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Caring Expert Tutor
Douglas S.

5.0 (37 ratings)

231 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $45
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About Douglas

Bio

I am a Wesleyan University graduate and private tutor since 1998. Subjects include Elementary Math, Pre-algebra, Essay Writing, and English as a Second Language. For six years, I taught writing and math at an afterschool tutoring center. To aid in my English tutoring, I draw on my experience as editor of novels, graduate-level research papers, and news stories for broadcast on commercial radio and television stations.

I am a Wesleyan University graduate and private tutor since 1998. Subjects include Elementary Math, Pre-algebra, Essay Writing, and English as a Second Language. For six years, I taught writing and math at an afterschool tutoring center. To aid in my English tutoring, I draw on my experience as editor of novels, graduate-level research papers, and news stories for broadcast on commercial radio and television stations.

Education

Wesleyan University
Anthropology

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: Lesson scheduling: 24 hours notice required
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 7/27/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ADHD

ADHD

In my 20-year tutoring career, I have worked with numerous students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Many have limited ability to concentrate in class, while others are unable to concentrate at all. Using a patient and personalized approach with each student, I am able to successfully address the root causes of the obstacles faced by students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. A recent example is a high school student diagnosed with ADD who had problems paying attention in school. During one particular tutoring session to help him prepare for an upcoming math test, I took several short breaks to discuss topics unrelated to the test that were of interest to him.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

In my years as a tutor at SCORE Education Center and in private practice, I have worked with numerous students in this age category. Many have no difficulty in learning the tutoring subject material, but others have trouble due to difficulties with learning and/or difficulties with social interaction, to name a few. Using a patient and personalized approach with each student, I am able to successfully address these root causes for problems with tutoring of younger students. One supplemental strategy is to make the tutoring session fun for the student, and this has made a positive difference to each of my younger clients. The goal is to make the tutoring session a fun experience for the student. A recent example is a third grade student who couldn't master her multiplication tables no matter how hard she tried to memorize them. She was delighted when I taught her a song with 'rhyming tables'. Learning the song took five minutes and she never again had trouble with her multiplication tables.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I take great pride in making all the concepts of Elementary Math simple and enjoyable. From addition and subtraction to ratios and proportions within word problems, these concepts ARE simple as long as they are explained in a way that is easy for the student to understand. I take my students step-by-step through each problem until they are able to answer them correctly without my assistance.
English

English

I demonstrate to my students how to use simple and direct styles of English communication, whether written or verbal. In talking with me about their personal experiences, most students gradually develop the confidence and/or desire to employ changes in their own written and spoken communication. Such changes include writing and speaking with more properly constructed simple sentences. When necessary, I supplement my lessons by formally tutoring such topics as correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I've been teaching English for 20 years and my students have gone on to speak and write with greater ease and fluency. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to think like a native English speaker and as time goes on, you'll be on your way to conversing with anyone you meet. I specialize in making learning English fun and exciting. Let me show you how easy it can be. I enjoy working with students of all ages and experience levels and I look forward to working with you.
Geometry

Geometry

I use written diagrams as visual cues to demonstrate the critical elements of Geometry. These include the area of a square and the circumference of a circle. I first write multiple questions using diagrams for students to solve. If these are answered correctly, I have my students write and solve their own questions.
Grammar

Grammar

Good grammar is the key to precise written expression. It includes properly conjugating verbs, correctly using verb tenses, and using commas to add emphasis when needed. I explain the rules of good grammar to my students, rather than giving them rules to memorize.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I use written diagrams as visual cues to demonstrate the critical elements of Pre-algebra which include negative numbers, decimals, and fractions. I first write multiple questions using diagrams or words for students to solve. If these are answered correctly, I have my students write and solve their own questions.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I strive to maintain my clients' unique writing style while editing/proofreading their work, and take great care to distinguish this crucial element from merely incorrect spelling and grammar. Let me show you how my attention to detail will help you to keep your voice while being assured of a polished, professional draft. My experience includes years as copy editor for IBM/New York Times Custom Publishing, editor of graduate-level research papers, and writer and editor of news stories for multiple media broadcast stations. This wide-ranging experience gives me the background for discerning how to effectively communicate in a variety of media formats.
Study Skills

Study Skills

Having good study skills teaches students to organize and streamline the vast amount of work they get in school, leading to peace of mind for the student and improved scholastic performance. As a tutor both in private practice and at SCORE Education Center, I have personally seen all students improve their exam scores after learning and implementing study techniques despite varied levels of proficiency in the tutoring material. In my tutoring sessions with clients, I use a patient and personalized approach to introduce such study skills as: asking questions of the teacher when necessary, reviewing the material with other students, and writing summary outlines of the tutoring material. Each of these helps to organize and consolidate the tutoring material in the student’s mind, leading to improved scholastic performance of the student. My previous client recently gained admission to Iona Preparatory School after passing the school's rigorous entrance exam. The client's explanation for his admission to the school was writing and studying a summary outline in preparation for the exam.
Writing

Writing

Writing must be clear and precise to be fully understood by the reader. The proper use of similes, metaphors, and hyperboles can aid in the reader's understanding of even the most difficult-to-understand concepts. I make sure that my students write with the mindset of the reader as their primary guiding principle.

Examples of Expertise

Douglas has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 8 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Douglas ’s answers ›
Douglas S.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (37 ratings)
5 star
(36)
4 star
(1)
3 star
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2 star
(0)
1 star
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Reviews

Game changing tutor

Doug is teaching my son math and writing skills. He provides clear instructions and has enhanced my son's learning by providing a fun, energetic, and challenging approach.

Gavin, 128 lessons with Douglas

first lesson

Our first lesson with Doug started off great. He’s very patience and helpful. We are off to a great team environment and I feel very confident about his ability to connect with my child.

Pamela, 22 lessons with Douglas

Engaging and patient tutor

Douglas has been providing excellent help to my high schooler on his writing assignments. Douglas is a very engaging, patient, and knowledgeable tutor. He has been supportive of my son's efforts to develop his own style and expand his ability to think about the subject matter he is writing about. Douglas has been very responsive and communicative when we have questions, and he is flexible in adapting to my son's learning style. I recommend Douglas to anyone who wants to improve their writing.

Regina, 11 lessons with Douglas

Knowledgeable and Patient Tutor

This is our third session together and my son loves Douglas. Douglas is very relatable to the student being taught and uses many analogies. He is able to identify deficit areas needing more focus. I would love to see what's to come!

Ashley, 51 lessons with Douglas
Hourly Rate: $45
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