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Patient, Encouraging, and Flexible Tutoring in Many Areas
Priscilla G.

4.9 (46 ratings)

189 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $65
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Response time: 9 minutes

About Priscilla

Bio

Students don't often get the language arts foundation and skills they need to advance in other subjects, including math and sciences and foreign languages and I am available and very experienced in working with my clients to build this foundation.
My subjects are far-ranging — from phonics reading skills, mastery of grammar, writing five paragraph essay, public speaking, theses for advanced degrees, to the visual arts including drawing, painting, and theatre. My experience includes...

Students don't often get the language arts foundation and skills they need to advance in other subjects, including math and sciences and foreign languages and I am available and very experienced in working with my clients to build this foundation.
My subjects are far-ranging — from phonics reading skills, mastery of grammar, writing five paragraph essay, public speaking, theses for advanced degrees, to the visual arts including drawing, painting, and theatre. My experience includes teaching and tutoring grades K-12, six college courses at two University of California campuses, and art history and archaeology tours based in Florence, Italy.
I have proofread a series of books for children and young adults and contributed to preparing published phonics and literature curricula which I highly recommend.
I have written extensively on education policy issues from preschool through graduate school, and I helped run a national advisory center of information for parents who are considering home educating their children.
I can help college and high school students learn successful essay writing methods and study skills, prepare research papers, discuss books, prepare for standardized exams and prepare for public speaking and debate.
My BA, MA and PhD studies include education, literature, art, history, archaeology, history of science, anthropology, film studies and several foreign languages. Having lived in Italy I understand the trials of English as a second language and I very much welcome persons learning English and ESL students. I have lived all over our beautiful country, from east coast farming towns and cities of Miami and Washington, D.C. —to center towns of Chicago, Louisville, and St Louis — to east coast cities of Malibu and Santa Barbara and I presently reside in Naples, Florida and my goal for my clients is to make learning enjoyable :)
Priscilla G

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Education

Florida State University
Liberal Arts
University of California, Riverside
Masters
University of California, Santa Barbara
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: Kindly contact me via Wyzant or via text if you need to cancel. Thank you.
  • Lesson cancellation: 3 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 8/9/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I've taken the ACT as a student, been a test proctor, been there for my own children as they prepared for it, and I understand the challenges. It's good to have a schedule and address your weaknesses well before the test date. My related skills include essay writing as well as college entrance essays and resume preparation.  I am effective at helping young adults address their responsibilities toward their future success in college and career. I've taught at two campuses of the University of California and I enjoy utilizing different pedagogies with students because we all have our best ways of learning
ADHD

ADHD

I have used techniques for teaching ADD/ADHD since the 1970s when I learned Charles L Shedd's methods to tutor children with ADD/ADHD. Kinesthetic and tactile methods are are useful also for teaching children who are simply active. It's important to keep the lessons divided into shorter tasks or projects. I work with students to change tasks frequently to maintain their interest level and give them the study skills to organize their own work as the grow older. I am creative and patient regarding learning each child's UNIQUE, best ways to learn. For the ADD/ADHD student we find a quiet place to work with fewer opportunities for distraction. And last but not least, I work for learning to be FUN!
American History

American History

I am very knowledgeable about American History and my master's degree studies included late 18th and 19th century U.S. history. I come from a family of historians and I have visited the battlefields/national parks on American soil. It has been a lifelong interest.
Archaeology

Archaeology

I have a minor in archaeology while pursuing studies in the history of art in Italy. I participated for a season at the archaeological Etruscan/Roman excavation site of Cetamura in Tuscany,Italy. I assisted the staff archaeologist at The Clio Group, Philadelphia while doing research in prehistoric and historic land sites in the Philadelphia area.
Architecture

Architecture

I studied architectural styles in Italy for two years while pursuing a master's degree in the history of art. I worked as an architecture history consultant in Philadelphia and facilitated the listing of numerous historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places. To prepare for the National Register I prepared detailed descriptions of the sites to describe architectural style and significance.
Art History

Art History

My education experience includes an MA degree, University of California, completion of PhD studies and dissertation draft. I've taught art history at two University of California campuses and at a college program based in Florence, Italy. I've worked at the J Paul Getty Museum (Malibu), the Los Angeles county Museum of Art, and the California Museum of Photography. While studying I was awarded numerous travel and research grants from Kress foundation and others while doing original archival studies research in the UK. Class participation, seminar discussion, research, and essays skills are a joy for me to share! I also have skills at helping clients apply for research grants and scholarships.
Art Theory

Art Theory

I have a bachelor's and master's degree in the the history of art which includes art theory and studio art. I also have all the coursework completed for a PhD in the history of art. I have taught these subjects for three years at the college level (University of California campuses)
ASVAB

ASVAB

I have been preparing persons to take standardized tests, including the ASVAB, for 15 years. I have been employed to help companies using my own writing and reasoning skills since 1984. I have written two company handbooks and summarized complex written documents into easily readable form. This ability, and test-taking tactics, is what I am good at teaching for those who aspire to do the best they possibly can on the ASVAB. I am pleased to reduce my rates to those hoping to serve in our armed forces if you can meet me close to my home which is Port Hueneme. The ASVAB currently has 9 sections and I am happy to work with you on each area of testing with special emphasis on verbal expression.
College Counseling

College Counseling

My goal for your college essays is that they entice the reader to know you so they must be fun, interesting and reveal something attractive about you. I have been counseling students and coaching them with college essay, resume and scholarship applications for 25 years. I have two college degrees, two specialized certificates, and I have college transfer skills, having attended four different colleges on five different campuses (one was overseas). I was an instructor in two fields on different campuses. In the 1990s I lectured extensively on higher education issues while writing for the Education Reporter, a newspaper with a national circulation. Since 1994 I have been a language arts tutor for students writing their essays and preparing for the various exams. I have practiced in the states of California and Florida and happily meet via remote platforms. My goal is to get the gifts of the prospective student matched up with the goals of the college program. Oftentimes, in preparing resumes we can help students determine their gifts, experience and goals. For the best quality help from me, and to save yourself time and money for college and graduate school and med school applications, I recommend that you: 1) Provide the length/number of words required of the student in the written application. 2) The exact question(s) asked by the college. 3) Link(s) to the college websites and department(s) where they describe their goals.
Drawing

Drawing

In order to draw one has to be able to learn to observe and translate what you observe to paper. Drawing heightens the artistic sensitivity and enables the artist to see form and contour and shading and perspective. Anyone who can see can learn to draw and it requires practice but mostly learning to observe. I have studied many methods of drawing starting in high school and then in college and graduate school when I traveled around Europe and drew pictures from the old masters and ancient monuments -- painting and sculpture and architecture. My teaching certification is in art education and I have a master's degree in the history of art.
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

I have been tutoring dyslexic children and adults for three decades and I assisted in writing two phonics readers (First Reader and Turbo Reader in 1993-94). I am trained in the Maria Montessori, Charles Shedd, and Orton-Gillingham methods all of which break down reading and spelling tasks into smaller skills involving letters and sounds AND touch. My success is often achieved in months and I graduate most clients out of "special ed." For children, I also might employ my certified art skills and incorporate them into teaching phonics.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

My goal for Pre K-6th is to build excellent decoding-phonics reading skills because reading is the foundation for all of the other subjects. An early elementary child should be able to sound out any word in the English language with the methods I use. I have assisted in the formation of a respected phonics system used in the books, First Reader and Turbo Reader. I have subject qualifications in science, writing, reading, phonics, ADHD, and many years of experience tutoring K-6th graders. I often employ my art teaching skills to keep the child engaged--especially for "homework" exercises.
English

English

I patiently and enthusiastically teach how to speak and read and write English both as a refined skill and as a second language, My lifelong interest in reading English classics led me to minor in literature at college and graduate school where I took seminars on great authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. I have copy edited a series of books which goal is to entice people to read great literature that endures over time. I specialize in English grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and figures of speech. I also specialize in teaching the five paragraph essay and in writing analytical papers that discuss literature. My goal is to have fun and help produce a great paper!
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with ESL clients for 20 years from beginning language studies as well as advanced English speakers. My writing, speaking, and diction skills are excellent. and I have worked for numerous distinguished employers as a research writer, speech writer, and proofreader. I am always available to work remotely to help clients with speaking and writing. And, importantly, I truly understand the challenges of ESL as I have lived overseas and struggled to learn a language!
Film

Film

I studied film and photography history at UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara. I organized a festival of silent films at UC Riverside. I team taught three film studies courses at UC Santa Barbara.
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

I have been closely involved in public policy, case law, and legislated law since 1986 when I received my paralegal certificate in International Law. I worked in Washington, D.C. for two White House cabinet members (Togo D West, Jr and Leonard Garment) and I have also worked on training people to understand how laws get made, how government works, and how to lobby at the Eagle Forum Education and Legal Defense Fund organization. I am presently active as a citizen grassroots leader and closely involved in government policy in my city, county, and state. I also vet candidates for judicial appointments at all levels, from County to United States Supreme Court levels. I have taken classes with the Leadership Institute and helped my students get scholarships to that training center.
Grammar

Grammar

I have been a proofreader and copy editor for over 30 years and I have taught others--children and adults-- the best ways to learn grammar quickly for 15 years. I have been a copy editor for a young adult series of books and I have taught language arts for over 30 years.
Handwriting

Handwriting

I have studied both the Palmer and the D'Nealian methods of handwriting and I have taught both methods for 15 years. I have a teaching certificate in art for grades K-12 and this is most useful in teaching students to draw cursive letters. D'Nealian is the style of writing and teaching cursive and block print handwriting. It is a derivative of the Palmer Method and was designed to ease the learning of cursive and print handwriting. I can use workbooks or appropriately lined paper to get any age child educated and practiced in handwriting. I also teach correct sitting and pen/pencil holding forms.
Homeschool

Homeschool

Beginning in 1993, I ran a national homeschool advisory center for parents and educators. I helped write an easy-to-use successful phonics reading curriculum for tutors and parents to teach children to read. I wrote many articles for the Education Reporter, a monthly newspaper to understand education issues, what children are learning, why and how teaching methods have changed, how best to instruct children, and protect privacy and parental rights. I copy edited a series of books for young adults. As a single mom I figured out ways to homeschool my own children who began taking community college classes at age 15. (My children, now in their 20s, are very successful in their work careers.) ALL parents are homeschoolers; "Homeschooling" simply means that you, the parent, take charge for keeping your children from failed methods used nowadays in most public schools; the schools, even private schools, begin to fail miserably, starting in kindergarten and 1st grade, when they teach letters and reading using dumbed-down methods. If you teach a child to read well then all learning will happily follow with great joy! I am a good resource of information including the blessing of community college, dual enrollment, trade careers, college and career advice for youth.
IELTS

IELTS

I have an extensive background in language arts at all levels. I have helped persons prepare for English language arts exams for 20 years. I am experienced with requirements of both the IELTS and the TOEFL. The IELTS is a British English exam and I am familiar with differences in British and American English, having studied in England for my postgraduate research.
Painting

Painting

I have studied painting at three major universities and minored in studio art while pursuing a PhD in art history. I have also studied by copying from the great masters and drawing from originals in museums throughout Europe. I am experienced in oil, acrylic and watercolor techniques.
Phonics

Phonics

I have been teaching phonics to children and adults most of my life, beginning when my own little brother was delayed learning to read. He finally learned in 4th grade by using an intensive phonics program mixed with Montessori style exercises. I use a similar excellent kinesthetic method (actually touching or feeling the letters, if necessary) along with a traditional and very easy to use book, Turbo Reader, that I helped write. My methods work QUICKLY. You will see immediate results and the student will love to learn! Writing the letters correctly is also emphasized. Many bells and whistles phonics programs are based on the one I use. They all work. I keep it less fussy. Recently I tutored a 6th grade boy, a dear fellow stuck in PRE-K reading level, catch up with, and then EXCEED, his grade level for reading! These are outcomes I seek for ALL my clients. Students often don't advance academically in reading, writing, spelling,, math and comprehension and indeed in ANY subjects, because they NEVER got those English phonics skills. It's never too late. I'm happy to offer a free phone consult to discuss your needs and my methods.
Photography

Photography

I studied photography with Robert Fichter, Jerry Uelsmann, Joe Deal and Helmut Gernsheim. I have a master's degree in the history of photography from University of California, Riverside. I have lectured on photography at UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara and curated exhibitions of photographs. I worked at the California Museum of Photography in the curatorial and registrar departments.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have proofread books and I have worked for writers and lawyers as a proofreader for short documents for over 25 years. The best way to learn to write well is to look at how your own writing is proofread and I believe in sharing that with my clients in google docs if possible
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Since 1980 I have been speaking in public beginning with university lectures, discussion groups and then as an MC for events which require introductions in front of live audiences. In the 1990s I was on television and radio news interviews and mastered the sound bite techniques that are so important when you may have only 15 seconds to speak. I was on a lecture circuit in 1994-95 to inform listeners about education and United Nation issues and prepared 25 minute speeches followed by questions. I have also organized press conferences at United Nations meetings and learned the skill of outlining issues while introducing speakers. Practice and listening to others are key to learning and I have good skills at encouragement and analysis to achieve any public speaking goal.
Reading

Reading

For decades I enthusiastically teach reading skills to all levels and ages. I have contributed to two phonics readers, FIRST READER (1994), TURBO READER (2001) which teach the building skills for decoding any English word. I am interested in how people learn and I have written articles about reading, the loss of crucial phonics skills, and comprehension skills for the EDUCATION REPORTER. I have a single subject teaching credential for K-12 and an MA degree and all coursework completed toward a PhD. I have taught all ages including eight different academic courses at three university colleges. My own children are in their mid twenties and they have read at college level since 5th grade.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I've taken the SAT as a student, been a test proctor, been there for my own children as they prepared for it, and I understand the challenges. It's good to have a schedule and address your weaknesses well before the test date. My related skills include essay writing as well as college entrance essays and resume preparation. I am effective at helping young adults address their responsibilities toward their future success in college and career. I've taught at two campuses of the University of California and I enjoy utilizing different pedagogies with students because we all have our best ways of learning
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I have been a proofreader and copy editor for over 30 years. I have helped numerous persons improve their scores dramatically on college entrance exams. I can help you perfect your grammar over a few weeks and I am an excellent writing coach. I know what they are looking for and I can help you learn to organize thoughts before you commence writing your essay.
Sewing

Sewing

I love to sew and I am happy to share my knowledge with any level or age. I've been sewing since I was a child and I studied sewing, textiles, and design at university. I was apprenticed to a master seamstress and designer who worked for Eileen Ford Modelling Agency for five years. I have made costumes for the Theater Department at a large university and for various Los Angeles area community theatres and well as LA-based cosplay events including Hollywood movie premier events. I have taught eight classes to adults and children. Please believe that hand sewing gives you a good feel for the properties of the different fabrics which is crucial to design and drapery.
Social Studies

Social Studies

While working on my B.A. and M.A I did an integrated study of the social sciences and humanities and took courses in history, anthropology, philosophy, religious studies, and psychology. I have contributed to a monthly education publication about how social studies is taught in schools. I have been a liaison to government agencies for an employer in Washington, D.C. and I have worked on several local, congressional and national political campaigns all of which gives me a considerable depth of understanding about the subject of civics in the United States.
Speech

Speech

In the 1980s I had given well researched but, I think, not very well presented or interesting speeches. I have studied speech since 1992 when I began to research the successful elements of a compelling speech presentation. I was asked to debate issues of public interest on television and radio stations. I have given many dozens of speeches in numerous settings including presidential campaigns, congressional campaigns, United Nations meetings and smaller forums where I lectured on education issues. I know what it requires to deliver a speech and I know how to train individuals from my own research and experience on the subject.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have tutored different learners who are home educated for the past 16 years and have experience with different styles of learning and study techniques including auditory, haptic and SQ3R. Study skills must be tailored to the kind of learner you are. Note taking techniques can also be tailored to the best way you learn. There are many effective ways to learn information and to prepare to excel in your classes. I have studied at 4 major universities while pursuing advanced degrees and also teaching at these universities. I have much experience also as a home schooling parent whose children attend college in their high school years and who must learn to adapt their ways of learning for most effective study skills.
Writing

Writing

One learns writing skills by writing and reading and having an experience person review your work. I have copy edited a series of books which goal is to entice people to read great literature that endures over time. I specialize in English grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and figures of speech. I also specialize in teaching the five paragraph essay and in writing analytical papers that discuss literature. My goal is to have fun and help produce a great paper. If you let me train you in the goal of the five paragraph essay then you should be prepared for anything! My experience includes writing for numerous publications (i.e. Education Reporter) and writing research for persons of national stature in the education, legal and public relations fields. I have also copy edited a series of books to entice people to read great literature that endures over time. I am effective at helping young adults address their responsibilities toward their future success in college and career. I've taught at two campuses of the University of California and I enjoy utilizing different pedagogies with students because we all have our best ways of learning.
ACT Reading
Biology
Elementary Math
Elementary Science
European History
GED
Geography
Literature
Political Science
Spelling
TOEFL
Vocabulary
World History

Examples of Expertise

Priscilla has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 5 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Priscilla G.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (46 ratings)
5 star
(45)
4 star
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3 star
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2 star
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Reviews

Very Qualified/Great with Children

Priscilla took time to fully understand the challenges that our daughter was experiencing and structured a lesson program that was suited to our daughter’s learning style, addressed her weaknesses and further developed her strengths. Our daughter genuinely enjoys working with Priscilla and we have seen great results. Thanks, Priscilla!

Todd, 1 lesson with Priscilla

Extremely glad I chose Priscilla!

I’m learning SO much from Priscilla! She has tremendous knowledge about sewing and her creativity exploring solutions seems endless! She’s a joy to work with too ‼️

Dr. Dana, 3 lessons with Priscilla

Very experienced literature tutor

We are very lucky to find Priscilla who is very experienced tutor in helping my son who need special help navigating an unreasonable complex literature essay. My son needs special help but school professor has not been able to give even the minimum help. Priscilla understands my son’s issues and is helping my son understand the requirements and even eventually gain confidence in addiction to completing the assignment.

Helen, 10 lessons with Priscilla

Excellent tutor

I was looking for a tutor to improve my spoken english - and I'm glad I found Priscilla! She's a great tutor and what's more, she's a knowledgable, smart and even witty "sparring partner" for a student. I would choose Priscilla again in a heartbeat.

Linus, 4 lessons with Priscilla

Extremely knowledgeable, went above and beyond!

Priscilla was excellent with my son and myself! She went above and beyond to make sure my son's college essay was perfect! I would highly recommend her to anyone needing kind, patient and very knowledgeable support!

Tara, 1 lesson with Priscilla

Knowledgeable, Interesting , Funny

For English class she is the best if you wanna learn English as a second language - grammar and writing. I can’t even tell you how nice she teaches and cares about you, so just take her for any English class!!

Mohit, 2 lessons with Priscilla

Very Professional

Priscilla was very professional and prompt. She made the tutoring session comfortable along with entertaining. We discussed several ideas on how I should approach my masters in physical education program. Priscilla is very insightful on a number of topics which led me to believe I had the right person for the job. I recommend Priscilla for tutoring. She's big time!

Hakeem, 1 lesson with Priscilla

My Ideal Tutor!

Priscilla is an extremely gifted tutor: knowledgeable, perceptive, and patient. Her wealth of artistic experience — her education, her Italian art and cultural experiences, as an artist herself & as a tutor —gives her the ability to adapt to whatever comes up in a lesson. Relaxed, encouraging and very specific in her critiquing, she gently opens doors to new ways of seeing and experimenting, plus learning and research you can do yourself. I came wanting to learn to use gouache and left knowing that my real first step was to learn a fundamental of drawing I hadn’t mastered: perspective! She did not dictate this — not at all! She merely led me to my own conclusion. I, who took years of art classes, saw that despite my treasured paintings and drawings, I still lack a firm grasp of perspective. Thus, I have been hampered artistically. (Of course, she didn’t say this. It was my own inescapable realization. Priscilla definitely stimulates self-analysis.) This doesn’t change the value of what I’ve already accomplished; instead, it will expand my artistic freedom and other resources from now on. I am greatly indebted to Priscilla G. and to WyzAnt. Thank you!

Solange, 1 lesson with Priscilla
Hourly Rate: $65
Response time: 9 minutes
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