Eileen Pavlovich has seen a lot of students at Katy Scholars in 11 years. Since the tutoring and educational help resource center opened in 2004, she has worked with students of all grade levels, ages, backgrounds and abilities. She has tutored elementary students in math and worked with adults studying for graduate-level entrance exams.
What inspires Pavlovich to keep going is the knowledge that eventually she will learn the way her students learn—she said that is when success happens.
“I love learning [a student’s] mode of learning,” Pavlovich said. “It doesn’t matter who it is or what their age is. When I can figure out how to get to them, and see them ultimately achieve, that’s what it’s about. That’s why we do what we do.”
Pavlovich has taught at every grade level in public and private schools as well as teaching at the collegiate level. She also worked in the corporate world developing educational software. Together with assistant director Jennifer Lang and a team of certified teachers, she tutors students full time.
Pavlovich began her academic career with a Bachelor of Science degree and certification in K-12 instruction. Her master’s degree is in curriculum development and instruction and her doctoral degree is in education. She has also served as a consultant to state education departments, school districts and private educational institutions both in curriculum development and improving instructional practices.
Katy Scholars assists students with one-on-one tutoring, SAT and ACT preparation, educational testing, educational counseling and workshops, Pavlovich said. The center also helps with developing study and organizational skills, college admission and preparation programs, and homework relief.
Driven by a lifelong love of learning and teaching, Pavlovich said she helps students navigate tough times in the classroom to become academically successful.
“We work with Katy ISD and many other districts in the Houston area and we see a lot of students who [felt] like nothing could help, but we can help them get around that obstacle,” Pavlovich said. “We help students get into college, we help them learn to ask the right questions, discuss well, and complete assignments on time and correctly.”
All of this is part of a bigger picture for what Katy Scholars develops in each of their students. A great grade on a math test is a huge success, but Pavlovich said there is something that sticks far longer than a good grade.
“We work with every student to increase their ability, yes, but also to develop their confidence in the classroom,” she said. “When a concept clicks with a student, they feel like they can do it because they can. That builds confidence in them to help them keep going to reach their goals. That’s why we are here doing what we do.”
Katy Scholars 22756 Westheimer Parkway, Katy 281-693-4350 Mon.-Thu. 2 p.m.-evening, Fri. by appointment, Sat. 8-10 a.m.