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Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo
Steven M.'s Photo

Steven M.

Berkeley Graduate, Programmer, Experienced Teacher

Berkeley Graduate, Programmer, Experienced Teacher

$120/hour

5.0 (4,753 ratings)

  • 14,031 hours tutoring

About Steven

Bio

I have 18+ years of experience as a software developer and 12+ years as a teacher. My focus is in programming as it applies to USACO competitions and job applications, as well as academic and real world uses. I have helped industry professionals and students of all ages in C, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (including jQuery/AJAX), PHP, Python (including Pandas/Numpy), SQL, C#, and Lua in Roblox. My career has been in web and game design, iOS apps, as well as training and managing...

I have 18+ years of experience as a software developer and 12+ years as a teacher. My focus is in programming as it applies to USACO competitions and job applications, as well as academic and real world uses. I have helped industry professionals and students of all ages in C, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (including jQuery/AJAX), PHP, Python (including Pandas/Numpy), SQL, C#, and Lua in Roblox. My career has been in web and game design, iOS apps, as well as training and managing programmers. I earned my CBEST and TEFL teaching certifications in 2008.

Whether you're a students needing to catch up and get ahead, a professional with a tough work assignment, or have an idea for a product or a way to speed up your job, I can help. My technique involves breaking down complex problems into easy steps, describing through examples and metaphor, and tailoring the learning process to each student's learning style. My teaching method is based on widely accepted academic techniques.

As a student, I got perfect scores on the Math SAT and SAT II, as well as Math and Physics AP tests. I have taught over two thousand students, privately and in classrooms, in California, China, and Ohio.

I've been featured on Shanghai TV in China for writing and teaching a Christmas play to ESL students age 3-6, which was performed on stage in front of ~600 people. In 2014 I was hired by an independent film company for on-set technical support, and was called on to replace the head writer as well as given a walk-on role as a supporting actor. I have an interest in ancient number systems and astronomy methods. I can solve a Rubik's cube in around 1 minute using a no-memorization system I developed.

My philosophy: A teacher must understand the student, and the student must believe that they are capable of learning the material. A good teacher should focus on teaching the student, not teaching the material. An in-depth understanding of why something works will last much longer than memorizing a formula.

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Education

University of California, Berkeley
Cognitive Science

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Subjects

Computer

ASP.NET,

ASP.NET

I am currently working with several students in C# and ASP.NET, and recently helped one of my students catch up on 8 assignments that were almost 2 months late right before the course ended. My 15+ year background in HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript also contributes greatly to my ability to plan out complex pages.
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.
Perl,

Perl

I have a deep background in web and server development in C based languages, including Perl and PHP. I am knowledgeable in design work of Perl in Linux/Unix shells, as well as sorting, storing, and retrieving data from an SQL database, as well as using Perl scripts for automatic grading of projects written in other languages.
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.
Visual Basic,

Visual Basic

I have used Visual Basic and VBA for design work in an ASP.NET environment, as well as designing stand alone interactive windows forms in Visual Studio. I also have experience using Visual Basic for scripting and automation in Excel.
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.
General Computer

Corporate Training

ASP.NET,

ASP.NET

I am currently working with several students in C# and ASP.NET, and recently helped one of my students catch up on 8 assignments that were almost 2 months late right before the course ended. My 15+ year background in HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript also contributes greatly to my ability to plan out complex pages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
General Computer

Examples of Expertise

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

See all of Steven ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (4,753 ratings)
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Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews knowledgeable helpful understanding definitely recommend excellent

Featured review

Excellent!

He can explain in one hour what it takes others two or more hours to explain. Knows how to break down very technically concepts with great analogies and parallels to concepts within and outside Computer Science.

Caleb, 8 lessons with Steven

Very knowledgeable and patient tutor!!!

Great skilled , very nice and patient with students like me !! I appreciate his time ! He helped me a lot and I learned a lot from him!

Ark, 15 lessons with Steven

Knowledge and patient tutor

Steven helped my daughter with her neuroscience project using Python for modeling. To do this project, the knowledge in both neuroscience and Python are required. Some tutors don’t even try to tutor my daughter due to the complexity of the project. I am very grateful that Steven spent time with my daughter to go through the code, to make sure the coding part was correct. He also tried to think of ideas and be helpful. Although the issue wasn’t resolved during the lesson, my daughter was able to finish the project before the deadline. I would highly recommend Steven to anyone who’s looking for a responsible and knowledgeable Python tutor.

Lily, 2 lessons with Steven

Patient and Thorough Instructor

I was having trouble understanding Huffman Trees in C++ and Steven really helped me get to know the separate parts of my code. He let me explain what I knew about the subject and helped supplement my knowledge with examples. He helped me reinforce my coding skills and gave me a chance to work on the problem myself before intervening.

Zach, 1 lesson with Steven

Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Top notch professional who really cares about his students! Highly recommend for C+ programming. Worked well my my student and teaches with a good attitude, extensive knowledge and the kind understanding of someone who knows that kids learn at different paces.

Lazara, 14 lessons with Steven

Excellent C programming tutor

Steve has an in-depth understanding of C programming. He can explain everything from basic C to more complex C programming. He is also honest about what he can and cannot tutor. I asked him to help with matlab. He told me that is not something he really has experience with and explained what I should look for in a matlab tutor. I would definitely recommend Steve and will reach out to him for any future programming help that I need. Bottom line is, Steve is an excellent tutor.

Martha, 12 lessons with Steven

Great teacher and amazing knowledge of Python

Taught me more in 45 minutes than my professors and TAs did in 3 weeks of lecture and office hours.

Alexander, 2 lessons with Steven

great tutor!

Steve Responded quickly to my messages. He is definitely very familiar with the subject and explained everything clearly in a short lesson! Will book again!

Joy, 1 lesson with Steven

Extremely knowledgeable and thorough

Steven has helped me with Java in an extremely polite, thorough, and helpful way. He is super efficient, super knowledgeable, has great problem-solving skills, and can get through topics and help you understand them more than any other teacher I have met.

Keerthana, 26 lessons with Steven

Excellent!

Steven helped me with a huge project that I have due for a college computer science course. He was efficient in approaching the problems. I highly recommend his services. I will definitely use him again!

Julia, 4 lessons with Steven
Contact Steven

Response time: 3 hours

$120/hour

Steven M.'s Photo

Steven M.

$120/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Steven

Response time: 3 hours