About Us

Our Values

Be resourceful and solve problems

At Educational Connections, we see obstacles as opportunities. In any business, you will be presented with roadblocks. Instead of procrastinating, giving up, or becoming emotional, you must find feasible solutions.

Take initiative and do what you say

In order to grow, we must proactively take on new initiatives. It’s not good enough to meet minimal expectations. Instead, it’s your responsibility to think ahead about the needs of the company and come up with creative ways to go above and beyond. And when you agree to do something, you get it done on time or early.

Be growth oriented

The saying, “grow or die”, applies to Educational Connections Tutoring. You must be continually learning and growing in order to develop as a person and employee. You must be more uncomfortable with status quo than the prospect of change.

Be positive and care deeply for others

You care deeply for your fellow teammates and the families we serve. Each day, you posses a positive attitude and look forward to helping others. You have a strong desire to relieve parents’ stress and improve student outcomes.

Ann Dolin, founder of Educational ConnectionsFounder Ann Dolin, M.Ed.

Ann Dolin, M.Ed. is the President and Director of Educational Connections. She holds a B.A. in Child Psychology/Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Learning Disabilities, from Boston College.

Ann is a former Fairfax County, VA public school teacher with over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience. After leaving FCPS in 1998, Ann founded Educational Connections as its only employee with the goal of providing individualized one-to-one instruction based on each student’s learning style.

Today, her company employs over 125 tutors and has worked with over 10,000 students.

Ann is a recognized expert in education and learning disability issues. She sits on the board of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and the International Dyslexia Association. She has delivered hundreds of presentations focusing on academic achievement and parenting issues. Ann is also the author of the award-winning book Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework.

For more information about Ann, and to view a list of upcoming presentations for parents and teachers, please visit her website or contact us for more information.

Letter from Ann Dolin

Dear Parent,

All too often, parents of school-age children find themselves cast in the conflicting roles of positive and nurturing role models, academic subject specialists, and homework police. The tension that this creates between parents and their children can be one of the most trying aspects of parenting.

My discovery of this divide came first as a teacher when my students’ parents were honest enough to share with me what was really going on in their homes. Later on, as a tutor, problems with helping their children with their homework were the principal concern I heard parents express.

Read more of the Letter…

Our Tutors

At Educational Connections, Inc. we pride ourselves on the quality and experience of our tutors. With over 125 tutors on our team, we are able to successfully meet the needs of all learners.

All of our tutors undergo an intensive interview process, including: an hour-long interview that includes scenario-based questions and mock tutoring sessions, a multi-state background check, and thorough conversations with references who have personal knowledge of each candidate’s teaching ability and style. Several times each month we provide opportunities for tutors to engage in professional development through workshops, webinars, and individual trainings.

  • All have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
  • 80% have a Master’s degree or are in the process of obtaining one
  • 85% are current or former classroom teachers
  • The remaining 15% are content area specialists, such as physicists, accountants, editors, etc.
  • They possess knowledge and experience working with students that have learning disabilities, AD/HD, executive functioning deficits, and other learning differences.
  • They provide not only remediation but also enrichment for students in GT programs, or those students wishing to gain more out of their academics.
  • Most importantly, our tutors are carefully matched with their students based on personality and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are your tutoring services different from what other companies offer?
All of our tutoring is one-to-one. We work in tandem with you and our tutors to create an educational plan that can be broad or specialized to give your child the specialized support that he or she needs to excel. We match our tutors and students based on skill set needed, personality, and availability for sessions. Our tutors attend monthly professional development trainings.

How do you find the right tutor for my child?
As part of our initial contact with you, we assess the educational needs and goals for your child and other personal factors. This information facilitates our ability to find the best tutor for your child. Our Master’s educated professionals on staff ensure that your child receives quality tutorial support.

Read more Frequently Asked Questions…

Testimonials

“I just had to drop you a note to let you know that Alexis was accepted into the Biomedical Research Program. She is on the road to becoming the doctor she wants to be. I just wanted to say thank you for your flexibility in helping her to prepare for the test so quickly. We were on a very tight deadline and could not have done this without you.”
– LaVeta B.

“I have good news to report. Ashley will be going to Flint Hill for 9th grade. It was her first choice. Thank you for scheduling Tina as Ashley’s tutor. I especially want to thank you, Tina, for all of your help and suggestions and your close working with Ashley. I know she benefited. Good luck to both of you.”
Again thanks,
Ron B.

“Just had to let you know: Meredith got an 87 (B ) on her Biology chapter test!!!!!! She is still floating about 9 ft. in the air. Thank you so much for saving our girl. She has gone from an F and a slim chance of being able to return to this school next year to a B. “Thank you” will never convey how much we appreciate your help and what you’ve done for Meredith. She never could have achieved this without your help.”
– Ann K.