Welcome to Hoots of Wisdom, Insights from Joya's Tutoring & Consulting Hub, LLC
Hello and welcome to Hoots of Wisdom!
My name is Christopher Joya – but you can call me Joya – and I’m thrilled to introduce you to my company and its blog, Hoots of Wisdom. This space is dedicated to helping students, parents, and educators dive deeper into STEM and STEM-related subjects, and learning strategies, all while fostering curiosity and confidence. Before we explore what’s to come, let me share a bit about my journey and the inspiration behind Joya’s Tutoring & Consulting Hub.
My Story: Where Curiosity Meets Guidance
I believe every student can excel with the right tools, guidance, and encouragement. My goal is not just to help students succeed academically but to spark a genuine love for learning, maintain their curiosity for the natural world, and grow confident in their abilities. I want students to feel & express that exciting "aha!" moment when science makes sense and becomes enjoyable, not overwhelming.
As a child, I developed a passion for science through exploring the natural world and asking endless questions. My family, especially my grandparents, nurtured my curiosity by encouraging discussions and independent research. It was later in college when a mentor, Professor Sandy Geffner, helped me realize my potential for teaching others through an internship at his organization, . I initially struggled with public speaking and being confident, but his patience and support inspired me to overcome those challenges and share my love for science with others.
After spending several rewarding years teaching middle school science, I decided to also do online tutoring. I wanted to connect with students beyond the classroom and foster deeper understanding of science and math, especially with recent shifts in educational standards and curricula. Many students - like my one client Sara - struggle with the transition from rote memorization of facts towards explaining their thought process. As a science teacher, I know the Next Generation Science Standards emphasize critical thinking and reasoning, which can be challenging for students accustomed to a 'right or wrong' answer approach. Thus, why I launched my business, Joya's Tutoring & Consulting Hub.
In our online tutoring sessions, we create a judgment-free environment where students can explore scientific concepts openly. Just like my mentor encouraged me to ask questions and seek answers, we guide students to develop their own understanding. Seeing this transformation in Sara - who blossomed from a confused student to a curious learner now contemplating a career in psychology - is incredibly rewarding and motivating for me as both a tutor and teacher.
If your child is struggling with science or needs a space to explore their curiosity, I invite you to sign up for an introductory call. Or, if you have additional questions that are not covered by our FAQ page, reach out through the Contact form. Together, we can help them rediscover the joy of learning and their spark of curiosity.
What You’ll Find on Hoots of Wisdom
At Hoots of Wisdom, we’ll explore a variety of topics to support students, parents, and educators. Each post will fall under at least one of these eight categories (with more to come!):
STEM Explorations
Posts about interesting science, technology, engineering, and math topics that make complex concepts accessible to middle school students.Study Strategies
Tips and advice on effective study habits, note-taking methods, and ways to stay organized for success in school.Science in the Real World
How scientific principles are applied in everyday life, featuring relatable examples that can spark curiosity in students.Math Mastery
Fun and engaging posts to help students tackle challenging math problems, with step-by-step explanations and practice tips.Project Planning & Time Management
Guidance on how to manage homework, long-term projects, and extracurricular activities with strong organizational skills.Tech Tools for Students
Recommendations for apps and tools that help middle school students improve productivity and learning in STEM subjects.Growth Mindset & Motivation
Encouraging posts that focus on building a growth mindset, perseverance, and self-confidence in STEM learning.Ask the Wise Owl
A Q&A section where students (or parents) can submit questions related to STEM or study skills, and we provide thoughtful answers.
Join Us on This Journey
At Hoots of Wisdom, we’re building more than a blog—we’re creating a community of curious learners and supportive educators. Whether you're a student seeking guidance, a parent looking for resources, or a teacher interested in sharing ideas, there’s something here for everyone.
I’m excited to embark on this journey with you. Stay tuned for our first content post, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update. Together, let’s make learning STEM engaging, inspiring, and fun!
Warmly,
Joya
Founder, Joya’s Tutoring & Consulting Hub