Senior Alyya El-Khatib witnessed an increase in her ACT score—one that would support her goal to be accepted into Illinois State University. First a 21, then a 23, the source to El-Khatib’s score increase was no secret: she had been tutored under Kevin Gingrich.
Gingrich, a local ACT teacher, tutors about 25 EHS juniors and seniors, preparing them for the test that determines their future. His office is located in Maryville, Ill., where students can attend individual classes or group sessions. When Gingrich is not tutoring in Illinois he helps students in his home state, Texas.
A Ph.D. candidate in the Greek New Testament, Gingrich specializes in English and writing. “Follow my strategy to a T and you’ll get a 32 in English–on average,” Gingrich said. “Don’t follow my strategy and . . . hey, good luck at North Cleveland State Junior College Janitorial Supply School.” Students can also choose to receive help on college essays.
The father of two valedictorians, Gingrich admires ambitious adolescents who dream big. “I love all things that can help students go to college and achieve their goals,” Gingrich said. “I bring my fatherly love of children and my years of academic achievement to each tutoring session.”
The word about Gingrich’s teaching skills easily spread. Through small talk or the internet, Gingrich simply gained followers.
El-Khatib’s tutoring began with an entry on a search engine. “My dad was googling ACT tutors in the area and found him on a website he was looking on,” El-Khatib said. She started her sessions with Gingrich in August.
Other students heard of the guru’s powers through the grapevine. “I told everybody about Kevin because he is the best,” senior Brooke Lunn said. “I went from a 28 to a 33.” When people would realize how much Lunn improved, they would ask her who she went to for tutoring.
Gingrich uses specialized strategies and his own personality to separate him from other local ACT tutors and to help raise his students’ scores. “I typically guarantee four points improvement over prior test taking on the ACT, and I have never failed,” Gingrich said.
Working to get a higher score involves dedication. “He has you make a lot of posters if you have questions for Math and English,” El-Khatib said. “He also makes you memorize his own poster boards.” However, practice tests are the most essential element to his tutoring process. “He gives you a ton of practice tests, and that’s what helped me the most.”
Emotional support is also part of the lesson plan. “He has a very supportive personality, and he makes you feel like you can accomplish your goals.”
For Gingrich, teaching a student grammar and geometry is important, but the real lesson is pushing the students to their full potential. “I want a student average of 32 in English for the September ACT. I won’t settle for less. Will you?” Gingrich wrote in a group email to his students.
Prices range depending on which type of session you choose. Individual classes are $75 per 90 minute session and $40 for group sessions, which are typically three to four hours. “If you feel that these prices are outrageous, just remember… I am a priceless individual.”
