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Master Teacher Tutoring on the Side
Derek D.

5.0 (103 ratings)

152 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $70
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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

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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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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (103 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

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping our 10th grader with a complex English assignment. He does a wonderful job of breaking the prompts down in a way that our son can understand.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping our 10th grader with a history writing assignment. He does an excellent job of breaking things down in a way our son understands!

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping our 10th grader with an English poetry assignment. Derek does an excellent job of breaking things down and explaining things in a way our son understands.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping our 10th grader with an English poetry assignment. Derek does an excellent job of breaking things down and explaining things in a way our son understands.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping our 10th grader with an English poetry assignment. Derek does an excellent job of breaking things down and explaining things in a way our son understands.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been great with helping out son organize his thoughts for a history essay. Derek is a great tutor!

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been extremely helpful in tutoring our 10th grader with English! They are currently working on a poetry assignment and Derek does a great job of breaking things down and helping our son get going to do the work on his own, with guidance.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been extremely helpful in tutoring our 10th grader with English and has now started helping him with US History. Looking forward to seeing how working with Derek helps our son with history!

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek

excellent tutor!

Derek has been extremely helpful in tutoring our 10th grader with his English writing assignments. He is not only helping with understanding individual assignments but also with teaching writing and assessment skills that our son can use on future papers and essays.

Kim, 15 lessons with Derek
Hourly Rate: $70
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