Years of experience in education, specializing in math & science

My tutoring experience began at Kaplan, a national leader in test preparation. I worked for Kaplan as an ACT tutor, and I was certified on all sections of the test: English, reading, writing, math, and science.

I also work full-time as an education researcher at Shedd Aquarium. I study trends in informal science learning, and I've designed and delivered programs for all different age groups. I've worked on outreach programs for elementary schools, science labs for teens, and professional development programs for teachers.

I have a degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where I majored in biology and minored in psychology. I was also heavily involved in theatre at DePauw and acted professionally for a while after college. I still enjoy performing, but today I concentrate more on music, playing bass guitar for a couple of different bands. Fun bonus fact: I once opened for Foghat, the band famous for "Slow Ride."

My training as a tutor has taught me to focus on each client as an individual. No two people are alike. My job is to find out where the learner is currently and what he or she needs to make progress. I enjoy getting to know people and helping them achieve their goals, whatever those might be!

Ben's Subjects

Math:	ACT Math, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, logic, prealgebra, precalculus, probability, statistics, trigonometry
Science:	ACT Science, anatomy, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, genetics, microbiology, physical science, physics, physiology, psychology, zoology
English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, grammar, proofreading, reading, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Math, ACT Reading, ACT Science, GRE, ISEE
Computer:	general computer, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
History:	American history, European history, geography, social studies, world history
Special Needs:	phonics
Elementary Education:	elementary (k-6th), elementary math, elementary science, grammar, phonics, reading, spelling, study skills, vocabulary
Business:	GRE, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
Corporate Training:	general computer, grammar, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, proofreading, statistics
Homeschool:	algebra 1, algebra 2, biology, chemistry, elementary (k-6th), English, geometry, physics, prealgebra, precalculus, reading, statistics, study skills, writing

Algebra 1

I have experience tutoring math all the way up through Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. My approach involves having the student work through problems aloud as I listen for conceptual stumbling blocks. As these come up, I use simplified examples to illustrate individual principles, making sure that they are understood before moving on. I believe students benefit from a balance between procedural and conceptual competence.

Biology

I have a degree in biology, and I have worked for ten years in the Education department at the Shedd Aquarium. I have developed and delivered programs on a variety of topics in animal science and environmental science to students in grades K-12. I am familiar with genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, botany, zoology, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

Vocabulary

The fastest way to acquire new vocabulary is through exposure as a reader and listener. The role of a tutor is to ask and answer questions, ensuring that the learner understands contextual clues, connotations, and special meanings.

Microsoft Excel

I am one of the world's few Excel junkies, the rare breed of person who thinks spreadsheets are just enormous fun. I don't pretend that I would be able to make everyone feel the same way, but I can at least help people feel less intimidated or baffled by Excel. I am familiar with complex formulas, graph-making, formatting, and filtering. My approach to teaching someone to use any technology is to develop not only routine skills, but also capacity to learn new features.

General Computer

I use computers on a daily basis both at work and at home. I have experience both with PCs and Macs. I have a special interest in data management & representation and in audio/visual editing. In teaching someone to work with technology, it is important not only to develop routine skills, but also to build confidence in learning new tools.

Microsoft Word

I have used Word for years to produce regular a variety of documents: written text, labels, fliers, etc. I have experience using several formatting techniques, making tables & illustrations, and even working with add-ons such as citation generators. My approach to teaching someone to use any technology is to develop not only routine skills, but also capacity to learn new features.

Microsoft PowerPoint

I have used PowerPoint in many different ways, from standard presentations to making interactive backgrounds projected onto theatre sets. I am especially experienced with animations and media. My approach to teaching someone to use any technology is to develop not only routine skills, but also capacity to learn new features.

Prealgebra

Writing

I have written in a number of different formats, including creative and formal. In my job at Shedd Aquarium, I produce research reports customized for different audiences and have co-authored published articles. I have written marketing materials for educational programs. I also have experience writing creatively, going all the way back to national short story competitions in high school.

Statistics

I frequently encounter statistics in my work as a researcher, especially as they are used in the social sciences. I can help with descriptive statistics (mean, variance, standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics, both parametric and non-parametric. I also have experience using PSPP.

Psychology

I have taken courses in developmental, cognitive, physiological, and evolutionary psychology. My career in informal education has immersed me in even more branches of psychology, especially constructivism and learning. As a science, psychology is best understood through inquiry-based instruction that focuses not only on content, but also on process.

Ecology

I have a degree in biology, and I have worked for ten years in the Education department at the Shedd Aquarium. I have developed and delivered programs on a variety of topics in environmental science to students in grades K-12. I have experience teaching not only fundamental principles in ecology, but also concepts related to specific ecosystems: tropical rainforests, coral reefs, wetlands, oceans, and others.

Spelling

Students often feel frustrated by a subject that seems to involve only rote memorization. As a tutor, my first job is to be patient and encouraging. Beyond that, I can help students accelerate their skill development by focusing on broadly applicable strategies and linguistic patterns.

Elementary Science

I have several years of experience teaching and interacting with children. I've worked at Shedd Aquarium since 2003, focusing mainly on elementary schools from 2006-2011. I developed and delivered programs for thousands of students in grades K-5 with specific connections to Illinois Science Standards. At the elementary level, I believe it is especially important to use inquiry-based methods that deal with the process and goals of science as much as the factual content.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have several years of experience teaching and interacting with children. I've worked at Shedd Aquarium since 2003, focusing mainly on elementary schools from 2006-2011. I developed and delivered programs for thousands of students in grades K-5 with specific connections to Illinois Learning Standards. My current full-time job immerses me in educational research for early childhood (ages 3-8) as well as upper elementary/middle school (ages 9-13).

Zoology

I have a degree in biology, and I have worked for ten years in the Education department at the Shedd Aquarium. I have developed and delivered programs on a variety of topics in animal science to students in grades K-12. I am familiar with most animal physiology, ecology, and taxonomy. My background in ethology and behavioral ecology is especially strong, having worked closely with the animal trainers at Shedd.

Genetics

I have a bachelor's degree in biology, and my coursework included Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular Biology. I am familiar with the basics of Mendelian heredity, such as dominance/recessiveness and independent assortment of alleles. I understand basic cellular genetics, such as mitosis/meiosis, DNA replication, and RNA transcription/translation. I also understand population genetics, including natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

DePauw University

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $60.00

With Prepaid Discount: $51.00 - $57.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 24 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

Ben will travel within 10 miles of Chicago, IL 60601.

Email Ben

Send Ben a message about your needs and you will receive a response to the email address entered below.

Message

Tutoring Subject (ex: algebra, chemistry)

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Confirm Email

Zip Code

Phone Number (optional) ( ) -

Have other tutors contact me

I have read and agree to the terms of use.

Please indicate that you agree to the WyzAnt terms of use.

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

Ben H.