My name is Austin E. and I am currently a senior at Roosevelt University in Chicago. I am double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science and I am planning on going for my Teacher's Certificate in the fall of 2013 after I get my BA. Having studied philosophy, I am very comfortable tutoring those who need help in modern philosophy (that being the focus of my degree) and logic. I am also very proficient in mathematics as that was my focus early in my college career. Math was by far my easiest subject throughout high school and I got an A in Calculus 1 in college. I'm a few years removed from studying calculus but I am more than comfortable teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.
Aside from academics, I would like to function mainly as a chess tutor. Chess has been my passion for almost 6 years now and I enjoy it almost more than anything else. I started playing relatively late but was able to pick up the game very quickly. I am now expert level strength (approximately 2000+ rating) and am very active in coaching the students on my local high school team. Despite living in Chicago, I am able to give remote chess lessons via computer whenever my students are available. Prior to moving to Chicago, I was able to more actively coach the students in person on my high school team. We have had a few very successful seasons as of late posting 5-2 records at the state championship in 2009, 2010, and 2011 as well as going undefeated and winning our conference also in 2011.
I am able to tutor students of nearly every skill level and all ages- from someone who has no knowledge of the game of chess to an experienced tournament player. I will also be able to help students achieve whatever skill level they are working for, whether it's just learning how to beat their dad at chess or prepare for serious USCF or FIDE tournaments.
My teaching philosophy begins with thoroughly learning the rules of the game including all of the intricacies of pawn promotions, castling, and en passant. Then some very basic chess strategy is necessary. Things like controlling the center of the board, developing your pieces to form an effective attack, keeping your king safe, and being aware of your opponent's threats will immensely improve a beginner's chess ability. After this, studying chess tactics becomes crucial for the player looking to improve quickly. Tactics are using a forced sequence of moves to take advantage of a mistake made by the opponent in order to gain an advantage often in the form of material or a checkmate. A mastery of chess tactics supplemented with a firm grasp of the endgame and modern opening theory is the most effective road to chess success. I will be able to help my students achieve this primarily through various online resources and the many books that have been written by International Master Jeremy Silman.
I look forward to working with students of many different skill levels and I check my email very frequently throughout the day.
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