My name is Tim. I have ten years of regular classroom experience and sixteen (essentially full-time) years service as a substitute teacher, including long-term and semester length summer school sessions. Subjects that I have taught as year-long or semester-length (including summer session) courses include: U.S. History, World History, Sociology, and 9th, 10th, and 11th grade English. In addition, I have coached sixteen seasons of high school track & field and twelve seasons of cross country, including nine season as head coach and three league titles in both sports. Areas of personal interest in which I can claim an above average level of expertise include Creative Writing (I have two publications to my credit), Ancient Near Eastern and Classical / Medieval European History, American Frontier History, Native American History and Culture, Military History, and American, Irish, Russian, English, and Classical Greek Literature.
My tutoring method consists of the following (in order): 1) determining the level of subject proficiency expected of the student, 2) evaluating the student's knowledge / ability in the particular area to be tutored in (i.e. - determine strengths, weaknesses, and possible interests), 3) assist the student in establishing a set of goals to be achieved in the subject, and 4) working closely with the student (i. e. - monitoring, advising, reviewing, editing) as he / she performs homework assignments, carries out research projects, prepares for presentations, and studies for examinations. In addition, all graded work, tests, etc. would be reviewed in detail to see where the student may have erred or underachieved, so that those deficiencies can be rectified. Furthermore, POSITIVE verbal reinforcement and motivation (encouragement)is applied in all stages of the learning / tutoring process. In other words, the student is encouraged to believe that they can and will succeed. In my experience as both a long-time teacher and track coach this ingredient is indispensable. Some methodology (read: tactics) will, of necessity, vary to a degree according to the individual student and subject area.
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