About The Oak Park Tutor

My Background

My name is Rachel Turkowski, and I am the Oak Park Tutor. Ten years ago, I started my teaching career in public education and, for the past six years, I have worked at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. I became a teacher because I like to help students become independent thinkers. In 2018, I decided to tutor a high school student, and this experience made me realize I can help more students become independent thinkers. This young person showed me that many students try their hardest in school but still feel frustrated about their ability to succeed in their classes. Through tutoring, I can show these students that they can take charge of their academic lives.  I teach students the value of critical thinking rather than answering homework questions or memorizing facts because critical thinking allows them to tackle any problem they will face in future classes and in the workplace. I believe everyone is capable of being a successful student and, more importantly, I believe everyone is a life-long learner. 

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 I graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Illinois Chicago in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Teaching of English and Italian language and literature.  In 2012, I earned my master's degree in Italian language and literature from Middlebury College in Vermont and Università di Firenze, Italy while obtaining my Italian language CILS C1 certificate.  I am licensed by the state of Illinois to teach English Language Arts and Italian to high school students.  

 While I am not teaching and tutoring, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, reading, and crocheting.  

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 “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” 

― Socrates