All of
Elki’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Elki’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Bible Studies
I have learned, taught and supervised Hebrew Bible studies from the age of 3 through the present. I studied at top-reputation Bible seminaries and have constantly upgraded my knowledge and skills through self-study, going to classes, giving classes and tutoring.
I am highly proficient and experienced in all books of The Old Testament. I teach textually, philosophically and originally.
College Counseling
I was a counselor, assistant principal and principal in a private high school and was in charge of college counseling. As principal, I met with all the students, looked over their admissions packet, made sure they were choosing appropriate schools, read their essays and coached them for interviews. I interacted with college admissions offices across the country and am familiar with the entire college entrance procedure.
Elementary (K-6th)
I am highly proficient in teaching all English subjects to students in K-6th grades.
I have taught students this age - both boys and girls, have prepeared for ELA State Exams, SHSAT exams. I have helped many students in this age group improve their reading, writing and grammar skills.
I have studied online courses in English and verbal subjects for this specific age group. I work with professional handouts and practice exams, books made for this age group and establish good relationships with the students.
English
I am a professional writing teacher, tutor and editor. I took writing courses and advanced workshops in many genres of writing: creative non-fiction, poetry, expository essay, personal memoir and journalism.
In addition to teaching English, I was a copy editor for a weekly newspaper.
In the capacity of tutor, I help teenagers hone their writing skills for the SAT and English Regents and work with college and post-graduate students on course essays.
Writing is my passion.
ESL/ESOL
I have taught English in all its aspects for years and have worked with many foreign-born students, whose first languages were other than English.
I have just tutored several students for the SAT in English (through WyzAnt) who were born and educated in other countries and languages.
In addition to basic English grammar, reading, writing and conversation, I have specific tips to teach ESL/ESOL students of all ages. I am also a public speaker and can help anyone, including new immigrants, conquer fear of audiences and learn how to express themselves thoughtfully and correctly at an interview.
I have studied ESL skills online and familiarized myself through practice tests and specialized web sites to gain further expertise. At this point, I have tutored many ESL students and they all say they have gained tremendously from the lessons. I also studied accent reduction, which many non-native ESL students need badly. I have bought official ESL books to work with in addition to studying online.
Hebrew
I speak, write and read Hebrew fluently and have taught the subject for many years. Since I am American, I am on the same wavelength of American students and understand the language learning methods that most succeed with non-Israelis.
I have innovative approaches in teaching Hebrew, and my students are able to speak conversational Hebrew in no time, adding vocabulary along the way.
My goal is for my student to become familiar with the sounds of the language and put them to use. The biggest trick to learning a new language is overcoming embarrassment at sounding foolish. It is much like acting. You have to conquer stage fright and the rest follows.
Public Speaking
I am a professional public speaker to eclectic audiences on a broad span of topics. I find that in order to speak in public, confidence is the key. I can help you conquer the fear of speaking publicly, learn how how to write a good speech, keywords, and proper stance when standing in front of a group.
Not everyone is a born professional public speaker, but anyone can gain the skills and confidence, crucial to successful public speaking.
Regents
As a teacher and principal I have many years of experience administrating the exams and dealing with the Board of Regents. I am familiar with the updated format. I can tutor a student for the Regents in English. Writing is a major section now and that is my specialty, as are vocabulary, reading comprehension, etc.
Religion
I studied and taught Judaism in all its facets for all of my life. I attended the Jewish Teachers Training College in England and teach the Jewish Bible on the college level. I teach and give public lectures on Bible, Jewish Philosophy, Law, Ancient Hebrew, Talmud and contemporary Judaism. I read and speak Hebrew fluently, both biblical and modern conversation. I have certificates affirming my ability to teach Religion both on the student and educator level.
SAT Reading
I am a professional English teacher and certified SAT prep coach for the entire English section. I have edited and prepared lesson plans for high school literature anthologies and and worked with teenagers for most of my professional life. I focus on critical reading passages - both long and short, error correction in grammar and multiple choice. I use the official SAT prep material in addition to my own innovative approaches. Techniques in answering the reading passage on the SAT are a tremendous part of acing the exam and I teach those techniques successfully. I also assign books to my students as that is the best way to excel in vocabulary, grammar and reading. Please read my writing profile for that part of the SAT.
SAT Writing
I am a professional writer, writing teacher and test coach prep. I have tutored many students in the SAT reading and writing sections and am extremely familiar with the exam, its format and necessary skills to achieve a high grade.
I use professional SAT materials, including Critical Reading of Long and Short Passages, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, Essay, etc.
I also teach useful techniques to use in the exam that help when you're not sure of the answer.
I have worked with adolescents most of my life and establish good relationships with them.
Spelling
I have excelled in spelling since I was a child, As an avid reader, English specialist and professional writer and teacher, I can help any student improve his or her spelling skills. In today's world, "Spell Check" has replaced good spelling abilities. However, those abilities are still looked for in all academic and professional arenas. I make the lessons fun and productive and establish good relationships with students.
Study Skills
As an educator for over 30 years, I have always taught my students study skills, which often have more do with success than knowing the material. I have trained teachers locally and nationally in how to instill study skills in students.
In my tutoring, a big component of our lessons is learning study skills. This includes organization, how to break down material into small chunks, setting up the right environment and tips on how master state tests.
Vocabulary
I have tutored many students for TOEFL, the SAT and other exams, which have stringent vocabulary sections. I also help ESL students improve their vocabulary on varying levels. I also help college and post-grad students improve their vocabulary on their essays. My methods have proven to be effective and stimulating.
Writing
I myself am a published writer and experienced writing teacher.
I also edit free-lance for newspapers and magazines. I have tutored many students for the reading/writing section of the SAT and have helped college students write their research papers. I instill self-confidence in my students and show them that they can write well. I am very patient and remove the nervousness and fear of writing in my students.
I have a pleasant personality and create an atmosphere conducive to achievement and learning.