Sravyaanushka Chivaluri

Where do you attend school, and what what are you studying?

I am a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Mathematics with a focus in Education. For the past seven years, I have worked as a private tutor, specializing in Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus. I recently interned at Blacksburg Middle School, working alongside the 8th grade team to support classroom instruction, proctor assessments, and facilitate one-on-one catch-up sessions with students. Prior to this, I served as the Electrical Subteam Captain and Chief Technical Officer of Chantilly Robotics FRC Team 612, leading technical projects and mentoring team members through workshop training, robot development, and regional competitions. I also completed a teaching internship in the mathematics and science departments at Chantilly High School, supporting student learning and developing interactive lessons alongside my host teachers.

What have your teaching opportunities been outside of Fairfax Collegiate?

I have over seven years of experience as a private tutor with a specialization in Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus, as well as over over 100 hours of experience as a student intern at Chantilly High School and Blacksburg Middle School, through which I continue to develop my skills as a prospective teacher.

What sort of experience have you had in the subject you’ll be teaching this summer?

I participated in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), serving on multiple regional championship FLL teams and district championship FRC Team 612. In my time with these teams I learned to code and configure robots to compete against top teams in my district and look forward to passing on my experience and enthusiasm for robotics to my students this summer.

As an intern in the Chantilly High School science department and through my participation on an ExploraVision challenge team, I gained a strong affinity for scientific inquiry, innovation, and discovery. These experiences pushed me to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and seek solutions to real-world problems. I am excited to share that curiosity and engage in investigation with my forensic science classes.

Writing has been an area of consistent interest and strength for me throughout my academic career. I completed both AP English Language and Composition as well as AP English Literature and Composition in high school out of personal interest, where I developed literary analysis, argumentation, and structured essay writing skills that I carry into my college career and beyond. I also regularly supported my peers in reviewing and critiquing writing assignments and personal statements, helping them strengthen clarity, organization, and evidence-backed reasoning. I look forward to building essential communication and critical thinking skills with my students and instilling an appreciation for the writing craft.

What excites you about teaching and working with students?

I enjoy being a part of my students' success story and have the privilege of witnessing what I call their "lightbulb moments" that occur when a topic they have been struggling with for a while finally clicks into place.

Outside of work, what are some hobbies you enjoy?

In my free time, I enjoy rereading stories I loved in the past, revisiting them with a new perspective each time. I also make a point to maintain and further develop my French language skills through pen pals and Duolingo. More recently, I have taken an interest in learning American Sign Language.