July 2025 Tutor of the Month: Téa Cercone

Name: Téa Cercone
Major: Psychology and Health Science
What courses do you tutor?
Calculus 1, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, General Biology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Neuroanatomy, Moral and Social Problems in Healthcare, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, Developmental Psychology, and Foundations of Psychology
How long have you been tutoring? I have been Tutoring since January 2025.
What is your CRLA Tutor Certification Level (if CRLA certified)? Not yet CRLA Certified.
How have you represented Northeastern Peer Tutoring on Knack?
Tutoring through Knack has been such a rewarding way to connect with other Northeastern students—many of whom I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I always try to make sessions feel comfortable and supportive, encouraging students to talk through problems instead of just giving them the answers. That way, they’re better prepared when it’s time to take the exam. I’ve also learned how important it is to ask, “Does that make sense?” and adjust how I explain things based on what each student needs. Whether it’s walking through a problem set or just helping someone feel less overwhelmed, I try to be approachable, professional, and a good listener. One of my professors even told me that students would be lucky to have a tutor like me—that meant a lot.
How has your experience as a Northeastern Peer Tutor impacted you?
Tutoring has honestly been one of the most meaningful parts of my Northeastern experience. It’s helped me grow—not just as a student, but as a communicator, mentor, and even as a person. Explaining concepts to others has deepened my own understanding (especially while tutoring Gen Chem and taking Orgo at the same time!) and I’ve learned how to break things down in ways that make sense to different people. It’s such a great feeling when a student tells me they did well on an exam we prepped for—it makes all the time and effort feel worth it. Being a peer tutor has given me a lot of confidence, a chance to give back, and a new appreciation for how powerful peer support can be.
Student Testimonials:
- [Téa] gave great advice for the course as a whole, and explained the concepts I was struggling with clearly.
- Tèa is always so knowledgeable and helpful! She truly understands the material and can explain all of the Orgo 2 concepts.
- I had a great session with Tea and highly recommend her for Orgo 2 help! She was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job answering all the questions I had.