David H. - Tutor in Sunnyvale, CA (94087)

Good teachers are highly valued, and hard to find. My past experiences as an instructor in various capacities have taught me that all students have distinct learning styles. In order to be effective, I will be creative and able to explain concepts by using a variety of pedagogical methods. I recognize that listening and empowering students are valuable, as not just helping students learn, but learning how to learn is critical. This may mean teaching them to take in less information at a time, or sometimes reformatting content so that it can be more meaningful to the student processing it. Whatever the strategy required, my goal has always been to get students to understand—and from that, my students have always demonstrated marketable improvement in overall grades and test scores.

elementary (k-6th)

For over 5 years, I worked at the Education Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University that served students at all age levels and across all courses. I specifically worked in the K-7 department. There, I provided advanced mathematics curriculum and instruction for over 150 highly gifted students in classroom and online settings each quarter. I utilized diverse pedagogical approaches—including the use of visual, auditory, verbal, and tactile senses to create an interactive and positive environment for students to comprehend complex material. I also assessed student performance through studying of students’ progress, tests, regular assignments, and general observations. Being capable of working with kids at that age level is the most important thing, which I have proven successful at. The material itself is not complicated, but the relationship and the way in which you work and teach is the most important part of working with students at that age.

volleyball

In 2009, I am on the coaching staff for a 16 & Under club team that is ranked as one of the top 10 in the nation, and will be competing at the Open Level at the Junior Olympics over the summer. I have coached 4 other club teams over the last few years to the Junior Olympics, including 15 & Under, 14 & Under, and 12 & Under teams. In 2006, I also coached a college club team to a 5th place national finish. I have also years of experience coaching high school, as I have served as head varsity volleyball coach of 2 high schools. When conducting private lessons for volleyball, there are typically 5 different thoughts I would employ, all of which I am comfortable with: 1. What would the player/parent like for me to focus on first and foremost 2. What the player’s current/future coach is looking for (in terms of technique and ability), and if the player would like to improve based on that 3. I can develop the overall player, making sure the player understands what it takes to excel at all skills 4. I can adequately assess what I think might best for the player in the long run in terms of focusing on a particular set of skills and exercise 5. I can develop a training program for that player based on the needs and wants during the course of lessons and discussions about the player I can also provide gym space, equipment, and flexibility in scheduling. Finally, I would be happy to provide multiple letters of recommendation from former volleyball players and parents.