Our Tutors

Tony T

Teaching Style

My teaching style is similar to the management style I employed as an editor. I prefer to be a coach rather than a top-down administrator. I urge my students to not accept mediocrity and instead strive for excellence in all they do. My goal is to make them better writers and better people with a sense of ethics and responsibility to themselves and society. I preach that good writing comes from hard work and research and a mastery of the English language, which I also encourage them to strive for.

Experience Summary

After several years as a journalist, writer and editor, I had the opportunity in 2001 to teach writing courses at Orange Coast College. Because teaching had always been of interest to me, I took the offer and have enjoyed it ever since. Teaching seems to fit me well. My students tell me all the time how I'm the best teacher they've ever had, and my student evaluations support that. It is so fulfilling to me to see my students go on and succeed in life, sometimes changing courses and pursuing a career in writing because of me. I don't teach so much for the money but for the enjoyment I receive in educating young minds. Other experiences include being an English literacy tutor at the Huntington Beach library, teaching ESL learners how to read in English to their American born children. Another very fulfilling role.

Michael M

Teaching Style

The desire to learn is one of the most important things anyone can learn. Whether it be a child seeing science for their first time, or an college adult ready to tackle the real world. I believe everyone is capable of discovering their true abilities sometimes they just need a bit of a nudge to help them find it. I like to use tutoring to help them determine how they learn. While I may employ a method of how to solve a problem, everyone learns differently. Some people are more audio learners while others require visual aides. My hope is to help them discover how they learn so they can maximize their own potential.

Experience Summary

I am simulation programmer with a passion for mathematics and physics. My desire educate myself further has driven me to explore the cutting edge of simulation technology through the physics of game design. My immense expertise in higher level math has given me a deeper appreciation for continued education. As a tutor I have helped others to share this appreciation since I was 16. In the past I have tutored a variety of subjects which include Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Mechanical Physics, Electromagnetics. Additionally I have assisted students with programming courses related to C++, C# and Java, Algorithms and Data Structures, and Artificial Intelligence.

Karissa K

Teaching Style

I love one-on-one tutoring because of the complete attention I can pay to the tutee’s specific needs and his or her learning style. My personality is encouraging, positive and patient, and that has served me well in building relationships with repeat tutees at the Writing Center over the past two years. To me, the primary role of a tutor is to explore ideas about the subject in a way that there is not time for in the classroom and also to ask tutees the questions they would not think to ask themselves about their ideas. I can help tutees explore the potential of their ideas and how to own the skills they already possess. My role is also to help the tutee expand his or her knowledge base and tools for future writing through examples, research and discussion.

Experience Summary

As a tutor at the University of Arizona Writing Center, I worked with undergraduate, graduate and international students on all aspects of the writing process. This encompassed higher and lower order concerns including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, formatting, thesis and topic sentence work, grammar and ESL concerns, research methods, and content. My tutees came from all majors including English, History, Business, and the sciences. I worked on everything from rhetorical analyses to technical writing for business to personal statements and research papers. I also spent two semesters in an online tutoring program for high school students to submit drafts of their college admissions essays for commentary. They could then make revisions and resubmit additional drafts for further critiquing. Additionally, as a Magna Cum Laude History graduate with a Political Science minor, I focused on American History and government and developed a passion for those topics I love to impart on others.

Jennifer J

Teaching Style

I enjoy working with a student one-on-one. We know that every child develops on a different learning curve, which is why the tutoring process is so crucial. Working individually with a child can help them overcome some of the frustration and confusion that comes along with learning in a crowded classroom. I have a great amount of patience and understanding to help the child develop his own learning style and guide him to work through the problems at his own pace to ensure that he truly understands the material. Learning is a step by step process and I know that I can guide each child through the steps they need to take to complete any and all challenges they may face, not just in school, but in life.

Experience Summary

I began tutoring algebra when I was in high school for my boss' kids in the back of the restaurant where I worked. I then went on to get my BA in mathematics at La Salle University, with a minor in Education. While in college, I continued tutoring my fellow students in math and chemistry for a peer tutoring program set up by the school. In addition I observed/student taught at various schools in the Philadelphia area. I have knowledge of a wide range of mathematics, my specialty being algebra and calculus. Due to my experience, I am also proficient in English and can assist in research paper writing.

Jon J

Teaching Style

My teaching style begins with understanding the level of each student's knowledge and learning approach. During my college years I participated in many tutorial sessions realizing that it could provide instructional help as well as social interaction with other motivated students. I believe that tutoring helps a student become more involved in his/her studies, creating a greater interest and a more enduring impact. I can teach very detailed, down to the fundamentals, or using simple examples. The best part about teaching is watching as the students "get it."

Experience Summary

At the University of California, Irvine I completed my degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish. Additionally I took the necessary courses for medical school. I have completed Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and several Biology courses. I also took the Medical College Admissions Test. I have tutored students in their homes in areas of mathematics and Biology.

Sharon S

Teaching Style

I enjoy working with young people and making an impact on their academic success. I don't know if I have a particular teaching style, but I believe that education is not a "one size fits all" proposition and good educators must adapt their style to fit the needs of their student which I strive for every time I meet a new student.

Experience Summary

Although I do not have a degree in Education, I have years of experience as a teaching assistant, teacher, tutor and curriculum designer. My experience mostly focuses on helping students improve their writing skills, but I also work with students with their reading comprehension since they go hand in hand. I have taught composition at the community college level which enables me to help students with papers at all levels from basic exposition to research methodology and citation format.

Paul P

Teaching Style

I am passionate about teaching, and love to work with school age and college level students to help them achieve their academic goals. I am available to help students learn and grow academically. My teaching style is facilitative, patient, easygoing and helpful. I strive to create a productive, safe, and caring environment for my students, where their learning experience is nurtured and productive. I have had the awesome privilege of being educated by many phenomenal teachers, and I believe in providing the same quality of teaching to all my students. It is my goal to make a profound difference in the lives of each of my students - one which help them to become successful adults in a complex business world.

Experience Summary

As a secondary school and college level teacher, I am passionate about helping my students succeed academically. Having earned two bachelors degrees (A Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Mathematics), and a Master of Business Administration degree (GPA of 3.81/4.00), I have the academic and professional competencies which enable me to produce positive outcomes in a teaching environment. During the last 2 years, I have tutored students in Statistics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, and English. Also, I have taught for more than 8 years at the college level, teaching such subjects as Math, Information Technology, and Management Information Systems.

Francis Eugene F

Teaching Style

I always enjoyed teaching. I often was able to teach high school English classes part-time even while I served as college advisor and Guidance Director in 2 different private high schools. I especially liked English literature. It was challenging to get teenage boys to like literature, so I often used videos & other visual aids to help them understand and enjoy reading good literature.

Experience Summary

I always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in the upper grades of grammar school. After attending a private high school on scholarship, I earned another scholarship for university attendance. After graduating, I taught for 9 years in elementary schools. I taught part-time for the next 14 years in a private high school, and also served as college advisor. Since 2003, I have been teaching adults in driving classes part-time.