All of
Steve’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Steve’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT English
As a former LAUSD Hamilton High School English teacher, I prepared many students to pass the ACT English exam.
Algebra 1
I previously taught Algebra 1 in the Los Angeles Unified School District. I have also privately one-on-one tutored students who were having difficulty with Algebra 1.
Algebra 2
I taught Algebra 2 at Hamilton High School in LAUSD. Many students have trouble understanding word problems and how to break them down into simple mathematical equations. My experience as an English teacher has proven helpful, especially to those students for whom English isn't their first language.
American History
Before becoming a regular high school English teacher, I taught American History to high school juniors. U.S. History has always been one of my favorite subjects to learn and teach.
Elementary (K-6th)
Before teaching at the high school level, I served as a long-term substitute for several 6th grade classes. Also, I privately tutored a fifth grade charter school student last year in English, math and science. I have found that teaching is teaching, no matter what grade level. You simply adjust your professional manner based on the age of the student, although I do believe it's much more feasible for a high school teacher to tutor at the elementary level than the reverse.
Elementary Math
I have privately tutored elementary students in Math.
Elementary Science
Private tutor to students in Elementary Science. The trick is to get them interested in the world around them, whether its basic biology, geology or physics. Having them relate to the textbook and worksheets combined with simple demonstrations are key to their understanding and knowledge.
English
As a former 15-year Hamilton High School English teacher in LAUSD, I am extremely qualified in all levels of English Language Arts curriculum and instruction. I am patient in working with students of varying skills.
Film
I am a graduate of University of Southern California Film School with a BA in Cinema-Television Production.
Grammar
Extremely qualified in English grammar curriculum and instruction. I am patient in working with students of varying skill levels. I strongly believe that proper grammar is vital to one's educational development. Make the rules of grammar fun to learn and natural so you'll never have to worry about remembering them.
Literature
As a former high school English instructor, I can honestly say that teaching literature was by far the most enjoyable part of the profession. To instill a love of literature to students, whether it be American Literature to juniors, World Literature to seniors or any literature in general to secondary school students, is a true pleasure.
Phonics
I taught a DRW phonics-based English program to LAUSD students. DRW has also been called LANGUAGE! and several other titles over the years. In any case, the teaching philosophy for incoming English 9th grade students was built on a phonics foundation for children who had difficulty with their English skills and, thus, were evaluated as not ready for a mainstream English class. I am confident that my teaching skills in Phonics translate to younger students at the elementary level.
Prealgebra
Many students have difficulty learning Math. Teaching Prealgebra involves time and patience. That's where class worksheets and the routine of solving basic equations are valuable. I've found that the old adage, "practice makes perfect", is so applicable when teaching Prealgebra. Students often get frustrated. One of my tasks as a tutor is to build their confidence through constant praising as they discover the answer to the problem. I help them turn assignments into games and puzzles that they need to solve.
Proofreading
Before becoming an English teacher, I was a senior proofreader for a "Big Eight" accounting firm. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are all key ingredients of proofreading. I teach students how to recognize careless mistakes and avoid making them until it becomes almost second nature to them.
PSAT
One of my functions as an English teacher was to prepare my students for the PSAT. Using past tests, I drilled them in how to approach the exam. We worked on their critical reading skills, writing skills and math problem solving. I don't buy it when students say, "But I don't test well!" I take that as a personal challenge. Given the proper guidance and instruction, every student can test well.
Public Speaking
I was an English high school teacher for 15 years. I instructed my students in how to present oral presentations of reports and projects. Also I have a Theater Arts background as an actor and director. I have worked with many students of the years in public speaking, movement and body language.
Reading
If a child cannot read well, he or she is at a severe disadvantage for any and all education that follows. At the high school level, I learned that many students read far below grade level. My job as a teacher is to not only get them to read at grade level but beyond. I've found that reading out loud is extremely useful in building students' reading skills. Also reading without comprehension is of little value. I stop the reading, break it down and ask questions of students constantly. Watching the 'light bulb' go on in their faces as they get it and want to push on is a rewarding achievement.
SAT Reading
As an English teacher, preparing high school students for the reading section of the SAT was part of the curriculum. Reading comprehension, how to skim and look for key words, and eliminating incorrect answers in order to narrow down potential correct choices are all key components of administering practice SAT exams to students.
Social Studies
Before becoming a full-time English teacher in LAUSD, I successfully taught several long-term substitute assignments in Social Studies.
Spelling
I would administer weekly spelling tests in each one of my high school classes. Poor spelling makes one appear uneducated even if one isn't. Teaching and memorizing the rules of spelling are important. But, once you learn them, you'll never forget them as they stay with you for a lifetime. I brought back spelling bees and made a competition out of it. Everyone likes to win. Spelling is no different.
Study Skills
As a 15-year LAUSD teacher, I've worked with thousands of students to improve their study skills, including how to properly organize your subjects, keeping appropriate notebooks, the proper ways to take notes in class and motivational techniques.
Theatre
I was a Theatre Arts major at Brandeis University for two years before transferring to USC Film School. I am proficient in teaching acting, stage direction and how to playwright.
Vocabulary
Every student needs to constantly work on learning and expanding their vocabulary. Don't use a word unless you know what it means is a good lesson to learn. I'm a firm believer in vocabulary testing, whether its simple matching or writing out a definition in one's own words. A larger vocabulary makes one a stronger reader and, therefore, a better all-around student.
Writing
I am a USC Film School graduate with an emphasis in screenwriting. I am a professional writer whose passion is writing. As an English teacher, I worked with students daily on improving their writing skills, whether it be essay, persuasive, narrative or creative writing. Writing well is one of the most difficult higher learning skills for students to master. All children have a lot to say; my job is to have them "say it" on paper or screen.