All of
Dan’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Dan’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Algebra 2
As a chemistry major in college, I was required to excel in algebra skills (computers were not invented yet!). Consequently, I became very good at algebra, both Algebra I and II, not to mention some trigonometry.
I enjoy helping students who may be intimidated by a subject, either because they cannot connect with the big ideas, or maybe they have a poor professor. I can help increase your confidence and proficiency so that you will feel comfortable taking the class and in taking exams.
You will find that I am very understanding no matter what skill level you possess now. I can help you ace your class!
Chemistry
I have taught high school and college chemistry for 30 years. I am an experienced AP Chemistry teacher and Reader (grading the AP Chem tests). There is no chemistry text I have not seen. Because I have college chemistry experience, I can help with all the material in Gen Chem I and II of a college chemistry class and provide excellent exam questions to prepare the student for anything the professor could throw at them.
I am equally experienced in organic chemistry as well (my favorite!) and can prepare any student for the college courses or for the MCAT portion involving chemistry or organic chemistry.
You will not find anybody who is as experienced and at the same time very good with struggling (fearful) students.
Macintosh
I have been a Mac user since 1984 when the MacPlus was first offered. I purchased every model that has ever been designed up to today's iMac. It would be accurate to describe me as a Mac addict.
In addition to the iMac, I own everything Apple has ever offered, from iPods to iPhone to iPad. Apple makes, I want it.
Besides using their excellent products, I am very proficient at diagnosing any issues they may have, learned how to install more RAM, transfer information between Macs or between Mac and Windows, or install/update software.
Microsoft Excel
I have been a user of Excel since it first came out in the 1980's. My proficiencies include, bit are not limited to, creating cell formulas, inserting and using functions, designing and inserting graphs, formatting spreadsheets to look like any style you can imagine, and writing macros to perform repetitive tasks.
Designed with the correct formulas and formatting, Excel can be used to perform the functions of other major programs like Quickbooks, FileMaker, or TurboTax. Completed spreadsheets and graphs can be imported into other Office documents such as Word or Powerpoint.
You may choose to take an Office class that uses a textbook to teach you the various skills, or you can hire me for a one-on-one session to show you the many techniques and abilities of Excel. I love to work with it, on both Windows and Mac computers.
Microsoft PowerPoint
As a career teacher at both the high school and college level, I have prepared PowerPoints for my classes for 25 years. I can show you how to prepare template slides, enter text, music, or pictures into any slide, perform any transition of media on a slide or from slide to slide, create animated looking motion, import Excel graphs and spreadsheets or pictures from the web, and edit any presentation you have prepared or obtained from another source. I have even used PowerPoint to be used as a Jeopardy game template.
There are other presentation programs available today, but PowerPoint has been the default since computers began to employ the graphical user interface on Windows and Macs. I can help on either the Windows or Mac version of PowerPoint.
You can probably find classes that teach you how to use PowerPoint by using a guided textbook, but nothing is better than a one-on-one session where I can show you the powerful abilities of this magnificent presentation tool. My experience enables me to help anyone with little or no experience, or someone who wants to improve their skills.
Microsoft Word
The go-to program for word processing today is Microsoft Office Word. Since it came out in the 1980's, I have been a user of this program and can help anyone became a master using this program, even if you have no computer experience.
My expertise includes formatting text, inserting data from other Office products such as Excel or PowerPoint, writing macros to perform repetitive tasks, creating and using tables, saving documents in various formats for email attachments or export to other programs, and creating template designs.
Don't let your intimidation of computers prevent you from learning the powerful features of this popular program. You will not have to learn everything about computers to become proficient at Microsoft Word. A one-on-session with me will be more valuable and a worthwhile expense than taking an expensive class with a guided textbook.
I can help anyone on either a Windows or Mac computer.
Organic Chemistry
I have taught college level organic chemistry for 20 years and tutored many for the MCAT portion involving organic chemistry. This is my favorite subject to tutor and is usually the most fearsome for students. I will help the student overcome any intimidation they may have and cause them to become very confident in this course.
I have seen virtually every organic chemistry text printed. Nothing can be taught in a college course that I have not already seen or experienced. My preparation techniques will enable the student to ace the class, and even feel confident enough to help their classmates.
SAT Math
Algebra has been a favorite subject of mine since I first took it in 9th grade. Word problems (a frequent occurrence in chemistry, physics, and math classes) can always be solved using the correct algebra equation. Every question has a key term or phrase from which to start the solution. My approach when tutoring SAT Math is to show the student how to discover what the key words and phrases are in a word problem or the key formula required to solve the question. Every problem has such clues.
Mastering this technique ensures outstanding success in math. Students who are intimidated by word problems often do not know where to begin because they were not shown how to parse the problem. Recognizing the primary formula required to solve graphical equations, equalities, arithmetic and geometric progression, averages, probabilities, or geometric analysis is fundamental to passing the SAT Math. I will explain and show you, with examples, what these key formulas are.
No matter the experience of the student, anyone can master SAT Math. After I learn what the student already knows, I continue from this point and build confidence. Success is guaranteed.