Building skills.

Growing confidence.

Nurture to Excel Tutoring was founded on a commitment to helping students grow in confidence and thrive. With over 40 years of experience in special education—including more than 20 years with Sunset Ridge School District #29 in Northfield, Illinois—Nurture to Excel Tutoring provides personalized support in reading, math, and written language for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with a major focus on  strengthening executive functioning skills. The approach is thoughtful and individualized, always meeting students where they are and helping them build on their strengths. Every child can grow with the right support - Nurture to Excel Tutoring guides that journey.

Dorothy Bailen

 


Credentials

Professional credentials reflect a strong foundation in supporting diverse learners and a commitment to high-quality instruction.

Education

  • University of Michigan: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
  • Northwestern University: Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities

Professional Educator Licenses (PEL)

  • Learning Disabilities: PreK – Age 22
  • Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1): PreK – Age 22
  • Social Emotional Disorders: PreK – Age 22

Specialized Tutoring Services

Nurture to Excel Tutoring offers a comprehensive range of services for students kindergarten - 6th grade designed to address the unique learning styles of every student.

Executive Functioning Skills

Empowering students with essential skills such as organization, time management, planning, and study strategies is crucial for long-term academic and life success.

Individualized Academic Tutoring

Personalized sessions cater to specific subject areas, ensuring deep understanding and mastery of challenging academic content. Scientifically research-based interventions are used in all academic areas.

Targeted Homework Support

Targeted homework support helps students successfully complete assignments while reinforcing classroom learning, strengthening understanding and building confidence.


Keep Skills Sharp, All Summer Long

Private summer tutoring helps students maintain academic skills, strengthen foundational learning, and build confidence in a supportive one-on-one setting. Lessons are tailored to each child’s individual needs based on the recommendations of the classroom teacher, parents and students. Summer tutoring promotes a smooth and confident start to the next school year.

Summer is also a time for play! All programs are designed to be fun, effective yet flexible.

 

 

 


Testimonials

Parents of Rising 4th and 6th Graders:

"Our family has had a wonderful experience with Dorothy Bailen as a tutor for our two daughters. Our oldest worked with Dorothy in 4th and 5th grade and our youngest worked with her in 2nd and 3rd.                                           

Dorothy's patience, expertise, and ability to make both math and reading engaging have helped build confidence and improve skills in both subjects.

Confidence in math has been the biggest boost. Both of our daughters have seen improved testing in math since beginning sessions with Dorothy. She has a way of speaking to children that makes them feel seen and heard. She is truly invested in our children's success. Weekly homework assignments have become less stressful for both kids and us parents!                             

Dorothy is reliable and flexible with scheduling. We highly recommend her to any family looking for a knowledgeable and caring tutor."

Former Student - Rising High School Sophomore:

"When I first started working with Ms. Bailen, I had a hard time keeping up with English comprehension, writing, and math problems. I often felt unsure of myself because learning didn't come as easily to me as it did for some of my classmates. Ms. Bailen never gave up on me. She was patient, kind, and always took the time to explain things in a way that I could understand. She broke difficult lessons into smaller steps, encouraged me to ask questions, and celebrated my progress, even when it was small. Because of her support, I slowly became more confident and started believing that I could succeed.

The biggest difference Ms. Bailen made was helping me believe in myself. She created an environment where I felt safe making mistakes because she saw them as opportunities to learn. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to keep trying, even when something was difficult.

To any future students: if you have Ms. Bailen as your teacher, know that you are very lucky. She truly cares about every student and wants everyone to succeed. She will encourage you, support you, and help you become the best learner you can be. I will always be grateful for everything she taught me and for believing in me when I needed it most."

Parents of Rising 6th Grader:

"Dorothy Bailen has been an incredible part of our sixth grade son’s life for nearly five years. She has a remarkable ability to understand how he learns and adapt her approach to bring out his very best. She is creative, patient, kind, and truly gifted at working with different learning styles and individual needs. Our son loves going to see her, works incredibly hard for her, and has grown so much with her support. We feel so lucky to have Mrs. Bailen in our lives and couldn’t recommend her more highly!"

 

 


Pricing/Location                                    Contact Information

Private 60 minute session: $125.00

30 minute and 90 minute sessions are available upon request.

ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF PAYMENT:

  • Zelle/Quick Pay
  • Venmo
  • Check 
  • Cash

Payment is due on day of tutoring.

LOCATION: Sessions are offered in students' homes, public libraries, or other locations upon parental request.

 

 

Texting and emailing are the preferred methods of contact.

Questions are always welcome, and responses will be provided promptly.

Looking forward to being a partner with you in support of your child's growth and success.

Dorothy Bailen 

(847) 571-1777 (text only please)

dbailen@comcast.net