Accomplished Ph.D. Candidate with Teaching Experience

Note: Please read the tutor policies listed below to help the decision-making and planning processes. As a Ph.D. candidate, my time during the academic semester is precious, but as an aspiring educator, I am very willing to work with students who need a helping hand.

Currently (as of April 24, 2013), Paul is not accepting new students in preparation for the ending of the Spring 2013 semester at SUNY Albany.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Academic Brief: In 2007, I graduated from SUNY Albany with a B.Sc. in Forensic Chemistry (3.910 GPA) and a minor in Mathematics and Statistics (4.000 GPA). Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at the same university, studying Organic Synthesis. Prior to becoming a research assistant, I worked for three years as a teaching assistant, supervising and instructing various laboratory classes. I've taught class sizes ranging from 4 to 24 students, and I have taught courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Instrumental Analysis. Although I taught college-level courses, I take a step-by-step approach that can easily be applied to learning at any level, and am more than willing to work with any age group. Tutoring/teaching is an active-learning process, so there is always something new to learn for students and teachers/tutors alike.

My efforts and work ethic earned me a nomination for the departmental teaching award (Chemistry at SUNY Albany) in the 2009-2010 academic year. I am a capable, motivated person who is willing to work closely with students to make sure they have a good understanding of the concepts and skills that they seek help with. I am also an active member of the New York Academy of Science (1 year), the American Chemical Society (3 years), and the Phi Beta Kappa Society (4 years).

Outside of academics, and depending on the time of year, I enjoy bowling at a semi-competitive level (carry a 200+ average) just about year-round as well as coaching within the sport, and enjoy billiards, golf, and tennis at the recreational level.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TUTOR POLICIES
Effective: January 2, 2013 to May 31, 2013
Please read below for scheduling suggestions, travel considerations, late policies, and cancellation fees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. SCHEDULING
1. Students are advised to schedule a session at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Research times are usually 8 AM to 8 PM Monday to Thursday, and 8 AM to 5 PM Friday, so the tutor will usually be unavailable during those times. However, students are welcomed to ask about the "tail end hours" of 6 PM to 8 PM Monday to Thursday for scheduling reasons, as there may be availability then.

3. Therefore, the best times to schedule sessions are evenings during the week, and on the weekends.

4. Scheduling will be done in blocks. That is, the student and tutor will work out the desired start time, and the estimated finish time. For planning concerns, the estimated finish time should be a little later than anticipated, in case extra time is needed.

II. DELAYED SESSIONS
1. If a student is late, the session will begin from the agreed upon start time, not from the time the student arrives. The student can then proceed with the session until the agreed upon finish time. If there are no other appointments scheduled, the student may request additional time with the tutor until all topics have been covered.

2. If the tutor is late, the session will begin from the time the student and tutor are able to start. A discount equal to the time the tutor was late will be given to the student. The student can then proceed with the session until the agreed upon finish time. If there are no other appointments scheduled, the student may request additional time with the tutor until all topics have been covered.

III. CANCELLATIONS AND MISSED SESSIONS
1. Students are encouraged to cancel appointments with the tutor as soon as they find out of their inability to attend the scheduled appointment. Fees for cancelled sessions are (15-minute minimum in each case):
a. 0 percent of the total scheduled time for appointments cancelled the day before the appointment, or earlier;
b. 10 percent of the total scheduled time for appointments cancelled the day of the appointment, but more than 3 hours in advance, and;
c. 25 percent of the total scheduled time for appointments cancelled less than 3 hours in advance.

2. A missed session is one where the tutor arrives at the designated meeting place at the scheduled time, and the student does not attend the session without previously canceling the appointment.
a. The tutor will wait for the student up to 30 minutes; after this time, the session is considered missed if the student does not attend or contact the tutor.
b. Students who contact the tutor within the first 30 minutes of waiting to notify the tutor of lateness may still proceed with the session if desired. The student will be charged twice the above-mentioned rules for lateness. See section III.1.
c. Students who contact the tutor within the first 30 minutes of waiting to cancel the appointment will be charged 50 percent of the total scheduled time.
d. Students who miss appointments will be charged for 75 percent of the total scheduled time.

3. Students who have built an honest and positive rapport with the tutor will experience a decrease in or waiver of late or missed session fees at the discretion of the tutor.

Paul's Subjects

Math:	ACT Math, algebra 1, algebra 2, calculus, discrete math, geometry, linear algebra, prealgebra, precalculus, probability, SAT math, statistics, trigonometry
Science:	ACT Science, chemistry, organic chemistry, physical science, physics
English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Math, ACT Reading, ACT Science, Regents, SAT math, SAT reading, SAT writing
Computer:	Macintosh, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
Language:	French, Latin
Elementary Education:	reading, study skills, vocabulary
Business:	Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, public speaking
Corporate Training:	French, Latin, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, public speaking, statistics
Homeschool:	algebra 1, algebra 2, calculus, chemistry, English, French, geometry, physics, prealgebra, precalculus, reading, SAT math, SAT reading, statistics, study skills, writing

Study Skills

In the realm of teaching and tutoring, assisting students with study skills is more of a diagnostic process. In order to make improvements, students have to describe how they prepare for exams, take notes, attempt solving problems, et cetera. The teacher or tutor, however, has to be able to figure out changes based on the student's approach to academics--there's usually more than one right way to study any given subject. Although it may be more trial-and-error than a straightforward "here's what... Read More

Discrete Math

Discrete mathematics is an interesting, useful, and unique area of mathematics. Topics discussed in discrete math cover probability, set theory, logic, graph theory, combinatorics, and more. Applications of discrete math are numerous: for example, graph theory can be used to arrive at possible DNA sequences based on the fragments obtained; combinatorics can be used to find the number of isomers of organic compounds. Further examples undoubtedly exist--those that I have mentioned are from my own... Read More

Public Speaking

As an apprentice educator and scientist, public speaking is one thing I'm accustomed to from years of weekly presentations and seminars (and I'm an otherwise fairly quiet person myself). Whether shy, nervous, or lacking confidence, public speaking is an important aspect to master in today's world, and should not be left unattended. If I can get used to it, so can you; the key is mostly practice, with a watchful eye or two on the lookout for your best interest.

Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is a very interesting discipline in mathematics. It's not uncommon to use matrices to find quick solutions to large systems of equations. In fact, matrices can be very helpful in various modeling problems, such as the amount of deflection experienced by a board of wood. Linear algebra is essentially the algebra of matrices and systems of equations, and with it comes a unique set of mathematics. For large systems of equations, or systems with quite a few variables, linear algebra... Read More

Macintosh

I have been using Macintosh computers for about 4 years now. While my knowledge of them is not the "be-all, end-all" of Macintosh computing, they are fairly easy to become acclimated to. In fact, many operations that people are used to using in Windows can be done in Macintosh as well--the only difference is that some keys are named differently. Macintosh also does support Windows in various ways: Microsoft Office programs are commonly tweaked to run nicely on a Macintosh, and for Windows-only... Read More

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is commonly summed up as the chemistry of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen. While it can be true, it's quite an oversimplification. Organic chemistry, in a roundabout way, is what keeps us alive as living beings, gives us some of the most commonly-used materials, and increasingly important in this age, provides new ideas for technology and energy. From pharmaceuticals to materials, organic chemistry is one of the central disciplines in the general field of chemistry;... Read More

Regents

As a New York State high school student, I have taken and excelled in various Regents exams while simultaneously involved in an Advanced Placement program. While the structure of courses and exams have changed over the years, the material covered remains the same. Exams that I have taken within my listed specialties include: Math I (now Integrated Algebra I), Math II (now Geometry), Math III (now Algebra II and Trigonometry), Chemistry, Physics (2002, the year I took it, was the year of the Physics... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

State University of New York at Albany (Forensic Chemistry) State University of New York at Albany (Enrolled)

Great Tutor! — Paul was extremely easy to work with. He was flexible with our schedules, easy to contact, and responded quickly to all questions. Paul tutored a small group of students for SAT Math Prep. He was well prepared and very knowledgeable. Paul was very good with the students and would highly recommend him as a tutor!

— Elena from Albany, NY

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $40.00

With Prepaid Discount: $34.00 - $38.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 3 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

Paul will travel within 10 miles of Albany, NY 12203.

Email Paul

Send Paul 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%

Paul S.