging without Eric and I’m so grateful he’s been available to work with my kids.
★★★★★
Seattle, WA
Eric at Emergent Education has been a life saver. My daughter went from being confused in Advanced Algebra to getting an A and understanding the concepts. We tried another tutor prior and Emergent Education was far superior. They not only know their subject but they know how to teach. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Seattle, WA
I’m an adult returning to school, and I cannot recommend Emergent enough! Once I reached out, I knew that I was in good hands. The communication was stellar, the schedule flexible, the tutor responsive and brilliant but also able to put the mathematical concepts in terms that I could understand. These are your people!
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Recent Articles
Explore our latest articles on tutoring in Portland, Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest. Get expert insights on pricing, test prep, and how tutoring works.
How Tutoring Supports Highly Capable Students in Seattle
Eric Sorensen
April 29, 2025
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Contact us directly and we'd be happy to help!
How much does tutoring cost?
The cost of tutoring depends on the type of service and modality (online vs. in-person). Most families pay from $100 – $150 per hour, depending on their child’s needs. To learn more about what your specific tutoring plan would cost, check out our pricing page or give us a call.
Where does in-person tutoring take place? How does it work?
We don’t have a central tutoring office in Portland or Seattle, so in-person tutoring is typically conducted at the student’s home, or at a public meeting space such as a local library or cafe. Overall, not having an office means our in-person tutoring can be more affordable and more convenient for our students.
What subjects do you tutor?
We offer K-12 tutoring services for the following subjects:
We also offer:
- General Academic Coaching
- Executive Functions Support
- SAT / ACT Prep
- College Admissions Counseling
- And More…
To learn more about our subject offerings in Portland and Seattle, check out our Services page.
Do You Offer Test Prep and College Admissions Services?
We certainly do! We offer college admissions counseling, college essay tutoring, and SAT / ACT test prep.
College admissions counseling includes everything from school and scholarship selection to application essay writing and submission, as well as organizational support and goal setting.
College essay tutoring focuses on just the writing and revision of college application essays.
In addition to SAT / ACT test prep, we also help students prep for the PSAT, the SAT subject tests, the SAT essay, and the GED.
To learn more about our test prep and college admissions tutoring services, see our services page.
What Grade Levels Do You Tutor?
We tutor elementary school, middle school, and high school students in Portland and Seattle, offering online or in-person sessions in both locations. Our tutors are experienced in a wide variety of subjects including Math, Reading & Writing, Executive Functioning, SAT/ACT Prep, and College Admissions, and are familiar with both Oregon and Washington State curricula and learning materials.
To learn more about our tutors, see our About page.
Do You Offer 1-on-1 Tutoring Sessions?
Absolutely! We offer 1-on-1 tutoring sessions, as well as small group tutoring sessions, anywhere in Portland metro, Greater Seattle, and online.
Do I Have To Commit to a Contract?
Nope! Unlike other tutoring services in Portland and Seattle, we do not require any contractual agreement or set time span for tutoring services. Pause or cancel your tutoring sessions at any time.