Search
Steven M.'s Photo

17,500+ Wyzant Hours Taught | Berkeley Grad | Classroom Experience!
Steven M.

17,660 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $87
Response time: 59 minutes

About Steven


Bio

I have 20+ years of programming experience and 15+ years teaching, specializing in Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Science, Web Design, and Game Design. My strength is simplifying complex concepts, guiding students from beginners to expert level.

I’ve worked with students of all ages in Computer Science (C++, Java, Python, C#), Game Design (Roblox, Processing), Web Design (SQL, HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, Node.js, jQuery, Flask), Academic CS (Greenfoot, Karel, p5.js, Turtle), Data...

I have 20+ years of programming experience and 15+ years teaching, specializing in Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Science, Web Design, and Game Design. My strength is simplifying complex concepts, guiding students from beginners to expert level.

I’ve worked with students of all ages in Computer Science (C++, Java, Python, C#), Game Design (Roblox, Processing), Web Design (SQL, HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, Node.js, jQuery, Flask), Academic CS (Greenfoot, Karel, p5.js, Turtle), Data Science (Pandas, Numpy, SciKitLearn), and more. I’ve published iOS apps, Roblox games, designed websites for small businesses, and trained programmers for job interviews. I had a perfect Math SAT score and top marks in Math and Physics APs. I hold CBEST and TEFL certifications, taught in classrooms for 5 years, and have been tutoring with WyzAnt since 2013.

Whether you need help catching up, getting ahead, or working on a project, I can assist. I use concrete examples, metaphors, draw directly on screens, and adapting to each student’s learning style. My approach is student-centered, based on proven international academic techniques. As a classroom teacher, I taught over 1,000 students and was known to the school as the teacher "everyone wanted". On WyzAnt, I’ve worked with over 2,000 students, maintaining a 5-star rating.

In 2014, I wrote and acted in a feature film. My hobbies include VR, ancient number and writing systems, designing Rubik’s Cube solutions, memorizing Pi digits, and I’m an Eagle Scout and Troop Leader.

My philosophy: A teacher must understand the student, and a student must believe they can learn. Effective teaching focuses on the student, not just the material. Understanding how things work builds lasting problem-solving skills.


Education

University of California, Berkeley
Cognitive Science

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $87
  • Rate details: Cancellations over 12 hours have no penalty. Cancellations under 12 hours bill 15 minutes if I'm unable to fill the spot. No-shows are billed at the cost of 30 minutes.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 9/24/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat


Approved Subjects

C

C

I first studied C when I was 13 years old, and wrote a basic DOS game. C syntax is a great starting point for programming as many languages draw upon it heavily, including C++/C#, PHP, Java, and many more. Studying C provides a solid foundation for beginning in almost any programming language, and it's a language that I've both used and taught extensively.
C#

C#

I have extensive experience in C++ and Java, which has helped greatly in my learning of C# (since the languages have a lot in common both in syntax and in concept). I am knowledgeable about C# when used in console applications, have written approximately 20 programs in pure C#, and have already helped several students to earn 100% credit in their C# assignments.
C++

C++

I first studied C++ in High School, creating an asteroids type game in my senior year. C++ is still the primary language used in most software design, and its structure is also found in Java, C#, and PHP. I use C++ daily in my work writing apps for Android and iOS, as well as programming Arduino boards.
Computer Gaming

Computer Gaming

I have been into playing and designing computer games since 1994. Early on I used RPG builders and platform builders to design simple games, as well as mod programs to design my own levels and weapons in games like Doom. Through college I earned enough money through botting MMO games to pay for all of my expenses, and after college I worked professionally scripting in-game content, as well as writing a couple apps for the iTunes store from scratch. Regardless of what you're wanting to learn, I can probably help!
Computer Programming

Computer Programming

I have been a computer programmer ever since the days of TI calculator programming and BASIC in the early 90s. Since then I have worked as a computer programmer as well as taught and studied many different languages. Like many programmers, I can pick up a new language in just a couple hours, and (with the help of a syntax manual and some trial and error), write a complete program in just about any language.
Computer Science

Computer Science

I have an extensive background in Computer Science. I took multiple programming courses while majoring in Cognitive Science, I am familiar with C/C++/PHP/SQL and many more, and I have done app design, game design, and database design. I have also studied the history of computers dating back to old punch-card systems, and try to keep up on ongoing developments. On top of actually working in computers, I have been teaching and tutoring for a combined total of around 10 years.
CSS

CSS

I have done extensive work in CSS, both relating to JavaScript and jQuery control of pages, HTML formatting, and general page design. I am knowledgeable about using CSS to customize Wordpress websites, as well as creating custom templates from scratch, responsive design, and layouts for websites that can adapt to all devices, including cell phone and tablet PCs.
DOS

DOS

I first used DOS in 1988 as a primary operating system before Windows became the standard. I continue to use DOS for a variety of low level operations including pinging, telnet, FTP, bulk file renames, and running basic command line EXE programs written in C++, C#, and Java.
Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver

I have worked with Dreamweaver and I'm deeply knowledgeable about HTML and CSS, so once the initial design work is done I'm also able to go in and adjust and optimize the underlying code in order to fine tune the layout.
HTML

HTML

I've been using HTML since around 1996. I have used it in pretty much every single web project, whether using CSS to format it for front end design, moving it around the page with jQuery and JavaScript, or outputting it with PHP from the back end. I'm comfortable with DreamWeaver, and I can teach the common "five page site" at the beginner level, form submission, advanced layout/design techniques, responsive design with media queries, and input validation.
Java

Java

I have more students in Java than any other subject. I would describe Java as my core competency, and I have instructed over 60 WyzAnt students at the beginning, intermediate, advanced, and industry professional level. I have had fantastic results with introducing first time students to Java, and have taught student as young as 11-12 years old. Java is a great "first language" since it teaches about data structures, classes, and interaction between files, in a way that isn't heavily reliant on complicated symbols, syntax, or memory management, and it scales all the way up to back-end server management and iOS/Android apps.
JavaScript

JavaScript

I have used JavaScript in numerous webpages and online projects as a way to enhance user-facing pages as well as to enhance back-end pages. I know about combining JavaScript with PHP/MySQL for powerful admin pages, and JavaScript and CSS to deliver interactive dynamic user-facing content.. My background in programming goes back 15+ years, and I have experience teaching as well as writing code for numerous platforms.
JQuery

JQuery

I have over 10 years of experience working professionally with JavaScript (the base language upon which jQuery is built), and I have been helping students in jQuery since my early days on WyzAnt. I have written entire websites powered by jQuery, I'm familiar with the D3 plugin for statistic analysis, as well as numerous visual effects plugins. I'm also knowledgeable about using AJAX/JSON with jQuery to seamlessly integrate back-end queries to front-end interface. I can help students and professionals who are making the switch from JavaScript to jQuery, as well as individuals with no prior experience with JavaScript who are wanting to jump directly into jQuery.
Linux

Linux

I do web design and programming primarily in a Linux environment, and have written Linux bash shells in C++ and Java. I have been leasing a shared Linux server since 2002, have experience setting up shell accounts & doing remote maintenance for software issues, SYN floods, rebooting internal systems that have crashed, as well as general user operation, IO redirect, and so forth. I am currently running a Raspberry Pi device in my home, which runs Linux. I have a good understanding of Linux from a user/operational standpoint, from a sysop standpoint, as well as a development platform for programming and web design.
PHP

PHP

PHP/MySQL is pretty much my go-to for any web design. PHP is a very flexible language, as pages with the .php suffix allow direct insertion of javascript, CSS, and HTML tags, integrated together with the PHP, and powerful tools for fetching database information. As far as web design goes, there are pretty much two major camps, the Microsoft Stack (which is based around C# and a bunch of stuff I'm not very familiar with), and the LAMP Stack where PHP lives and of which I'm most familiar (which stands for/includes Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).
Python

Python

I use Python in a variety of applications, including controlling microcontrollers through network, as well as doing fun and simple computational projects. I'm currently helping 4 of my students in Python courses, and am able to draw upon my 15 year background in Java, C++, and Visual Basic, as well as my familiarity with Python syntax to quickly and easily construct complicated programs.
SQL

SQL

Many employers assume that every programmer know some SQL, and as a web developer or a Java developer, you'll probably find that a lack of SQL understanding will be a hinderance. SQL is a very deep language onto itself, and most large companies hire people to do SQL exclusively, however almost every programming language can and does use it for storing data, and some basic understanding is critical. I've been using SQL since 2002 and in that time have built a hundred databases and over a thousand tables. I can teach students who are coming from an Excel background how to convert their understanding of building horizontal data into building vertical data, and explain how and why data types should be broken up in certain ways to fully take advantage of SQLs capabilities. Of course, I'm also able to explain the standard operations, including joining and querying/selecting in order to retrieve the desired information.
UNIX

UNIX

I do web design and programming primarily in a Linux/Unix environment, and have written Linux bash shells in C++ and Java. I have a good understanding of command line programming from a user/operational standpoint, as well as a development platform for programming and web design.
Web Design

Web Design

I made my first webpage in HTML in 1997. Since then I have used CSS, PHP, and SQL to design literally hundreds of interactive pages, games, shopping carts, ticket booking, and all manner of customer facing and back-end systems. I am familiar with Javascript, server administration, comfortable using SSH or FTP to connect to and upload files to a website, as well as domain registration and other hosting procedures.

Examples of Expertise


Steven has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 20 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Steven M.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Steven before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Steven
Response time: 59 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (5,794 ratings)
5 star
(5,794)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Excellent

My son is thoroughly happy with Steven and his grades reflect the enthusiasm. Steven is patient and pushes my son to think for himself. Couldn't be happier. My son looks forward to each session and is now scoring not far off 100% in his Computer Science exams.

PT, 35 lessons with Steven

Knowledgeable and excellent tutor

My son was stressed about his data structures and algorithms class and especially topics like Custom Link lists and stacks but said Steven broke it down so well and was extremely patient and explained it multiple times till he got it. He gave him the five star rating and said he was great teacher.

Nirupama, 14 lessons with Steven

He gets it done

I am a novice at Arduino coding and I wrote a program for a machine that I am developing. I had worked with two other Wyzant tutors before, spending several hours with one. Steve got it done for me in one hour and the program works exactly as I intended. Great consultant!

Bob, 1 lesson with Steven

Highly knowledgeable and patient tutor

My son is transitioning from a Biology major to Computer Science and Operations Research, and Steven has been instrumental in helping him catch up. With patience and clarity, Steven has guided him through Java and Data Structures, enabling him to confidently tackle Java projects.

Sridhra, 19 lessons with Steven

Amazing tutor

Steven has done multiple sessions with my 12 year old son and he learns so much every time. Steven goes above and beyond and my son is excited every time the lesson finished because of how much he learned

Matthew, 5 lessons with Steven

Kind and knowledgeable

Steven helped me with understanding some fundamental approaches to disentangling complex SQL problems. It really helped calm me down and give me some tools to work in SQL

Steven, 2 lessons with Steven

Very knowledgeable tutor!

Steven saved the day when my son was lacking some fundamentals to complete a school project. He was patient with him and went above and beyond to ensure he understood the concepts to carry through the rest of the class. He’s also very flexible with scheduling. Highly recommend!

Matthew and Mary, 3 lessons with Steven

Highly skilled and great at breaking down concepts

I had been struggling for several days with a c# assignment and setup a session with Steven for some help and guidance. He was very understanding of my situation and did a wonderful job breaking down all the concepts I was struggling with. He is an actual tutor that teaches people the concepts, rather than just looking for an easy booking. Highly recommend 👍🙂

Chris, 1 lesson with Steven

OUTSTANDING!

Steven is a phenomenal teacher! He has an incredible knowledge of computer science and can teach any level from high school through college. We highly recommend him!

M, 93 lessons with Steven

Always great!

I have done several tutoring sessions with Steve at this point and am always happy with the outcome. He helps me further understand the material and I am always learning something new!

Jennifer, 11 lessons with Steven
Hourly Rate: $87
Response time: 59 minutes
Contact Steven