All of
Willie’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Willie’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Algebra 1
I have three years of teaching Algebra 1 to students as young as 13 all the way to individuals in their 40's. Instruction includes breaking down problems in small, digestible steps that work toward a solution.
Elementary (K-6th)
The elementary years are key for building successful basic skills that will be key to the rest of the learning process in Middle School and beyond.
Repetition and organization are the two pillars to elementary tutoring. When I work with students I will insist on students being organized, as in putting papers in binders and writing homework assignments down. There is no leeway in this regard.
Finally, I will have students do lots of repetition, especially in Math. Memorization does have its place in regards to multiplication tables. With regards to reading, it is important that students connect with the text. I emphasize on students writing down any connections they make with the text, by using Double-Entry Diaries, regardless of the subject they are studying.
I have over 300 hours of experience tutoring elementary-age students, including a great deal of time tutoring Spanish-speaking elementary-age students. Furthermore, I have classroom teaching experience with elementary-age students including a year of instruction with high-needs students. Finally, I have worked with first graders for an entire summer, teaching these young students environmental education in Grand Teton National Park.
Proofreading
I have years of proofreading experience, both as a student and teacher. I always make a point of going after wordy sentence structures and usage of the passive voice. It is important to be brief when making your point. However, when I work with students I also look for thesis statements, topic sentences, and paragraph transitions.
Public Speaking
I have a history of public speaking as a professional. For three years I managed a Peace Corps recruiting office. This position afforded me many public-speaking opportunities on why one should join the Peace Corps. Public speaking is the art of engagement and I would like to teach students how to grab the attention of their audience and support themselves through evidence.
Furthermore, I am skilled at developing metaphors and believe that students would benefit from my instruction on creating metaphors in the context of public speaking.
SAT Math
I teach a number of strategies that will raise the SAT scores of your child. Strategies include:
1) NOT using Algebra, but rather use the more efficient system of plugging in.
2) Focusing on the easier problems, where more points may be attained!
3) Showing how POE (Process of Elimination) may be used to solve difficult Math problems.
4) Explaining the basic Mathematical principles present on the GRE.
SAT Reading
I teach a number of strategies for the SAT Reading section that will raise your child's SAT score. Those strategies include:
1) Working with process of elimination.
2) Identification of trigger words.
3) Identifying answers through textual clues
4) Building vocabulary for greater content knowledge
5) Identifying dead giveaways that are definite wrong answers
Social Studies
Social Studies often involves students working with History and current events. It also involves students engaging in reading and writing.
When I tutor this subject I have students make inferences that will give them a better connection with the reading. I will also have students make personal connections to their reading, thus increasing the understanding of the text and homework assignments.
Finally, it is important when tutoring this subject that students relate what is going on in the past to their own communities. Through a realistic application, students will understand what they are doing.
My credentials for this subjects include a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies. Furthermore, I was a US Peace Corps Volunteer for two years and so bring a unique perspective to the study of other cultures.
Spanish
I use the text 501 Spanish Verbs when working with students on their Spanish lessons.
Besides my fluency in Spanish, I am skilled at addressing the various verb structures in Spanish, along with their endings.
Like many languages, Spanish has many exceptions to rules, and those exceptions are addressed as well with students.
My students have included high-school and college-age students, political leaders, and working professionals in the business and information technology world.
Study Skills
Students lacking in study skills need organization. I have helped students with their study skills for the past three years.
I help students organize their time, so they can finish their assignments upon the due date.
Students have to be a part of their study skills plan and on that note I believe it is important to center their study skills plan around their interest.
I am especially skilled in giving students great skills in math and reading. I use the Tovani method when teaching reading, which involves making inferences about the reading material.
I also deconstruct math problems and show how students can achieve answers in a multi-step process.
Track & Field
I am interested in helping students in distance running. I run with one of the elite amateur clubs in the United States called Club Northwest. I have posted some fast times as an amateur runner, most recently a 1:16:20 at the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I also have three seasons of volunteer coaching, including coaching at Gallup High School in Gallup, New Mexico, where the boys team was ranked #8 in the country in the fall of 2000.