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Berkeley Graduate, Programmer, Experienced Teacher
Steven M.

5.0 (5,134 ratings)

15,247 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $97
Contact Steven
Response time: 51 minutes
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

Berkeley Graduate, Programmer, Experienced Teacher
Berkeley Graduate, Programmer, Experienced Teacher
Steven M.

5.0 (5,134 ratings)

15,247 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (5,134 ratings)

15,247 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Steven

Bio

I have 21+ years of experience as a software developer and 15+ years as a teacher. My focus is in programming as it applies to academics, job appliactions, and USACO competitions, as well as real world uses. I regularly help industry professionals and students of all ages in C, C++, Java (including Processing, Karel, and Greenfoot), HTML, CSS, JavaScript (including p5, node, jQuery, and AJAX), PHP, Python (including Pandas, Numpy, and Jupyter), SQL (Many different versions), C# (for console...

I have 21+ years of experience as a software developer and 15+ years as a teacher. My focus is in programming as it applies to academics, job appliactions, and USACO competitions, as well as real world uses. I regularly help industry professionals and students of all ages in C, C++, Java (including Processing, Karel, and Greenfoot), HTML, CSS, JavaScript (including p5, node, jQuery, and AJAX), PHP, Python (including Pandas, Numpy, and Jupyter), SQL (Many different versions), C# (for console and windows forms applications), and I have familiarity in many others. My career has been in web and game design, as well as training and managing programmers. I earned my CBEST and TEFL teaching certifications in 2008 and began tutoring on WyzAnt in 2013.

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. In 2014 I wrote and acted in a feature film. My hobies include VR, ancient number and writing systems, Rubik's cube (I can solve in 1 minute using a no-memorization system I developed) and memorizing digits of the number Pi.

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 and the ability to solve problems will last much longer than memorizing a formula.

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Education

University of California, Berkeley
Cognitive Science

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $97
  • Rate details: No-shows are billed at the cost of half an hour. Cancellations over 12 hours have no penalty. Cancellations under 12 hours only bill if I'm unable to fill the spot.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 9/24/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Computer

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.

Corporate Training

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.

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 (5,134 ratings)
5 star
(5,134)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

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, 17 lessons with Steven

Great tutor

Patiently and clearly explained Python code for card game assignment and helped instill confidence in my son. Very flexible in being available, even on short notice. First class tutor. Thank you.

Ben, 4 lessons with Steven

Very Knowledgeable and Honest

I found Steven 2 years ago. I wish I had used him back then. I was trying to be cheap. That will never happen again. While most tutors didn't understand the classes my son was taking, Steven did. My son was very excited, and so was I. My son turned his project in a week before the due date. Yes, Steven may cost more than some tutors, but believe me, he knows his stuff.

Cherilyn, 3 lessons with Steven

THE BEST TUTOR!!

Steven is a genius and can figure out any problem. He is the absolute best tutor!! His vast computer science knowledge is unsurpassed.

M, 54 lessons with Steven

Patient

Steven was patient and helpful. He took his time to help me figure out what I was really trying to do. He was available when I needed him and easy to schedule. His communication on his hours was great. I highly recommend Steven.

Alex, 4 lessons with Steven

Patient and knowledgeable teacher!

He helped me out on a pretty tough problem! He has a patient teaching style and is very friendly.

Ajit, 1 lesson with Steven

excellent tutor

very knowledgeable he explains very well I recommend him. he makes the subject easy. he is very patient and always makes sure you understand very well. very thoughtful. I will keep studying with him

Hana, 11 lessons with Steven

AMAZING TUTOR!!!

Steven is a genius and can figure out any problem. He is the absolute best tutor!! His vast computer science knowledge is unsurpassed.

M, 54 lessons with Steven

Excellent Teacher

Steven is a very good teacher and knows his concepts very well. He was very patient with the student and focussed on problem solving.

Ethan, 1 lesson with Steven
Hourly Rate: $97
Response time: 51 minutes
Contact Steven