highly qualified, effective English tutor, MA, published author

Hi,

My name is Derrick, and I am a recently retired English language arts high school teacher who taught literature, grammar, writing, reading, and comprehension. Along with BA and MA degrees in English and Education, I also studied theology and motion picture arts at the graduate levels.

Before teaching high school for six years, I had a diversified career as a writer and editor in book and magazine publishing, corporate communications and media development, dot.com start-ups, and in film production as a writer and producer.

My first nonfiction book was published in January 2012, and I continue to work on a novel and blogging several times per month.

Having taught classes ranging in sizes from 12 to 44 students, I look forward to helping individual students improve their English language skills.

Derrick's Subjects

English:	Bible studies, English, grammar, literature, proofreading, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	SAT reading, SAT writing
Elementary Education:	grammar, reading, vocabulary
Business:	public speaking
Corporate Training:	grammar, proofreading, public speaking
Homeschool:	English, reading, SAT reading, writing

Vocabulary

I tutor students in improving their vocabulary and spelling so that they can speak, write, and read more effectively. I help them:

•Develop their vocabulary by: listening, discussing and reading; recognizing context clues; knowing the denotations and connotations of words; using related words in analogies

•Study words systematically by: using a dictionary and thesaurus; using different methods to remember new vocabulary

•Study word parts and origins by: using prefixes... Read More

Grammar

In grammar and writing, I help students to edit their writing by teaching them to identify the clauses that underlie their sentences so that they can (1) eliminate any major errors (fragments, comma splices, fused sentences); (2) punctuate correctly; (3) use the four types of sentences (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex); (4) focus on what they are communicating; (5) evaluate whether what they are communicating is important.

I provide exercises in: identifying verbs and nouns... Read More

Reading

I tutor individuals in improving their reading skills so that they can learn more effectively and do well in their educational pursuits and personal reading. Strategies and skills to be developed include:

Reading Methods and Tools:
• Understanding and using sections in textbooks
• Using different reading styles, the SQ4R method, outlines, and graphic organizers

Reading Nonfiction Critically:
• Strategies to comprehend nonfiction
• Evaluating what you readRead More

Writing

I tutor individuals in improving their writing skills in ways that will help them express themselves more effectively, build academic success in school and college, and acquire communication skills necessary to succeed in their jobs and careers.

I guide them through the writing process, and focus on characteristics of writing, including:

• Paragraphs and Composition (structure and style)
• Narration (autobiographical writing; short story writing)
• Persuasion (persuasive... Read More

English

I tutor students in meeting English Language Arts Standards in:

* Reading (word analysis, vocabulary development, comprehension, literary response and analysis)

* Writing (writing strategies, writing applications)

* Written & Oral Language Conventions (Grammar, manuscript styles, punctuation)

* Listening and Speaking Strategies (Comprehending and organizing information for the purpose of making oral presentations)

Literature

I tutor students in (1) identifying the purposes and characteristics of the major literary genres of short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, dramatic literature, and folk literature, and (2) applying an in-depth understanding of the genre as an aid to reading comprehension.

I help students understand the characteristics of:

* Short stories (plot, character, setting, point of view, and theme)
* Non-fiction (autobiography, biography, essay, informational text)
* Poetry... Read More

Proofreading

I tutor students in editing and proofreading their writing to achieve error-free work. I help them focus on:

• Punctuation—especially the ends of sentences, dialogue, commas, periods, question marks, exclamation points

• Subject-verb agreements—including common singular and plural indefinite pronouns

• Fact-checking—to ensure accurate information, such as names, dates, statistics, and quotations

• Spelling—especially regular or abbreviated forms of titles,... Read More

Bible Studies

I tutor students in:

(a) The Old Testament as Literature:

Introduction to the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus; The Narrative literature of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and Samuels; The Historical literature of Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther; The Hebrew poetry of Job and Psalms; The Wisdom literature of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon; The Prophetic literature of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel; The Apocalyptic literature of Daniel and... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Anderson University IN California State University, Northridge (Master's) Jamaica School of Theology (Other)

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $65.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 3 hours notice required

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Derrick will travel within 20 miles of Granada Hills, CA 91344.

Email Derrick

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Credit	For Only	You Save
$200 - $399	$190 - $379	5%
$400 - $999	$360 - $899	10%
$1,000 +	$850 +	15%

Derrick C.