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Well-versed tutor: K-12 English, History, Math, Science, College Apps
Peter F.

4.8 (375 ratings)

2,151 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $45
Contact Peter
Peter F.'s Photo
Peter F.'s Photo Peter F.'s Photo Peter F.'s Photo Peter F.'s Photo Peter F.'s Photo Peter F.'s Photo

Well-versed tutor: K-12 English, History, Math, Science, College Apps
Well-versed tutor: K-12 English, History, Math, Science, College Apps
Peter F.

4.8 (375 ratings)

2,151 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (375 ratings)

2,151 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Meet Peter F.
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About Peter

Bio

I rank in the top 10% of WyzAnt tutors.
I own a B.A. in Liberal Studies-Teacher Education and 18 years' experience teaching Kindergarteners-collegiates as a: tutor (11 years), substitute teacher (9 years), lead teacher (11 years), teaching assistant (4 years), and full-time volunteer (1 year)--in public, independent private (co-ed, and single-sex for both genders), parochial, cooperative, immersion, and charter schools.
I am an author of three published nonfiction books. My second book...

I rank in the top 10% of WyzAnt tutors.
I own a B.A. in Liberal Studies-Teacher Education and 18 years' experience teaching Kindergarteners-collegiates as a: tutor (11 years), substitute teacher (9 years), lead teacher (11 years), teaching assistant (4 years), and full-time volunteer (1 year)--in public, independent private (co-ed, and single-sex for both genders), parochial, cooperative, immersion, and charter schools.
I am an author of three published nonfiction books. My second book examines children with special needs, compares the roots of various learning differences revealed in unique life scenarios analyzed over time, and emphasizes the importance of music in education. My third book provides insight on different types of schools in America, and is a memoir of my own years of school as a student and work as a teacher.
My YouTube channel contains original videos featuring math curricula for elementary and middle school (arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry) and written descriptions of the given math content.
In 2014, I was the featured WyzAnt tutor in a news story promoting WyzAnt on San Francisco's KRON 4 NEWS.
As an educator, I enjoy showing students the beauty of the academic concepts they learn. I deliver my instruction through a call-and-response methodology. I ask students questions pertaining to the academic content at hand by relating what they are learning to elements of everyday life and have them draw their own comparisons and realizations. I promote academic creativity by encouraging students to connect what they are learning to their own interests to make new discoveries as they take in knowledge through hands-on experience. Overall, I emphasize the importance of correlating elements of different academic core subjects to help widen the spectrum of knowledge and enhance student understanding of what they learn.
*Please note my rates for online vs. in-person tutoring, and payment policies up front. My available times are in the Pacific Standard Timezone. Thanks!*

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Education

Dominican University of California
Liberal Studies-Teacher Education

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: You must provide at least 5 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson, or you will be billed for the missed lesson. No-show = billed for lesson. *Trial lessons are provided, but not for free.*
  • Lesson cancellation: 5 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 8/7/2022

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

Corporate Training

Grammar,

Grammar

From analyzing and developing good sentence structure, to speaking with and using correct language in writing, maintaining a strong sense of and skill with grammar is essential to smooth communication around the world. Henceforth, we will be focusing on singular and plural tenses of words (the letter "s" is a powerful, profound member of the 26-letter English alphabet in these scenarios), along with possessives and contractions (apostrophes say and show it all herein). Correcting improper grammar both orally and literarily shows enormous growth in an important linguistic department. Therefore, we will also be examining sentences and wording that need a little fine tuning. That includes developing one's own written craft, and correcting one's own language skills every step of the way. Using everyday literary resources (electronic and textual) can help cure the wrongs with the rights all the time--as long as you know WHY such a written mechanical repair needs to take place.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Proofreading is the essential final finishing touch on a written work of high-quality caliber. After cranking out a rough draft, it is time to examine the literary elements of its product. From a quick SpellCheck (sans AutoCorrect and the Grammarly App) to an actual line-by-line hands-on examination of careful thought and understanding, ensuring proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation helps to improve one's writing ability tremendously. I continually emphasize the importance of checking to make sure there is one space after a comma, colon, or semicolon, with two spaces after a period. Explaining the symbolic meaning of quotation marks, parentheses, and brackets can make, instead of break, a great paper. For, it is the little things that count in the bigger picture of things. Always remember to indent the first line of a paragraph, and capitalize the first letter of the first word at the beginning of a new sentence (as well as the first letter of all proper nouns). Remember: always be sure to proofread your work extensively before you: save, print, or e-mail a Microsoft Word document. Preview your PowerPoint presentation one time all the way through to make sure it is 100% intact on a literary level. As the title states, proofreading is PROOF that you READ your work before submitting it in any capacity.

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

Owning a B.A. in Liberal Studies--Teacher Education from Dominican University of California, I have worked with elementary-age children for 18 years and counting. During this time, I have served the following instructional roles: full-time classroom volunteer in a public elementary school (2005-2006); substitute teacher (Grades K-8) in private and independent K-8 schools (2005-2008; 2012-present); teaching assistant for Grades 1-3 and 6-8, as well as that of a Science Lab Assistant in Grades 6-8, Geography Lead Teacher in Grades K-5, Technology Lead Teacher in Grades K-8, and afterschool tutor for Grades K-8--all within four years (2008-2012) at one private school in San Francisco (the same location as other schools where I have worked). In each of these teaching roles, along with my regular role as a self-employed tutor from 2012-present, I have taught and tutored elementary and middle school-age students in Math, English/Language Arts, Reading, Writing, and History/Geography, specializing in different levels of each subject according to the students' given grade levels of instruction. I have taught and tutored students with a variety of learning styles and needs (including special-needs students of all different ages), emphasizing project-based learning and differentiated instruction all the while. I also have recurring experience teaching P.E. and Spanish to students in Grades K-8.
Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

I can tutor all of the following areas of elementary math (including Common Core Math at the elementary school level): Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division); long division (this includes remainders); solving word problems; borrowing and regrouping (for double-digit addition, subtraction, and multiplication); fractions (in terms of: adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, improper fractions and mixed numbers, reducing fractions into lowest terms/simplest form and finding equivalent fractions); decimals (adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, as well as converting into fractions and vice-versa); money math; telling and writing time (on any type of clock). I am able to help students complete homework assignments, study for tests, or simply practice exercises involving any of the above mathematical concepts and operations to help strengthen their corresponding skills and abilities.
Elementary Science,

Elementary Science

Science in the elementary grades mainly focuses on Earth Science and Life Science. This includes (but is not limited to): the animal kingdoms (mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, etc.), and examples of animals from each. Habitats and environments (such as marine life and wetlands) also appear. The same can be said for the different types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic). Don't forget the water cycle (precipitation, accumulation, evaporation, condensation) and the different types of weather it brings (rain, snow, sleet, hail). Speaking of weather, we have: wind, heat, sunlight, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, the greenhouse effect. Science is definitely a fascinating subject. Check it out today!
Grammar,

Grammar

From analyzing and developing good sentence structure, to speaking with and using correct language in writing, maintaining a strong sense of and skill with grammar is essential to smooth communication around the world. Henceforth, we will be focusing on singular and plural tenses of words (the letter "s" is a powerful, profound member of the 26-letter English alphabet in these scenarios), along with possessives and contractions (apostrophes say and show it all herein). Correcting improper grammar both orally and literarily shows enormous growth in an important linguistic department. Therefore, we will also be examining sentences and wording that need a little fine tuning. That includes developing one's own written craft, and correcting one's own language skills every step of the way. Using everyday literary resources (electronic and textual) can help cure the wrongs with the rights all the time--as long as you know WHY such a written mechanical repair needs to take place.
Homeschool,

Homeschool

I have homeschooled elementary, middle, and schoolchildren in Math and Reading, helping them to grasp deeper understandings of the significance of the content they are learning and the work they are carrying out. I lead one-to-one discussions with each of my students based on the literary elements of the learned material at hand to help them improve their overall comprehension of the content covered. I give my students routine assignments in the areas of sets of math exercises to complete, essays to write, and books of their choice to read for followup discussion. I always follow up on my students' progress so as to ensure their growth every step of the way in furthering their education.
Reading,

Reading

Reading is a beautiful revelation of knowledge, experience, and education. So don't let the arduousness behind book reports and answering reading comprehension questions take away your natural love and strength in gaining food for thought! The longer the book, the more in-depth the story and characters in it. Often, you may find that reading one paragraph at a time and thinking about the people, places, and events that developed in that cluster of descriptive language--this includes describing those features orally, and/or taking notes thereof on paper--will help you better understand the plot and meaning behind certain introduced concepts. Piecing together the puzzle ahead of time can help you brainstorm ideas for written interpretations later on. When it comes to reading aloud, words may appear unusual at first, if you have never seen or heard them before. But by expanding your vocabulary through routine practice--perhaps with someone at your side carrying out the very same activity--you will likely find it easier to grasp the way words sound and look, as well as their definitions and contextual connections between sentences and paragraphs. So pick up a book today, and dig right into the content!
Spelling

Spelling

There are many tricks of the trade to help you achieve the task of writing words out in full, one letter at a time, to complete and utter perfection. English is a tricky language, with letters sounding and looking different than they should on paper in terms of their placement in various words. By practicing with parts of speech that have similar sounds and spellings, but completely opposite definitions (i.e. "there, their, they're"), the tool of transforming spelling words into vocabulary words by using them in self-penned sentences helps to further one's own ability with language. Vowels and consonants sometimes overlap and conflict. But by remembering such sayings as "'i' before 'e' except after 'c'", and utilizing the beauty of words that rhyme in songs and poetry, language simply comes alive every minute of the day. After reading, writing, speaking, and listening to words that look and sound familiar, your spelling skills and strategies will never be the same again; they will be BETTER!

English

English,

English

From upholding the utmost importance of: identifying parts of speech to writing paragraphs, correcting sentences' writing mechanics to citing bibliographic resources, English covers quite a bit of ground in the world of literacy. As an educator, English is my strongest, and therefore favorite, academic subject to tutor. I can help students who are struggling with sentence structure by having them fulfill practice writing exercises involving parts of speech in sentences from textbooks, as well as open-ended writing prompts designed by the tutor. Additionally, reading excerpts from fictional novels or nonfictional encyclopedic resources aloud, listening to poetry or song lyrics and following along on paper, helps students gain a better sense of language flow. In terms of self-penned writing: I enjoy showing students the importance of proofreading rough drafts of essays, in addition to polishing short-response paragraphs and completing reading comprehension questions. Creating rough drafts and then turning them into pristine final drafts shows ultimate personal growth and expertise in literary composition. Most importantly, I encourage students to write on their own (often taking the form of writing assignments for homework)--about absolutely anything at all that comes to mind. That is the best way to be your own editor. And in turn, it helps build creativity and express emotion in a clever, crafty fashion. Happy writing!
Grammar,

Grammar

From analyzing and developing good sentence structure, to speaking with and using correct language in writing, maintaining a strong sense of and skill with grammar is essential to smooth communication around the world. Henceforth, we will be focusing on singular and plural tenses of words (the letter "s" is a powerful, profound member of the 26-letter English alphabet in these scenarios), along with possessives and contractions (apostrophes say and show it all herein). Correcting improper grammar both orally and literarily shows enormous growth in an important linguistic department. Therefore, we will also be examining sentences and wording that need a little fine tuning. That includes developing one's own written craft, and correcting one's own language skills every step of the way. Using everyday literary resources (electronic and textual) can help cure the wrongs with the rights all the time--as long as you know WHY such a written mechanical repair needs to take place.
Literature,

Literature

Literature allows readers to examine the English language in greater depth than non-fiction editorials, magazines, or news articles. By telling fictional stories through symbolism via the main characters, readers can begin to relate their own lives and characteristics to those belonging to the characters in the story. The exquisite language used by authors of various literature (novels, plays, even short stories found in textbooks of academic literature) helps depict visual images in a manner strong enough to envision the series of events occurring within a given chapter or section of any literary work, let alone the story in its entirety. Apart from provoking the reader's literary awareness, reading and discussing a written work in great detail will expand the reader's vocabulary not only in regards to English terms exemplified through the story's written content, but also in reflection of the language used by the author him-/herself when articulating character dialogue or describing a passage in the first- ("I/we"), second-("you"), or third-person tense ("he/she/it/they"). Whether classic or contemporary, literature helps encourage readers of all ages and academic levels to dive deeper into the world of reading and discussion--in turn helping to expand their own personal overall literary awareness and expertise.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

Proofreading is the essential final finishing touch on a written work of high-quality caliber. After cranking out a rough draft, it is time to examine the literary elements of its product. From a quick SpellCheck (sans AutoCorrect and the Grammarly App) to an actual line-by-line hands-on examination of careful thought and understanding, ensuring proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation helps to improve one's writing ability tremendously. I continually emphasize the importance of checking to make sure there is one space after a comma, colon, or semicolon, with two spaces after a period. Explaining the symbolic meaning of quotation marks, parentheses, and brackets can make, instead of break, a great paper. For, it is the little things that count in the bigger picture of things. Always remember to indent the first line of a paragraph, and capitalize the first letter of the first word at the beginning of a new sentence (as well as the first letter of all proper nouns). Remember: always be sure to proofread your work extensively before you: save, print, or e-mail a Microsoft Word document. Preview your PowerPoint presentation one time all the way through to make sure it is 100% intact on a literary level. As the title states, proofreading is PROOF that you READ your work before submitting it in any capacity.
Reading,

Reading

Reading is a beautiful revelation of knowledge, experience, and education. So don't let the arduousness behind book reports and answering reading comprehension questions take away your natural love and strength in gaining food for thought! The longer the book, the more in-depth the story and characters in it. Often, you may find that reading one paragraph at a time and thinking about the people, places, and events that developed in that cluster of descriptive language--this includes describing those features orally, and/or taking notes thereof on paper--will help you better understand the plot and meaning behind certain introduced concepts. Piecing together the puzzle ahead of time can help you brainstorm ideas for written interpretations later on. When it comes to reading aloud, words may appear unusual at first, if you have never seen or heard them before. But by expanding your vocabulary through routine practice--perhaps with someone at your side carrying out the very same activity--you will likely find it easier to grasp the way words sound and look, as well as their definitions and contextual connections between sentences and paragraphs. So pick up a book today, and dig right into the content!
Spelling,

Spelling

There are many tricks of the trade to help you achieve the task of writing words out in full, one letter at a time, to complete and utter perfection. English is a tricky language, with letters sounding and looking different than they should on paper in terms of their placement in various words. By practicing with parts of speech that have similar sounds and spellings, but completely opposite definitions (i.e. "there, their, they're"), the tool of transforming spelling words into vocabulary words by using them in self-penned sentences helps to further one's own ability with language. Vowels and consonants sometimes overlap and conflict. But by remembering such sayings as "'i' before 'e' except after 'c'", and utilizing the beauty of words that rhyme in songs and poetry, language simply comes alive every minute of the day. After reading, writing, speaking, and listening to words that look and sound familiar, your spelling skills and strategies will never be the same again; they will be BETTER!
Writing

Writing

I can help students complete anything from short-response reading comprehension questions to lengthy term papers and research projects of any kind. Creating bibliographies, a table of contents, footnotes (a favorite literary component of mine) are all within my range. When it comes to conjuring up general ideas for papers and projects, I encourage students to choose topics they are interested in learning more about (unless assigned otherwise by their teacher). Then head on over to the local public library and check out its extensive, fascinating catalogue of literacy; the internet can only provide so much in one sitting. I also specialize in helping students put their newfound knowledge of language arts' vocabulary terms and parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, etc.) to great use by offering examples of each when and where appropriate, in an effort to help their writing flow from one point to the next. For poetry and fiction, I emphasize the beauty of creating similes and metaphors to help the language and setting come alive. Furthermore, I help students push the envelope by digging deeper into their minds to make constant connections between their overall knowledge of a given topic or character figure, in an effort to further their descriptions thereof. Above all: when it comes to writing, creativity (derived from all of the above literary elements) is a must!

History

American History,

American History

American History is my favorite genre of Social Studies. My strengths in American History lie predominantly in the department(s) of people and events in the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries to date--from the Civil War right through to the present. Areas of expertise include the Civil War, Reconstruction, WWI, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, Presidential Elections, pop culture, and historical figures (Presidents, activists, world leaders) reigning during those eras and beyond. Turning back the clock even further, I can also tutor units on the American Revolution, along with tutoring students on how to research and complete long-term projects and term papers pertaining to human figures and their corresponding timelines in and relevant to American history also being right up my alley. On top of all of that, I am also fluent in California State History, being a native Californian myself! No matter what subject area I cover in U.S. History, I make continual comparisons to people (mostly politicians), policies, and sociopolitical elements of the present so as to highlight the eternal, hidden relevance of the past in today's modern world.
Geography

Geography

From the four basic directions (North, South, East, West, along with their overlaps of Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest) to oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic), and continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, Antarctica), latitude and longitude, to locating world nations and physical features (lakes, rivers, deserts, mountains, etc.), along with the four hemispheres, all on a world map, I can tutor almost all elements Geography has in store. My main focus showcases world locations--countries, cities, bodies of water, and the aforementioned physical features. I frequently connect my geographic instruction to science, history, and artistry--with regards to the visual, physical, and historical aspects of a given geographic concept or world region in perspective. Outlining the development of a given area of the world, zooming in on the visual-physical buildup of a particular realm, color-coding key differences, is all part of my game plan as a geography instructor. Focusing on maps from different eras in world history also helps to show students how a certain location or general area of the world developed (or vanished) over time--with political conflicts of the latter being responsible for such a decline. The fact that Geography is so widespread in its outlook makes it a pleasure to teach (apart from the fact that it is so terribly underrated in classroom curricula)!

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

Owning a B.A. in Liberal Studies--Teacher Education from Dominican University of California, I have worked with elementary-age children for 18 years and counting. During this time, I have served the following instructional roles: full-time classroom volunteer in a public elementary school (2005-2006); substitute teacher (Grades K-8) in private and independent K-8 schools (2005-2008; 2012-present); teaching assistant for Grades 1-3 and 6-8, as well as that of a Science Lab Assistant in Grades 6-8, Geography Lead Teacher in Grades K-5, Technology Lead Teacher in Grades K-8, and afterschool tutor for Grades K-8--all within four years (2008-2012) at one private school in San Francisco (the same location as other schools where I have worked). In each of these teaching roles, along with my regular role as a self-employed tutor from 2012-present, I have taught and tutored elementary and middle school-age students in Math, English/Language Arts, Reading, Writing, and History/Geography, specializing in different levels of each subject according to the students' given grade levels of instruction. I have taught and tutored students with a variety of learning styles and needs (including special-needs students of all different ages), emphasizing project-based learning and differentiated instruction all the while. I also have recurring experience teaching P.E. and Spanish to students in Grades K-8.
English,

English

From upholding the utmost importance of: identifying parts of speech to writing paragraphs, correcting sentences' writing mechanics to citing bibliographic resources, English covers quite a bit of ground in the world of literacy. As an educator, English is my strongest, and therefore favorite, academic subject to tutor. I can help students who are struggling with sentence structure by having them fulfill practice writing exercises involving parts of speech in sentences from textbooks, as well as open-ended writing prompts designed by the tutor. Additionally, reading excerpts from fictional novels or nonfictional encyclopedic resources aloud, listening to poetry or song lyrics and following along on paper, helps students gain a better sense of language flow. In terms of self-penned writing: I enjoy showing students the importance of proofreading rough drafts of essays, in addition to polishing short-response paragraphs and completing reading comprehension questions. Creating rough drafts and then turning them into pristine final drafts shows ultimate personal growth and expertise in literary composition. Most importantly, I encourage students to write on their own (often taking the form of writing assignments for homework)--about absolutely anything at all that comes to mind. That is the best way to be your own editor. And in turn, it helps build creativity and express emotion in a clever, crafty fashion. Happy writing!
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I can help students grasp the algebraic concepts of: variables (x, y); combining various mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) together with the presence and mathematical significance of parentheses and exponents; graphing coordinates; translating inequalities of greater- or lesser-than numeric value onto number lines; solving equations using any and all of the above mathematical components. Prealgebra may seem complex at first, which is why I encourage students to continually exercise their own growing knowledge of basic arithmetic. Explaining things very slowly and carefully, step-by-step, I find, helps students better digest the newfound abstract concepts prealgebra introduces. And by playing with combinations of numbers to help students master exponential value and strengthen their multiplication skills, for example, a new concept is learned while an old one is reviewed. Just like the grouping of numbers and variables in prealgebra, having a human partner with whom to work on accompanying math exercises of sorts helps one get through the material a lot more smoothly than before.
Reading,

Reading

Reading is a beautiful revelation of knowledge, experience, and education. So don't let the arduousness behind book reports and answering reading comprehension questions take away your natural love and strength in gaining food for thought! The longer the book, the more in-depth the story and characters in it. Often, you may find that reading one paragraph at a time and thinking about the people, places, and events that developed in that cluster of descriptive language--this includes describing those features orally, and/or taking notes thereof on paper--will help you better understand the plot and meaning behind certain introduced concepts. Piecing together the puzzle ahead of time can help you brainstorm ideas for written interpretations later on. When it comes to reading aloud, words may appear unusual at first, if you have never seen or heard them before. But by expanding your vocabulary through routine practice--perhaps with someone at your side carrying out the very same activity--you will likely find it easier to grasp the way words sound and look, as well as their definitions and contextual connections between sentences and paragraphs. So pick up a book today, and dig right into the content!
Spelling,

Spelling

There are many tricks of the trade to help you achieve the task of writing words out in full, one letter at a time, to complete and utter perfection. English is a tricky language, with letters sounding and looking different than they should on paper in terms of their placement in various words. By practicing with parts of speech that have similar sounds and spellings, but completely opposite definitions (i.e. "there, their, they're"), the tool of transforming spelling words into vocabulary words by using them in self-penned sentences helps to further one's own ability with language. Vowels and consonants sometimes overlap and conflict. But by remembering such sayings as "'i' before 'e' except after 'c'", and utilizing the beauty of words that rhyme in songs and poetry, language simply comes alive every minute of the day. After reading, writing, speaking, and listening to words that look and sound familiar, your spelling skills and strategies will never be the same again; they will be BETTER!
Writing

Writing

I can help students complete anything from short-response reading comprehension questions to lengthy term papers and research projects of any kind. Creating bibliographies, a table of contents, footnotes (a favorite literary component of mine) are all within my range. When it comes to conjuring up general ideas for papers and projects, I encourage students to choose topics they are interested in learning more about (unless assigned otherwise by their teacher). Then head on over to the local public library and check out its extensive, fascinating catalogue of literacy; the internet can only provide so much in one sitting. I also specialize in helping students put their newfound knowledge of language arts' vocabulary terms and parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, etc.) to great use by offering examples of each when and where appropriate, in an effort to help their writing flow from one point to the next. For poetry and fiction, I emphasize the beauty of creating similes and metaphors to help the language and setting come alive. Furthermore, I help students push the envelope by digging deeper into their minds to make constant connections between their overall knowledge of a given topic or character figure, in an effort to further their descriptions thereof. Above all: when it comes to writing, creativity (derived from all of the above literary elements) is a must!

Math

Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I can help students grasp the algebraic concepts of: variables (x, y); combining various mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) together with the presence and mathematical significance of parentheses and exponents; graphing coordinates; translating inequalities of greater- or lesser-than numeric value onto number lines; solving equations using any and all of the above mathematical components. Prealgebra may seem complex at first, which is why I encourage students to continually exercise their own growing knowledge of basic arithmetic. Explaining things very slowly and carefully, step-by-step, I find, helps students better digest the newfound abstract concepts prealgebra introduces. And by playing with combinations of numbers to help students master exponential value and strengthen their multiplication skills, for example, a new concept is learned while an old one is reviewed. Just like the grouping of numbers and variables in prealgebra, having a human partner with whom to work on accompanying math exercises of sorts helps one get through the material a lot more smoothly than before.

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

Owning a B.A. in Liberal Studies--Teacher Education from Dominican University of California, I have worked with elementary-age children for 18 years and counting. During this time, I have served the following instructional roles: full-time classroom volunteer in a public elementary school (2005-2006); substitute teacher (Grades K-8) in private and independent K-8 schools (2005-2008; 2012-present); teaching assistant for Grades 1-3 and 6-8, as well as that of a Science Lab Assistant in Grades 6-8, Geography Lead Teacher in Grades K-5, Technology Lead Teacher in Grades K-8, and afterschool tutor for Grades K-8--all within four years (2008-2012) at one private school in San Francisco (the same location as other schools where I have worked). In each of these teaching roles, along with my regular role as a self-employed tutor from 2012-present, I have taught and tutored elementary and middle school-age students in Math, English/Language Arts, Reading, Writing, and History/Geography, specializing in different levels of each subject according to the students' given grade levels of instruction. I have taught and tutored students with a variety of learning styles and needs (including special-needs students of all different ages), emphasizing project-based learning and differentiated instruction all the while. I also have recurring experience teaching P.E. and Spanish to students in Grades K-8.
English,

English

From upholding the utmost importance of: identifying parts of speech to writing paragraphs, correcting sentences' writing mechanics to citing bibliographic resources, English covers quite a bit of ground in the world of literacy. As an educator, English is my strongest, and therefore favorite, academic subject to tutor. I can help students who are struggling with sentence structure by having them fulfill practice writing exercises involving parts of speech in sentences from textbooks, as well as open-ended writing prompts designed by the tutor. Additionally, reading excerpts from fictional novels or nonfictional encyclopedic resources aloud, listening to poetry or song lyrics and following along on paper, helps students gain a better sense of language flow. In terms of self-penned writing: I enjoy showing students the importance of proofreading rough drafts of essays, in addition to polishing short-response paragraphs and completing reading comprehension questions. Creating rough drafts and then turning them into pristine final drafts shows ultimate personal growth and expertise in literary composition. Most importantly, I encourage students to write on their own (often taking the form of writing assignments for homework)--about absolutely anything at all that comes to mind. That is the best way to be your own editor. And in turn, it helps build creativity and express emotion in a clever, crafty fashion. Happy writing!
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I can help students grasp the algebraic concepts of: variables (x, y); combining various mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) together with the presence and mathematical significance of parentheses and exponents; graphing coordinates; translating inequalities of greater- or lesser-than numeric value onto number lines; solving equations using any and all of the above mathematical components. Prealgebra may seem complex at first, which is why I encourage students to continually exercise their own growing knowledge of basic arithmetic. Explaining things very slowly and carefully, step-by-step, I find, helps students better digest the newfound abstract concepts prealgebra introduces. And by playing with combinations of numbers to help students master exponential value and strengthen their multiplication skills, for example, a new concept is learned while an old one is reviewed. Just like the grouping of numbers and variables in prealgebra, having a human partner with whom to work on accompanying math exercises of sorts helps one get through the material a lot more smoothly than before.
Reading,

Reading

Reading is a beautiful revelation of knowledge, experience, and education. So don't let the arduousness behind book reports and answering reading comprehension questions take away your natural love and strength in gaining food for thought! The longer the book, the more in-depth the story and characters in it. Often, you may find that reading one paragraph at a time and thinking about the people, places, and events that developed in that cluster of descriptive language--this includes describing those features orally, and/or taking notes thereof on paper--will help you better understand the plot and meaning behind certain introduced concepts. Piecing together the puzzle ahead of time can help you brainstorm ideas for written interpretations later on. When it comes to reading aloud, words may appear unusual at first, if you have never seen or heard them before. But by expanding your vocabulary through routine practice--perhaps with someone at your side carrying out the very same activity--you will likely find it easier to grasp the way words sound and look, as well as their definitions and contextual connections between sentences and paragraphs. So pick up a book today, and dig right into the content!
Writing

Writing

I can help students complete anything from short-response reading comprehension questions to lengthy term papers and research projects of any kind. Creating bibliographies, a table of contents, footnotes (a favorite literary component of mine) are all within my range. When it comes to conjuring up general ideas for papers and projects, I encourage students to choose topics they are interested in learning more about (unless assigned otherwise by their teacher). Then head on over to the local public library and check out its extensive, fascinating catalogue of literacy; the internet can only provide so much in one sitting. I also specialize in helping students put their newfound knowledge of language arts' vocabulary terms and parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, etc.) to great use by offering examples of each when and where appropriate, in an effort to help their writing flow from one point to the next. For poetry and fiction, I emphasize the beauty of creating similes and metaphors to help the language and setting come alive. Furthermore, I help students push the envelope by digging deeper into their minds to make constant connections between their overall knowledge of a given topic or character figure, in an effort to further their descriptions thereof. Above all: when it comes to writing, creativity (derived from all of the above literary elements) is a must!

Other

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I can assist high school-, undergraduate-, and graduate students in how to go about completing the college application process smoothly step-by-step--from filling out the Common App, to completing the FAFSA, to penning their personal statements, to obtaining and submitting their high school transcripts and SAT and ACT Scores where applicable, to completing their selected schools' individual online college application forms themselves in their entirety, to creating and polishing their resumes, to scheduling college campus tours and visits with their friends and families. I can help students research colleges on their own that they are interested in applying to, have heard of through word of mouth or family background, and that they feel may in fact best serve them overall going forward in their learning and social lives. I can help students choose a college that best fits their: geographic location of residence and forthcoming interest in terms of furthering their education, cultural preferences, desired academic major(s), and financial affordability. I have taught and tutored high school seniors in recent years past, including writing letters of recommendation for them to a variety of universities. I also worked as an enthusiastic, dedicated, committed student admissions representative during my years as an undergraduate at my alma mater.
Geography

Geography

From the four basic directions (North, South, East, West, along with their overlaps of Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest) to oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic), and continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, Antarctica), latitude and longitude, to locating world nations and physical features (lakes, rivers, deserts, mountains, etc.), along with the four hemispheres, all on a world map, I can tutor almost all elements Geography has in store. My main focus showcases world locations--countries, cities, bodies of water, and the aforementioned physical features. I frequently connect my geographic instruction to science, history, and artistry--with regards to the visual, physical, and historical aspects of a given geographic concept or world region in perspective. Outlining the development of a given area of the world, zooming in on the visual-physical buildup of a particular realm, color-coding key differences, is all part of my game plan as a geography instructor. Focusing on maps from different eras in world history also helps to show students how a certain location or general area of the world developed (or vanished) over time--with political conflicts of the latter being responsible for such a decline. The fact that Geography is so widespread in its outlook makes it a pleasure to teach (apart from the fact that it is so terribly underrated in classroom curricula)!

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

Owning a B.A. in Liberal Studies--Teacher Education from Dominican University of California, I have worked with elementary-age children for 18 years and counting. During this time, I have served the following instructional roles: full-time classroom volunteer in a public elementary school (2005-2006); substitute teacher (Grades K-8) in private and independent K-8 schools (2005-2008; 2012-present); teaching assistant for Grades 1-3 and 6-8, as well as that of a Science Lab Assistant in Grades 6-8, Geography Lead Teacher in Grades K-5, Technology Lead Teacher in Grades K-8, and afterschool tutor for Grades K-8--all within four years (2008-2012) at one private school in San Francisco (the same location as other schools where I have worked). In each of these teaching roles, along with my regular role as a self-employed tutor from 2012-present, I have taught and tutored elementary and middle school-age students in Math, English/Language Arts, Reading, Writing, and History/Geography, specializing in different levels of each subject according to the students' given grade levels of instruction. I have taught and tutored students with a variety of learning styles and needs (including special-needs students of all different ages), emphasizing project-based learning and differentiated instruction all the while. I also have recurring experience teaching P.E. and Spanish to students in Grades K-8.
Reading,

Reading

Reading is a beautiful revelation of knowledge, experience, and education. So don't let the arduousness behind book reports and answering reading comprehension questions take away your natural love and strength in gaining food for thought! The longer the book, the more in-depth the story and characters in it. Often, you may find that reading one paragraph at a time and thinking about the people, places, and events that developed in that cluster of descriptive language--this includes describing those features orally, and/or taking notes thereof on paper--will help you better understand the plot and meaning behind certain introduced concepts. Piecing together the puzzle ahead of time can help you brainstorm ideas for written interpretations later on. When it comes to reading aloud, words may appear unusual at first, if you have never seen or heard them before. But by expanding your vocabulary through routine practice--perhaps with someone at your side carrying out the very same activity--you will likely find it easier to grasp the way words sound and look, as well as their definitions and contextual connections between sentences and paragraphs. So pick up a book today, and dig right into the content!
Writing

Writing

I can help students complete anything from short-response reading comprehension questions to lengthy term papers and research projects of any kind. Creating bibliographies, a table of contents, footnotes (a favorite literary component of mine) are all within my range. When it comes to conjuring up general ideas for papers and projects, I encourage students to choose topics they are interested in learning more about (unless assigned otherwise by their teacher). Then head on over to the local public library and check out its extensive, fascinating catalogue of literacy; the internet can only provide so much in one sitting. I also specialize in helping students put their newfound knowledge of language arts' vocabulary terms and parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, etc.) to great use by offering examples of each when and where appropriate, in an effort to help their writing flow from one point to the next. For poetry and fiction, I emphasize the beauty of creating similes and metaphors to help the language and setting come alive. Furthermore, I help students push the envelope by digging deeper into their minds to make constant connections between their overall knowledge of a given topic or character figure, in an effort to further their descriptions thereof. Above all: when it comes to writing, creativity (derived from all of the above literary elements) is a must!

Test Preparation

College Counseling

College Counseling

I can assist high school-, undergraduate-, and graduate students in how to go about completing the college application process smoothly step-by-step--from filling out the Common App, to completing the FAFSA, to penning their personal statements, to obtaining and submitting their high school transcripts and SAT and ACT Scores where applicable, to completing their selected schools' individual online college application forms themselves in their entirety, to creating and polishing their resumes, to scheduling college campus tours and visits with their friends and families. I can help students research colleges on their own that they are interested in applying to, have heard of through word of mouth or family background, and that they feel may in fact best serve them overall going forward in their learning and social lives. I can help students choose a college that best fits their: geographic location of residence and forthcoming interest in terms of furthering their education, cultural preferences, desired academic major(s), and financial affordability. I have taught and tutored high school seniors in recent years past, including writing letters of recommendation for them to a variety of universities. I also worked as an enthusiastic, dedicated, committed student admissions representative during my years as an undergraduate at my alma mater.

Examples of Expertise

Peter has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 537 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Peter ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (375 ratings)
5 star
(331)
4 star
(30)
3 star
(4)
2 star
(3)
1 star
(7)

Reviews

Solid Tutoring Choice

Peter was our tutor for our elementary grade child for math. He was on time, professional, patient and diligent. He had good perspective on what we were seeking (getting her on track with her grade and eventually ahead). Peter had good communication with us and adapted to the topics and materials we suggested. We highly recommend you give him a chance for your tutoring needs.

Amy, 13 lessons with Peter
Tutor responded:

Thank you very much for your written review, Amy! I enjoyed working with your elementary grade child and I thank you for having allowed me the opportunity to do so over this past semester! Cheers!

Excellent Math tutor

Peter is a knowledgeable, patient, and motivating tutor. He is flexible and meets the student at the level the student is at. Peter is able to quickly assess where issues in understanding concepts are and is able to clarify, teach, and practice the concepts until the student understands them thoroughly. My 11-year-old worked with Peter through weekly tutoring sessions for around 6 months. Peter helped him to better understand concepts and more accurately complete Math assignments independently. Peter always made good use of the tutoring time. This included helping with other school subjects as the need arose, and reviewing math concepts through his own teaching materials if my child completed his Math homework before the tutoring session was finished. I highly recommend Peter as a tutor!

Ciara, 20 lessons with Peter
Tutor responded:

Thank you very much for your positive feedback, Ciara! I thoroughly enjoyed working with your son this school year in Math and other academic subjects, and I am grateful for your support every step of the way. Thank you once again! Cheers!

He was punctual, smart, helpful and easy to understand.

We edited my final paper together. He was able to fix grammatical errors in my paper and also contextual errors so that my paper was easy to read and flowed nicely.

Jessica, 1 lesson with Peter
Tutor responded:

Thank you very much for your positive feedback, Jessica! I am glad that we got to work together with such successful results, and you may feel free to reach out to me if you seek my further assistance in the future! Cheers!

Best elementary and middle school tutor!

Peter has been an integral part in my 12-year-old’s school life for the last 2 years. Peter helps my son, on a recurring basis, with History, English, Science, and various projects. Peter helped him to overcome a remote education transition during Covid shutdown, providing support through 6th grade, which resulted in a report card with all As. I can’t imagine our lives without Peter. I also have a 17 year old in college, and I wish I had Peter when he was in middle school. I would definitely recommend Peter. He is a great teacher, mentor and motivator. Thank you Peter for everything you have done for us!

Irene, 165 lessons with Peter
Tutor responded:

You are very welcome, Irene! I am always happy to help you and your family however and whenever I am able academically. Here's to more success on both of our ends!

Peter Felton - review

Peter F. was a great tutor for my son in this pretty crazy school year. He is smart, kind and has a extensive knowledge in many fields!! My son was very happy with him and I'm happy that we got connected !

Erna, 31 lessons with Peter
Tutor responded:

Thank you for the very kind review, Erna! I very much enjoyed working with your son this school year and I look forward to more tutoring sessions together in the future! I too am happy that we got connected!

Peter F. tutored my 13 year old twice.

Peter F. tutored my 13 year old twice. Before the sessions we defined clear goals for their work together- Peter would work with my son on grammar, punctuation, word repetition, and thinking more deeply about writing through the process of editing a story my son was working on for a writing class. I made it clear that nurturing my son's passion for writing was a primary goal and that my son had learning disabilities. Peter agreed to the assignment and was confident he'd be able to work with my son. After working together, Peter explicitly told me he had worked on the goals in the two post-session write ups he submitted. In a detailed review that mentioned my goals, he also implied that my son was responding well to tutoring and becoming more independent in editing his own work. The only problem is Peter did not do the things he outlined in his write up. He spent the hour saying "Put a comma here. Capitalize this. Put a period there. Change this spelling." - for sixty minutes. In his description of the session, he told me that they read each sentence together and discussed why the edits were needed. They did not. Because my son inadvertently turned on the recording feature for the session, I was able to watch the entire process later. While I am disappointed Peter agreed to a set of goals and then did something different, I am most upset Peter lied to me about his work. I do not recommend this tutor for students who cannot advocate for themselves.

Angela, 2 lessons with Peter

Wonderful, Knowledgeable Tutor!

Our son has been having lessons with Peter twice weekly since September. We are having him augment out homeschooling situation. It has been going beautifully! Peter is communicative & always quick to respond to any questions. He has been a great match for our 4th grader. I am happy to sing his praises!

Michelle, 72 lessons with Peter
Tutor responded:

Thank you very much for your kind words, Michelle! I too am thrilled that we have maintained our tutoring connections and I look forward to continuing to work with you and your family! Cheers!

Reading Tutor

We have only had one class with Peter. He was very patient and engaging with my son. We look forward to working with him. He took the time to see how he can engage him.

Niemah, 1 lesson with Peter

Knowledgeable, kinda and patient tutor

Peter helped me with editing my personal statement. He professionally conducted the lesson and kept everything straight to the points. Peter is also an incredibly knowledgeable and well-rounded writer who has a true artist's spirit at heart. In general, I'm delighted with my first lesson with him and will book more for future assistance.

Maggie, 2 lessons with Peter
Hourly Rate: $45
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