Versatile tutor for a wide range of subjects and grade levels

I believe students learn best when they understand concepts, not just merely memorizing the material.

As an undergraduate, I majored in Economics and Political Science, concentrating on courses where these fields overlap, such as public finance and taxation and government regulation of business. As an Economics major, I was required to take finite math, statistics, and business calculus as mathematics was required to understand certain concepts in Economics. Understanding these concepts was also required in my MBA studies, which I undertook straight out of college. In high school, my best subjects were Geography, Civics and American History, and I have maintained an interest in those subjects through outside reading.

Since I received a well-rounded liberal arts education, I can also instruct students in basic skills: reading, writing, math, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, science and social studies.

I have been an instructor for college level courses in accounting and finance leading to the CPCU designation in the Property Casualty Insurance Industry. I have been rated an Outstanding Instructor for Courses that I have taught in this program.

James's Subjects

Math:	algebra 1, prealgebra, probability, statistics
Science:	biology
English:	English, grammar, literature, proofreading, reading, vocabulary, writing
Computer:	QuickBooks
History:	American history, European history, geography, government & politics, social studies, world history
Elementary Education:	elementary math, elementary science, grammar, reading, spelling, vocabulary
Business:	accounting, business, economics, law, QuickBooks, tax preparation
Corporate Training:	accounting, business, economics, grammar, law, proofreading, statistics
Homeschool:	accounting, algebra 1, biology, economics, English, prealgebra, reading, statistics, writing

Algebra 1

I have taken Algebra courses in high school, college, and as part of an MBA program. I believe that I am well qualified to teach Algebra. I also scored 100% on the test I had to take to qualify to teach Algebra.

American History

I have always been interested in American History, especially history involving Presidents and Presidential Elections, and how political parties developed and evolved over time. My library includes the Almanac of American History, A Patriot's Guide to American History, and several CDs involving the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. I have visited many historical locations such as Gettysburg, Colonial Williamburg, Mt. Vernon and Washington DC.

Biology

I have taken biology on the college level, as well as in high school. Biology requires a certain amount of memorization as well as understanding of concepts. Mnemonic devices definitely help!

Vocabulary

I have always been interested not only in learing new words, but in knowing how to use them in context in a conversation or in writing.

Grammar

Grammar was one of my best subjects in school. I always did well on tests involving the correct usage of words in sentences, the use of punctuation, etc.

European History

I was always very interested in the development of the major countries in Europe, and how their differences in religion, ethnicity, and style of government resulted in bloody wars. I was good at remembering dates and events in World History, which when I was in high school mainly involved European History.

Prealgebra

I have always had an aptitude for mathematics and I am not satisfied that a student understands mathematical concepts until he or she understands each step required to solve a problem.

Reading

I love to read, especially non-fiction and technical material.

Writing

I feel that I am a good writer because I take the time to review what I have written to make sure that it is not only grammatically correct, but that it makes sense to the reader and doesn't overuse certain words. I have also received compliments on my writing by supervisors in jobs that I have had.

Statistics

I have taken statistics courses at the undergraduate level and graduate level. The Accounting and Finance courses that I have taught for the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation have also included statistics.

Geography

Geography was my best subject in grade school and high school. I have always been interested in maps and the various countries that make up the planet. My interest also involves climate and how the various landforms and ocean currents influence climate around the world. I am the owner of numerous atlases and geographic reference books. I am able to identify the capital cities of most countries and where major cities are located around the world.

English

I am very good at all subjects which encompass the understanding of English: grammar, punctuation, spelling, writing, subject and verb agreement and the correct use of words within context.

I took rhetoric and speech courses in college.

I also scored 100% on the certification test.

Government & Politics

I have been following government and politics since I was 14 (1968). One of my majors in college was Political Science, specializing in American Government and Politics, including political parties, legislatures and legislation, government regulation of business and public finance and taxation. I have voted every two years since 1972, the first time I was eligible. I have also worked on political campaigns.

Accounting

I have taught accounting to insurance professionals as part of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation program and have achieved Outstanding Instructor status. Additionally, I have an MBA in Accounting and Finance, and I am currently in the process of taking more accounting courses in preparation for taking the CPA test.

World History

World History was my best subject in High School because I took good notes and I was able to retain facts on many historical dates, places and names.

Economics

I have always been interested in current events and political issues, which invariably involve economics. I majored in Economics along with Political Science at the University of Illinois. I have also taught the Economics course required for the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation before the curriculum was reorganized and that course was eliminated.

Proofreading

Because I am good in spelling and grammar, it follows that I would be good at proofreading.

Probability

Probability is the basis for insurance, and I have spent more than 25 years in the insurance business.

Spelling

I was second in my class in a spelling bee in 3rd grade. Since I read quite a bit, I retain in my mind how words are spelled. I am also good at remembering differences in spelling based on the contextual meaning of words, for example principle (guideline) or principal (main or head or a school).

Elementary Math

I scored very high on math aptitude tests in grade school. I was drilled constantly on multiplication tables in the 5th grade all the way up to 20. I am familiar with mathematical concepts up to the algebra level.

Elementary Science

My best subject in school was geography, especially the part involving our existence in the physical world in relation to weather, climate, landforms and geology. My best science subject in high school was biology.

Business

I have an MBA in Accounting and Finance. In that program, I have taken Marketing, Financial Management, Consumer Behavior, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, the Legal Environment of Business, International Economics, Business Taxes, Finite Math, Statistics and Business Fluctuations.

QuickBooks

I have taken and passed a Quickbooks course at Elgin Community College in the Fall of 2011. I have also been certified in Accounting since I started tutoring early this year.

I know how to set up a business for Quickbooks as well as how to perform accounting operations within this system.

Social Studies

I have taken Civics, World History, American History, Geography, Sociology and Economics in High School, scoring an A in most of these courses, the balance B. I double majored in Economics and Political Science in college at the University of Illinois.

Tax Preparation

I passed a Basic Income Tax Course at Liberty Tax Service, plus I passed an Income Tax course at Elgin Community College, scoring an A in that course.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Undergrad, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate, MBA, Loyola University of Chicago

Very patient and reliable — James is wonderful. He does his best to figure out how to best assist you. He makes you feel comfortable and is not intimidating. Especially good for a shy student.

— Michelle from Batavia, IL

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $20.00

With Prepaid Discount: $17.00 - $19.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 12 hours notice required

If multiple lessons are scheduled in one week, the rate is $15 per hour.

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

James will travel within 20 miles of Elgin, IL 60123.

Email James

Send James 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%

James L.