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your G.Y.M. Instructor (Grow Your Mind):
David P.

5.0 (595 ratings)

1,635 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $40
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Response time: 8 hours

About David

Bio

My name is David. I am committed to lifelong learning for myself and for others whom I tutor. I am also committed to a dynamic, creative, student-centered learning experience and would like the opportunity to help you gain new skills and new knowledge in English, German, ESL, literature, reading, writing, grammar, preparing research papers, or building vocabulary.

I have earned a B.A. in German, an M.A. in German, an M.Div. in New Testament Studies, an M.A. in Comparative Literature, and a...

My name is David. I am committed to lifelong learning for myself and for others whom I tutor. I am also committed to a dynamic, creative, student-centered learning experience and would like the opportunity to help you gain new skills and new knowledge in English, German, ESL, literature, reading, writing, grammar, preparing research papers, or building vocabulary.

I have earned a B.A. in German, an M.A. in German, an M.Div. in New Testament Studies, an M.A. in Comparative Literature, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. The universities I have attended include the University of Redlands, U.C.L.A., and the University of Southern California. I have over twenty years of experience in teaching all levels of English and German at the college level and have also taught high school and ESL at the Berlitz School of Languages. In addition, I did graduate work at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.

I have also worked in the business sector as a travel agent and as a marketing representative for a translation firm. I have taught business English and know how important the skills of writing and reading are in our current, competitive job market.

I would like to be able to help you gain a competitive advantage both for your livelihood and for life. Let me be your G.Y.M. instructor. The letters stand for Grow Your Mind.

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Education

The University of Redlands
German
U.C.L.A.
Masters
The University of Southern California
PhD
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $40
  • Travel policy: Within 30 miles of Santa Monica, CA 90405
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 1/18/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Bible Studies

Bible Studies

I earned an M.Div. in New Testament Studies from Talbot Theological Seminary. I am qualified to teach New Testament courses and have also taken courses in theology, Biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, church history, Greek, and several courses in various Old Testament and New Testament books, all at the graduate level.
English

English

I have taught Remedial English, English Composition, Introduction to Research, and Business English at the college level for over twenty years. I have also taught courses in how to build an argument using reason and evidence and have had a great deal of experience teaching grammar. During my career as an English professor, I have helped a number of students develop their ability to write essays. In addition, I have taught courses in creative writing, specializing in fiction and poetry.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I received a certificate of qualification as an ESL teacher for speakers of Japanese from the Japanese Cross Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. I have taught ESL at the Berlitz School of Languages in Pasadena, California and also at two summer institutes affiliated with Liberty University. Currently, I am teaching an ESL course in grammar and writing to Korean children and am also instructing a Korean adult, who desires to improve his proficiency in spoken English. I have taught the skills of structure, comprehension, conversation, reading, and writing to speakers of other languages, having employed both the traditional direct method and the total immersion method of instruction.
German

German

I can tutor German from the elementary level to the advanced level. I have had over twenty-five years of experience in teaching German at the college level and at the Berlitz School of Languages. I majored in German at the University of Redlands and received an M.A. in German at the University of California at Los Angeles. I have lived in Salzburg, Austria and Heidelberg, Germany; in the latter city I did graduate work in German at the university there. I can help you gain proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing German and an understanding of German grammar, culture, and literature.
Grammar

Grammar

I have over twenty-five years of experience teaching English grammar in connection with courses in English composition. I see grammar not as an end in itself but as a means to an end. The goal that I am committed to helping my students achieve is to write with greater power, clarity, precision, and effectiveness. Using correct grammar is one way to reach this goal.
Literature

Literature

I am qualified to teach a wide variety of literature courses, having earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California. I have studied and taught English, American, and German literature. I have also read widely in other European and Asian literatures. In addition, I write poetry and fiction and have won literary awards for my poetry.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have had over twenty-five years of experience teaching English at the college level. In my capacity as a college professor, I have proofread and edited literally hundreds of essays. I have also taught proofreading and editing skills to my students, showing them how they can become the proofreaders and editors of their own writing. Let me help you learn how to proofread and edit your writing successfully in order to ensure that you gain a competitive edge in whatever profession you enter as well as in life.
Reading

Reading

I have had over twenty-five years of experience in teaching English at the college level. I am an avid reader myself in many fields of study and am committed to reading to ensure that I continue to learn and grow intellectually. I hold an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California. Let me be your G.Y.M. instructor. The letters G.Y.M. stand for Grow Your Mind. I would like to be able to help you read with more comprehension and with more enjoyment.
Religion

Religion

I earned an M.Div. in New Testament Studies from Talbot Theological Seminary. I am qualified to teach New Testament courses and have also taken courses in theology, Biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, church history, Greek, and several courses in various Old Testament and New Testament books, all at the graduate level. I have also taught Christian theology at the high school level and a course in world religions for the United States Navy.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have had over twenty-five years of experience in teaching many different English courses at the college level. Some of these have been English Composition, Introduction to Literature, Creative Writing: Fiction, and Creative Writing: Poetry. As a lover of words from childhood, I have read voraciously and have gained an appreciation for the "spell" of words (in both senses of the term) over the course of my life. I have also actively studied ways to increase my vocabulary both in speaking and in writing. I would like to help you gain a love of English as well and assist you in acquiring some of the treasures in the vast treasure house (literally,thesaurus) of our beautiful language.
Writing

Writing

I have had over twenty-five years of experience at the college level in teaching both expository writing and creative writing. I have taught students how to write a thesis and how to support that thesis with reasons and evidence. I am also a writer of fiction and poetry and have taught students how to be more creative in both of those genres. Let me help you become a more effective and persuasive writer. Let me help make the writing process more enjoyable for you.

Examples of Expertise

David has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of David ’s answers ›
David P.'s Photo

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Response time: 8 hours

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (595 ratings)
5 star
(589)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(2)
2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Great Teacher

David's love for literature makes him an amazing tutor to work with. I struggled with my English Literature essays and David guided me through step by step to an understanding of structure, thesis, and a wealth of ideas related to the pieces we have worked on together. His comments and notes were generous and extremely helpful. Ever since I started working with David my grades are no less than A+. Look no further if you need a professional tutor, David is a great teacher. I'm thankful for his help. Sam

Sam, 23 lessons with David

Highly Rated Teacher

David P is one of those rare and gifted teachers that comes along once in a lifetime. I am so fortunate to receive his lessons. His flexibility and adaptability to my schedule makes it possible. His lessons are full of varied essential content and are presented with a mix of professionalism and humor.

Shari, 5 lessons with David

Highly Rated Teacher

David P is one of those rare and gifted teachers that comes along once in a lifetime. I am so fortunate to receive his lessons. His flexibility and adaptability to my schedule makes it possible. His lessons are full of varied essential content and are presented with a mix of professionalism and humor.

Shari, 5 lessons with David

Effective and Useful Instruction

David has a gift for teaching. His lessons are thorough and orderly, and include review of previously learned materials and just the right amount of new ones. His patient style combined with good-natured humor makes these lessons not only effective but also enjoyable. I am increasingly inspired after each lesson.

Shari, 5 lessons with David

Excellent Instruction

Having David as an instructor for German is like a dream come true. I appreciate his willingness to be flexible with time and place. He remains poised for an organized and thorough lesson in the time allotted. The support I am receiving in German pronunciation is invaluable to my learning.

Shari, 5 lessons with David

Great First Lesson

David is a most wonderful, thoroughly prepared and respectful human being. I learned more in 2 hours than reading any book. I look forward to many more lessons with David.

Shari, 5 lessons with David

Great tutor, highly recommended.

David P. tutored me for a communications course during Fall 2023 semester. When I started working with him, I had an F in the class and he helped me raise my grade to a B by the end of the semester. David is an excellent tutor who is very patient. He explained things to me in an easy to understand way that really helped me grasp the material and allowed me to do better in the class. David helped me achieve my goal and I recommend him very highly for your tutoring needs.

Austin, 23 lessons with David

David is the BEST!!

I have learned so much with David as my German tutor. He makes our sessions so engaging, and he is extremely knowledgeable and well versed in this language. I highly recommend him!!

Christina, 49 lessons with David

The Best Tutor: Intelligent, Patient, Understanding, Organized, Flexible

David is quite simply THE BEST!! He had been working with my nephew consistently for 2 years working on his high school courses which include English, US History, World History, German, Spanish, and Standardized testing. Not only did we complete so much work in these two years, but David took my nephew from being a very average student to earning top grades, growing his confidence hugely, and most importantly, earning recognition to being the top of his class multiple times. Every single lesson is so thoughtfully planned out and tailored to his needs. He brings awesome ideas to each session, but most importantly, he is interested to hear the thoughts and opinions of my nephew and understand his though process. David really goes the extra mile which is just the most amazing quality to have in teaching. Thank you so much for everything, I could not recommend enough!

Payam, 240 lessons with David

David is an extremely kind and helpful tutor.

David is an extremely kind and helpful tutor. I have learned so much from him and he is always accommodating to my schedule and other requests. You can tell that he really enjoys teaching, as he also offers many cultural lessons beyond just the language. I appreciate all the hard-work he puts into curating a lesson and the lengths he goes to teach it.

Emma, 200 lessons with David
Hourly Rate: $40
Response time: 8 hours
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