Meet Lindsay Rourke: Our Newest Team Member

Meet Lindsay Rourke, history and English tutor, and academic coach.

Lindsay graduated from Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield CT. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in history and her Master’s degree in teaching, Lindsay has an ever-growing passion for learning. Aside from academics, Lindsay thoroughly enjoys cooking in her free time and even goes as far as to label herself a self-proclaimed home chef! (Courtesy of the Food Network). Lindsay is the proud Cat Mom of a sassy yellow tabby, Lily. Lindsay is very outgoing and enjoys meeting and making new friends.

Qualifications and Awards

Lindsay spent five years of her education at Sacred Heart University, where not only did she receive academic awards, but extracurricular as well. During her junior year, Lindsay was elected Scholarship Chair for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This position allowed Lindsay to live her passion and assist and encourage all 115 of her “sisters” in finding the best versions of themselves. Entering her senior year, Lindsay was awarded the Charles T. Eby Scholarship; “This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of History and is awarded to a full-time history major entering his/her senior year who shows the most excellence and promise in the study of History. This is the History Department’s highest honor and is a mark of significant honor for the student.” After receiving this prestigious award, in Lindsay’s senior year, she was elected as the President of the History Club. Wrapping up her senior year, Lindsay graduated with the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded the Silver Medal of Excellence in History.

Following her undergrad graduation, Lindsay started and completed her master’s degree, as well as field experience as a student teacher. During this time, Lindsay developed her passion for achieving personal connections with her students and creating a positive and individualized learning environment.

The following statements were written by her supervisors:

“Miss Rourke also created a variety of assessments allowing all students to show mastery of the material and to showcase their talents. In addition, she is a caring individual, who is sensitive to student needs and concerns. This has allowed her to build strong rapport with the student body. She will certainly be missed.” – Breanne Brienza, Cooperating teacher, THS staff

“She is one of the most successful and talented student teachers that I have worked with both in the university and in my career as a high school principal….Her outstanding traits are her honesty, her positive attitude, her caring feelings for helping other people, her reliability, and her high integrity…Lindsay knew her students and made accommodations in order to ensure that teach of her students would be successful with the material to be learned…She treats all with total respect and dignity, dealing with her students according to their personal learning styles and personal life issues.” – William Manfredonia, University Supervisor, Sacred Heart University

“Ms. Rourke is a well-liked and well-respected graduate student, one whose prior experiences working with young people as a volunteer tutor at Bridgeport’s Multicultural Magnet School and as a private tutor and childcare provider serve her in good standing. She is thoughtful and conscientious with her assigned work, and this semester she worked well with her cooperating teacher in the transition to online instruction due to coronavirus. Don’t let her petite and youthful appearance fool you: Ms. Rourke is more than capable in her interactions with middle school and high school students. She treats even the most challenging students with professionalism, calmness, and assertiveness.” – Dr. James Carl, Former Dean of the Isabelle College of Education, Sacred Heart University

Lindsay wrapped up her Master’s degree and received the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude, with a 4.0 GPA.

Lindsay is frequently asked, “Why did you want to become a tutor and academic coach?” Her response is one that harbors a personal connection. Lindsay is naturally a very nurturing and caring individual who is eager to connect with her students. Lindsay aspires to assist her students in their journey of uncovering their individual identities, aspirations, and greatest aptitudes. Lindsay understands the necessary and reliant connection between a student’s individual personality and academic success, explaining her passion for incorporating creative learning methods. Individual learning sessions maximize the personal connection between teacher and student, allowing for an optimal learning environment and experience.

Letters of Recommendation