Your child is trying. Let's figure out what's actually getting in the way.
We start by identifying the specific skills that are missing — then build a plan around closing those gaps for good.
Supporting students from kindergarten through 12th grade — including middle and high schoolers who need more than just homework help.
What Makes This Different
Clarity First
Every student begins with a focused skill snapshot so we know exactly where to start—not guess.
Intentional Instruction
Lessons follow a clear progression so skills build logically over time.
Consistent Oversight
Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure steady, measurable growth.
Session Rates
1:1 Sessions with an Experienced Teacher
30 minutes — $35
60 minutes — $70
Most students attend 1-2 sessions per week for consistent progress.
How the Process Works
Consultation
We begin with a conversation about your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals.
Skill Snapshot
A targeted review identifies specific areas of need.
Personalized Plan
Instruction is organized around clearly defined skill priorities.
Consistent 1:1 Sessions
Students attend regular sessions to build confidence and mastery.
Ongoing Progress Review
Instruction evolves as skills strengthen.
Areas of Support
Reading
Phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, comprehension, foundational literacy development
Writing
Sentence construction, organization, editing, academic writing
Math
Number sense, fact fluency, problem-solving, foundational concept development
Support is aligned to grade-level expectations while addressing underlying gaps.
Meet Your Tutors
Every educator at Theory to Practice is a licensed Illinois teacher — not a college student, not a general tutor. These are real classroom teachers, personally trained by Dr. Nicole Borck, working with students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Dr. Nicole Borck Founder | All grade levels
Dr. Borck holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has spent her career at the highest levels of K–12 education — currently serving as Curriculum Director in a district ranked in the top 1% of elementary schools nationwide. She personally trains every tutor on staff and works directly with students herself. When you work with Theory to Practice, you're not just getting a tutor — you're getting a team built by someone who has spent her career figuring out exactly how kids learn.
Ava Maheras Elementary Education | Grades K–3
Ava holds an Illinois Professional Educator License in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. She's been teaching first grade for two years and spent several years working with young children in early childhood settings before that — so she genuinely gets how kids this age learn, what frustrates them, and how to keep them engaged. She specializes in foundational skills for students in grades K-3.
Colleen Bell Elementary & Middle School | Grades 3–6
Colleen holds an Illinois Professional Educator License in Elementary Education and a Reading Teacher endorsement spanning PreK through grade 12 — both from Illinois State University. She's spent two years teaching 5th grade and now works with both elementary and middle school students here at Theory to Practice. Teaching has been her calling for as long as she can remember. What sets Colleen apart is her ability to build real relationships with students while still moving them forward academically. Kids who've struggled to connect with other tutors — especially middle schoolers who've checked out — tend to do really well with her.
Madison McLaughlin Middle School & High School ELA | Grades 6–12
Madison holds an Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsements in Language Arts grades 5–8 and English Language Arts grades 9–12 from Eastern Illinois University. She student taught at the high school level before spending a year in a 5th grade classroom and moving into a 6th–8th grade ELA role — giving her a rare range of experience across the full spectrum. Madison brings a high level of intellectual rigor to her sessions and designs activities that actually challenge and engage students rather than just moving them through material. Middle and high schoolers who are ready to be pushed — and those who need someone to reignite their interest in reading and writing — tend to thrive with her.
Testimonials
Additional Support Options
In addition to targeted instruction, we offer:
• Guided homework support
• Study skills and organization coaching
• Test preparation
• Academic enrichment for students ready for deeper challenge
Even during homework sessions, the focus remains on understanding and independence — not simply assignment completion.
Ready to get Started?
Your first consultation is free