I am a National Merit Scholar, graduating magna cum laude from Rutgers with a masters in Global Affairs and BAs in PoliSci and International Studies. I have taught English in the former Soviet union and can explain English grammar, usage, and ergonomic use of words, from ESL grade school learners to high school SAT essays or research papers.
I am well versed in European, Greek, U.S., Soviet and Chinese history and civ. I can fill in context and perspective to macro and micro economics studies, psychology, philosophy, sociology, research methods, public policy, and international relations, and have been a Teachers Assistant in Economics at the University of Delaware and in Public Policy at The Rockefeller School of Government at Albany.
I most enjoy children helping children and young adults who are trying to broaden their perspective and to increase their academic potential. I stress the importance of challenging held assumptions, of looking at problems in new and interesting ways based on previous historical events. Reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing skills, and developing and defending ones own unique point of view are the academic traits I consider most important.
Classroom teachers often tell students that a paper might be ineffective writing but rarely explain to students how to improve. Classroom teachers simply lack the time to coach each student. I help learners to identify and process the important information in a written argument and to show them how to frame their own thought and reflections on a subject in a context, whether it be through their own personal experience or information and learned in other disciplines.
I press students to express exactly what they wish to say. Then we work to construct an outline with supporting evidence and arguments, combined together in flowing and readable prose that adheres to the accepted standards of academic grammar and style.
In addition to social science I studied Jazz at San Francisco State and Classical Composition at Syracuse U. I teach piano, theory, counterpoint, blues, jazz, and most popular form of piano and keyboard playing.
I am a National Merit Scholar (top 1/2% of NJ SAT takers) and have my own 10-hour one-on-one SAT prep course. As a child I lived in Vienna, Cambridge, Copenhagen and all over Europe, giving me a unique appreciation of other cultures. I tutored in inner city programs as well as in well-to-do towns.
I help round out students learning by adding all i know about foreign affairs, political theory, comparative politics, public policy, international relations, political economy, criminology, and international law, and environmental politics and treaties.
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