Superhero Tutoring
Unleash your child’s learning superhero!
Unwrap their gifts. Master the basics. Accelerate the future.
Meet Superhero Tutors
Dr. Kelly Pylkas-Bock, Ed.D. is a licensed Minnesota elementary teacher with nearly three decades of teaching experience in kindergarten through adult. Kelly has a doctorate and master’s degree with a focus on literacy development. Kelly specializes in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, vocabulary and comprehension instruction.
Joshua Bock, MA, ABD is a licensed Minnesota elementary teacher with nearly three decades of teaching experience. Joshua has a Master’s Degree with 60 additional graduate credits towards an Educational Doctorate. He currently teaches gifted and talented students in Grades 3-5, providing innovative instruction beyond the curriculum while also supporting social and emotional growth among his students. Joshua specializes in math instruction at all grade levels and accelerating instruction for kids who need extra rigor.
Superhero Tutoring Services
Literacy Superhero Tutoring: Unleash Your Inner Reading and Writing Superhero
Our literacy program is designed to help students master the essential components of reading and communication. This program provides instruction tailored to each child's specific academic needs in order to strengthen skills or accelerate learning.
Core Literacy Focus Areas
Phonemic Awareness: Developing precursor reading skills, including the ability to identify and manipulate the sounds of English for future reading and spelling success.
Phonics: Focusing on letter/sound correspondence and the ability to read and spell single and multi-syllable words accurately and automatically.
Fluency: Training students to read with accuracy, appropriate speed, and proper phrasing, pausing, and emphasis to enhance understanding.
Vocabulary: Expanding the student's personal lexicon through targeted reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises.
Comprehension: Achieving the ultimate goal of reading instruction—understanding words in phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and full texts for learning or enjoyment.
Executive Functioning/Study Skills for Literacy: Equipping students with the organizational and cognitive tools necessary to succeed in their literacy journey.
Grounded in Evidence-Based Methods
Our instructional approach is strictly informed by the latest research and standards in literacy education. We draw on methods supported by:
The Reading League and The Reading League of Minnesota.
The Minnesota READ Act.
The National Institute of Health: National Reading Panel.
As a trained LETRs (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) facilitator, Dr. Kelly utilizes what is currently considered the gold standard for literacy instruction in Minnesota
Math Superhero Tutoring: Unleash Your Inner Math Superhero
Our math program is designed to meet students exactly where they are—whether they need to strengthen foundational skills or accelerate their learning with extra rigor.
Core Math Focus Areas
Number Sense: Building a deep, intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships.
Mathematical Fluency: Developing the ability to perform calculations accurately and efficiently.
Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to analyze problems and find creative solutions.
Data Literacy: Equipping students to understand and interpret information in a data-driven world.
Executive Functioning for Math: Teaching essential study skills and organizational strategies specifically for mathematical success.
Grounded in Evidence-Based Methods
Our instructional approach is strictly informed by the latest research and standards in math education. We draw on methods supported by:
Minnesota Department of Education 2022 Math Standards
Superhero Tutors, Kelly and Joshua, have extensive training in math instruction provided by the University of Minnesota, Dr. Terry Wyberg.
The Superhero’s Journey: Individualized Learning Plan
STEP 1: Develop a free whole child diagnostic assessment to determine learning needs.
“Whole Child Profile”
Diagnosis of academic strengths and gaps;
Social/emotional needs for learning;
Conducted in person or virtually with a tutor.
Profile shared with family.
STEP 2: Meet with family to share outcome of assessment and develop a plan that includes:
Individualized learning plan that determines amount and duration of tutoring sessions during a four-six week cycle; including a target date for re-assessment;
Family involvement, school or daycare involvement is welcome and encouraged
STEP 3: In-person or virtual 4-6 week sessions conducted.
30-60-90 minute weekly sessions (determined by assessment)
Online virtual sessions
Your house (St. Croix Valley area)
Our Marine on St. Croix home learning lab;
Local library (Washington, Ramsey County)
Outside (learning in an outdoor setting; weather and materials permitted)
Southern metro learning lab (Eagan, Minnesota)
STEP 4: Assess student progress and meet with family to determine next steps:
Exit tutoring;
Ongoing maintenance tutoring;
Continue strengthening or accelerating learning with a new 4-6 week plan.
Kelly and Joshua are experts at understanding how children learn. They craft learning experiences which help students unwrap their gifts by helping them realize their full potential in academics and in themselves! Everyone can be a “Learning Superhero” when they receive instruction that is tailored to their specific learning needs!
Tuition
Session frequency and duration are determined based on assessment, family needs and tutor availability.
Free diagnostic assessment in one academic area (reading, math) (30 minutes)
Summer Session structures determined by assessment may include:
30 minute session for $25
60 minute session for $50
90 minute session $75
4 week package $250 (2-3 30 minute tutoring sessions per week)
6 week package $350 (2-3 30 minute tutoring sessions per week)
*Sliding fee scale available depending on financial need.
*Small group cohort learning sessions are available based on student interest and tutor availability.
*Add-ons such as homework help or organizing for school check-ins can be discussed.