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Master Teacher Tutoring on the Side
Derek D.

5.0 (89 ratings)

134 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $60
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Response time: 32 minutes

About Derek

Bio

I have been an educator since 2005, first in writing centers at the University of Texas, then in middle and high schools up and down the east coast, and now here in the Twin Cities. I have worked in under-served and under-resourced communities as well as with college students and gifted and talented students. I have helped students with various disabilities become successful, and I am supremely confident that I can help you or your child with any challenge whatsoever.

I have taught AP...

I have been an educator since 2005, first in writing centers at the University of Texas, then in middle and high schools up and down the east coast, and now here in the Twin Cities. I have worked in under-served and under-resourced communities as well as with college students and gifted and talented students. I have helped students with various disabilities become successful, and I am supremely confident that I can help you or your child with any challenge whatsoever.

I have taught AP World History for many years and have had students score highly on the exam. I have also taught both modern and ancient world history courses at middle and high school levels.

I am also well versed in digital art, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Affinity Designer, and Nomad Sculpt. I use those skills to create art for my Etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/DerekMakesThings) and my instagram 3D modeling portfolio: (https://www.instagram.com/chzbun/)

My specialty is the writing process. Editing, proofreading, making both macro- and line-edits are the skills I have worked hardest to hone in my education and career. I can help with writer's block, ideation, organization, concision, and just about any other thing related to writing.

More than simply academics, I believe tutoring should involve understanding the whole student. I make a real effort to understand the social and emotional components of learning and help alleviate any obstacles you or your student may have between them and success.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you're interested in my services. I am eager to please.

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Education

The University of Texas
History
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

American History

American History

I have taught US History at the high school level both for standard credit and advanced placement credit (with passing rates that outpace the national average). I have taught English at the high school level for both language learners and advanced readers.
ASVAB

ASVAB

I have taught the academic portions of the ASVAB for over a decade. I am well versed in the test prep literature and test taking best practices. I personally took the ASVAB and got a perfect score, a $20,000 dollar signing bonus and a military intelligence assignment (full disclosure-I did not accept and am not a veteran).
English

English

I was trained by journalists, academics, and teachers during college to help any student with any skill level become a better writer. I've been tutoring writing for over a decade, and it is one of my passions. I have helped hundreds of students with personal statements and moved whole classes multiple points on their college entrance exams (ACT and SAT).
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have taught ELL classes in multiple contexts from Houston to Boston to Minneapolis. My students have been native speakers of multiple languages, and I have watched them improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening as measured by WIDA scores. I have also helped connect the ideas of language and thought, so that students can blossom linguistically as well as academically.
European History

European History

I have taught AP World History multiple times in a high school setting with passing rates that outpace the national average. I have helped students who were not skilled readers or writers find success in the course. I studied history in college and have pushed students to think like historians and take their knowledge beyond the classroom walls.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I have performed both scripted and improvisational scenes on stages in the US and abroad. I have a clear understanding of body language, vocal projection, and anxiety reduction techniques to help you succeed. I am also a trained expository writer who can help your organize your thoughts before we even address the speaking engagement directly. This is a passion of mine, and I'd love to help it become one of yours as well.
Study Skills

Study Skills

If you are disorganized or confused about how to study effectively, I can help. I was that way myself, but since having a child and starting a charter school, I have removed the chaos in my own life and learned how to put it all together. I have read many self-help books and attended "Together Teacher" workshops to help me distill my principles into practice, and I can help you become a better version of yourself without having to change everything.
World History

World History

I have taught AP World History multiple times in a high school setting with passing rates that outpace the national average. I have helped students who were not skilled readers or writers find success in the course. I studied history in college and have pushed students to think like historians and take their knowledge beyond the classroom walls.
Writing

Writing

I have taught writing for 15 years in various contexts. My students have outperformed their peers on nationally-normed exams (ACT, AP Tests, etc.). My students have gotten into Tier 1 colleges and universities. My students have began to see themselves as writers. I am trained in micro and macro editing, journalistic writing, fiction and non-fiction, and legal writing.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Algebra 1
Elementary Math
Elementary Science
GED
Geography
Government & Politics
Grammar
Literature
Philosophy
Physical Science
Political Science
Prealgebra
Proofreading
Psychology
Reading
Social Studies
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Derek has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 3 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Derek ’s answers ›
Derek D.'s Photo

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Response time: 32 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (89 ratings)
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Reviews

Superb AP World History Tutor!

Despite being asked for help on short notice, Mr. Derek came through with clear approach on how to make the most of the time you have. He helped identify the areas in which you are fuzzy and then brought in the sample test problems to go through with you on how to fill in those gaps. He knows the AP exam inside and out. In addition to his expertise, he is also very encouraging of your progress and roots for you to succeed. Mr. Derek is the ideal teacher - he has the knowledge, he knows how to convey the information, and he is emotionally supportive. There isn't more you can ask for. Thank you, Mr. Derek!

Theresa, 3 lessons with Derek

Amazing Teacher

It was an amazing and valuable Lesson! He answered all of my questions. Very detail oriented which helps ignite a certain level of thinking! Very happy.

Zoe, 1 lesson with Derek

Very Helpful

Derek answered the exact questions I came to him with. Very helpful to get where I want to go. Now that I know how this can work I will be keeping a inning list of questions for our next session. Thanks, Derek!

Ann, 1 lesson with Derek

Great Tutor!

Derek helped with my son’s college essays. He was very helpful with teaching about the writing process & how to think deeply about the topics assigned. I would definitely recommend him!

Laurie, 19 lessons with Derek

Great experience

Derek worked with my daughter to understand how to approach preparing for classroom tests. After just an hour she felt better prepared to take in information during class and apply it.

Lisa, 3 lessons with Derek

Just wonderful!

Derek is exactly what we were looking for in a tutor. He takes his time making sure my student understands the concepts. He is knowledgeable in his craft and I am grateful to have found him!

Janelle, 1 lesson with Derek

Knowledgeable and communicates well

Derek is very knowledgeable. He has helped my son better understand World History. He goes over the review sheet with my son. Thanks to Derek my son has improved his test scores.

Sonia , 5 lessons with Derek

Check in.

Talked about staying on task rather than trying to bulldoze through as many questions as possible and getting frustrated and keeping track of time put into it vs how fast I’m going we’re going to meet when we have a time that works for both of us

Jackson, 15 lessons with Derek

Great Teacher

Derek D. really helped me to understand the concepts and problems of what we were working on and provided me with multiple helpful practice tests to help me get ready for the ASVAB

Logan, 3 lessons with Derek

Excellent maths tutor/ ASVAB

I'm studying for the ASVAB and was looking for a tutor that could break things down to a level where I could understand the material. Derek got straight to the point, identified my weak areas, and developed a plan. He also recommended resources that would help me outside of the tutoring sessions. He was very thorough, and I barely felt the need to interject as he was explaining a concept because he didn't speak above or below my level of understanding. He is also very knowledgeable regarding the layout of the test and focuses specifically on the areas relevant to the test material. I would highly recommend choosing Derek if you need help in Maths/ASVAB material.

Lovee, 11 lessons with Derek
Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 32 minutes
Contact Derek