Retired professor knows what you need to succeed

Paul taught English at Bellarmine Prep and at the Universities of Wisconsin, Montana, and Pittsburgh for a total of twenty-two years.

He tutored his son and daughter from first grade through high school. Both earned scholarships to Geneseo State College in upstate New York, and both are now successful professionals with graduate degrees.

They have three boys and two girls between them, but they live too far away - in Canada and Maryland - for Paul to tutor them as well.

You are looking for someone who understands your learning difficulties, someone who is patient, someone who will work at your side, not in front of you.

Paul can promise you that if you'll do what he asks, you will progress to the next level, and you'll enjoy the experience as much as he does.

Paul's Subjects

English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, grammar, literature, proofreading, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, GED, SAT reading, SAT writing
Elementary Education:	elementary (k-6th), grammar, reading, spelling, vocabulary
Corporate Training:	grammar, proofreading
Homeschool:	elementary (k-6th), English, reading, SAT reading, writing

Vocabulary

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." –Mark Twain

The larger your vocabulary, the better you can communicate. Johnson O'Conner, a researcher in the field of communication, has determined that no matter what the area or level, a person’s vocabulary level is the best single predictor of occupational success.

I'll show you ten ways to improve your vocabulary.

Grammar

"Grammar is important because it is the language that makes it possible for us to talk about language. Grammar names the types of words and word groups that make up sentences not only in English but in any language. As human beings, we can put sentences together even as children--we can all do grammar. But to be able to talk about how sentences are built, about the types of words and word groups that make up sentences--that is knowing about grammar. And knowing about grammar offers a window into... Read More

Reading

It's simple: the better you can read, the more successful you will be. I'll take you to the next level.

Writing

You write with ease, to show your breeding,
But easy writing's curst hard reading. -- Sheridan

I have taught high school students, freshmen, undergraduates, graduates, and teachers how to write better. I can help you, too.

English

I taught high school and college English courses in American and British literature for twenty-two years. As Chair of the Curriculum Committee, I help design the curriculum for English majors at The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.

Literature

Unfortunately, sometimes school can ruin the love of literature. My aim is to help you appreciate as well as love it. Thomas E. Barden writes, "Only literary study persists in posing those questions we all asked before our schooling taught us to give up on them. Only literature gives credibility to personal perceptions, feelings, dreams, and the "stream of consciousness" that is our inner voice. Literature wonders about infinity, wonders why God permits evil, wonders what will happen to us after... Read More

Proofreading

Proofreading prevents "Let's eat, Grandma!" from becoming "Let's eat Grandma!" This is a trivial example, of course, but it makes a point. You need to be sure that what you intend to write is understood by a literate reader.

There are lots of techniques I can show you. This is actually an enjoyable subject!

SAT Reading

According to the College Board, "the SAT is the benchmark standardized assessment of the critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills students have developed over time and that they need to be successful in college. Each year, more than two million students take the SAT. Nearly every college in America uses the test as a common and objective scale for evaluating a student's college readiness."

I can help you understand the SAT—what it measures, how it is developed, and... Read More

SAT Writing

I can help you understand the SAT—what it measures, how it is developed, and why you should take it. I will show you the best ways to prepare for the SAT.

Spelling

With most other languages you can at least predict the pronunciation from the spelling, even if the sound can be represented in more than one way (e.g., French). Unfortunately, good old English suffers from a “double whammy” when it comes to spelling – not merely can’t you predict spelling from pronunciation but you can’t always predict pronunciation from spelling. This is because English has many different ways of representing the same sound AND has some letter combinations as well that can represent... Read More

ACT Reading

The key to making a better score is to improve your reading skills. I can help you to read at a faster pace. The difference could mean your making a perfect or near perfect score.

ACT English

The hardest part about the ACT is not the questions, it is the time limit. You simply don't have enough time to answer all the questions like you need to.

The key to making a better score is to improve your reading skills. I can help you to read at a faster pace. The difference could mean your making a perfect or near perfect score.

Elementary (K-6th)

I am certified in the State of Washington as Resident Teacher, with a K-8 Elementary Education Endorsement.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Seattle University (Education) Seattle University (Master's) University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI (PhD)

Paul is very motivational - money well spent! — I am an online university student and was missing the live-teacher conversation experience because I had so many questions and emailing my instructors was time consuming – you must give them 48 hours to respond. I was losing my writing momentum and missing points on my APA formatting. I chose Paul because of his credentials. Our first tutoring secession was very productive and engaging. He answered ...

— Archelle from Tacoma, WA

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $70.00

With Prepaid Discount: $59.50 - $66.50

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 24 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 25 miles of Tacoma, WA 98402.

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