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Great opportunities to enhance knowledge and test-taking scores
David B.

4.9 (160 ratings)

852 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $50
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About David

Bio

I am a lifelong learner, teacher and education advocate. I have 50 years experience working with sciences, math, safety, reading/writing/grammar/spelling, business planning and environmental studies. I recently retired from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's Molecular Foundry, a DOE nanotechnology research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. I had an extensive career in semiconductor microelectronics and business operations for technical organizations in industry, academia and...

I am a lifelong learner, teacher and education advocate. I have 50 years experience working with sciences, math, safety, reading/writing/grammar/spelling, business planning and environmental studies. I recently retired from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's Molecular Foundry, a DOE nanotechnology research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. I had an extensive career in semiconductor microelectronics and business operations for technical organizations in industry, academia and government service. I also have an extensive background in Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) as well as auditing experience in ISO processes. Finally, I have been tutoring students in both specific subject areas as well as standard tests preparation for over 30 years. I offer my students a multifaceted approach to both learning and knowledge application, as well as advice on and practice for successful test-taking strategies. I work with my students to establish and then develop their capabilities by guiding them safely through the difficult and unfamiliar.

My general approach to tutoring is to first understand the scope of the tutoring project by communicating with the learner and parents (where applicable). I provide an estimate of how long - number of hours of study ans well as tutor interface time - the tutoring experience will take to achieve the student's (and parental) desired outcome. In this way, each of us know expectations and deliverable components of our interactions. I continuously provide an ongoing assessment of all progress (and setbacks) towards mutually expected outcomes after my tutoring session. I prefer to engage with a prospective student before the first lessons are scheduled to ensure positive synergy in the student-tutor relationship.

I specialize in preparing my students for college, university and graduate school standardized admission qualification test preparation - a significantly different set of skills than are needed for single subject or discipline mastery. I work with my students t

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Education

San Jose State University
Chemistry and English
Idaho State University
Masters

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Rates are per student hour and do NOT include travel time.
  • Travel policy: Within 25 miles of Fargo, ND 58104
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/22/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I believe there is a writer inside each of my students - sometime more deeply hidden in some than others - and with encouragement and efficient guidance, each can become a better written communicator. Through use of effective grammatical parsing of words, I work with my students to understand the origin of word roots that provide insight into word meanings and allow them to outperform their peers in tests. I also help a student to dissect a paragraph to ascertain what an effective author is trying to communicate to her/his audience. I dearly love those intricate natures of the English language and attempt to promote and convey that beauty to my motivated students!
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

Along with an English minor in college, I have an extensive background in evaluating essays, letters and technical reports from my scientific career. I work with students to dissect an essay or prose piece to help understand what an author is ACTUALLY trying to communicate. I work with my students on vocabulary awareness to ensure there are no unfamiliar words in a piece that could potentially confuse or confound an aspiring reader's mind. I also work with students who are less than thrilled about reading by showing them the beauty in a well written book, story or essay!
ACT Science

ACT Science

I have Bachelor's degrees in chemistry and English, as well as Master's in chemistry and environmental engineering. I work with my students to explain the concepts behind the equations so that problems on homework or exams are easier to comprehend and then solve! I enjoy working with students who are very motivated to understand - not just memorize their lessons.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I have been successfully tutoring algebra for high school, college admissions (SAT, ACT, GRE) and college students over the past 30 years. I tremendously enjoy working with a student and derive significant satisfaction when success is at hand) in helping them understand the basis for concepts and equations used in their studies, as well as how to study for their exams to help ensure their highest possible grade. I enjoy engaging with motivated students who want to excel and push to attain the highest possible achievements.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I have been successfully tutoring algebra for high school, college admissions (SAT, ACT, GRE) and college students over the past 30 years. I tremendously enjoy working with a student and derive significant satisfaction when success is at hand) in helping them understand the basis for concepts and equations used in their studies, as well as how to study for their exams to help ensure their highest possible grade. I enjoy engaging with motivated students who want to excel and push to attain the highest possible achievements.
ASVAB

ASVAB

I have effectively used my math and English capabilities to help pre-military students in optimizing their 4 categories AFQT percentile ranking needed in all military service entrance qualification scores. Through knowledge refreshment and strong test taking strategies enhancements, I use my employment background to work with students in properly preparing them for the military service of choice. The ASVAB battery of tests is considered a challenge for many who seek to enter the military, but with hard work and a motivation to succeed, I have a 100% student qualification record over 4 years!
Business

Business

I have extensive career experience in business operations, product marketing, and consulting for new technology start-ups and training program development for multiple types of business organizations and their employees. I have my own successful consulting company which I run as a sole proprietorship. I have helped many scientists prepare and present their ideas to venture capitalists and angel investors to obtain multiple rounds of funding. Finally, I have been a successful financial marketing analyst for manufacturing groups via analysis and control of critical factors that determine the average selling price needed to ensure operational success.
Career Development

Career Development

I have mentored students at the high school and undergraduate college level for over 30 years. I have also worked with employees to help them select career paths for which they seem to have an aptitude, based on working together in industry. I have tutored many colleagues in subjects where I was also the manager or supervisor responsible for my employers' workforce development. I recently mentored a Masters of Science student and then worked with potential employers to market the student's skills.
Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

My career has spanned over 50 years of using my formal chemistry education and applying my knowledge to problems that needed solving. In my recent past, I have worked on teams that were attempting to create viable artificial photosynthesis, hydrogen fuels, efficient new thermoelectric materials, and helping in the quest to design integrated systems that can be applied to these engineering challenges. I am skilled at considering the diverse impacts of chemical engineered systems, including costs, environmental and marketability.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I have an extensive educational and work background in chemistry. I have earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in chemistry and engineering. I work with a student to promote their understanding and application of fundamental concepts in atomic structure, the periodic table, valence, solving redox equations, and chemical thermodynamics. Once a student masters a concept, I help them to apply knowledge to homework and tests for earning the highest grades possible. As a chemist myself, I help a student with mastering their best approach to understanding the world in which they live and the chemical make-up of our amazing planet.
College Counseling

College Counseling

My background experience includes working with both undergrads and grad students in guiding their formal education to prepare them for careers in science and engineering. In this capacity, I was employed at Idaho State University (1992-1995) and University of Alaska Fairbanks (2001-2006) where these activities were part of my job descriptions; in both instances, I utilized my position as team manager to counsel students and define recommended college courses to take. I also have had an extensive career in personnel management of both small and large teams of employees in many successful organizations throughout the world. I found that combining work duties with formal education electives offered students a stronger than average chance of succeeding in academic efforts. I also recently completed mentoring a Masters of Science student in industrial engineering (she graduated and successfully defended her thesis in autumn 2013 at the University of Catania in Sicily). By using a combination of her one year work internship integrated with her course work and thesis preparation, she successfully prepared herself for work (January, 2014) in technical operations at a large multinational corporation based in Italy.
Ecology

Ecology

I have an extensive background in performing ecological measurement methods and data analyses that I share with my students. I am chief water scientist for a stream water purity group that reports their findings to regulatory agencies and community organizations. I work with my students in high school and college to understand and apply the scientific method to ecology projects in the Treasure Valley and throughout the state of ID. I hope you will consider contacting me to discuss and plan for your educational needs in ecology!
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I have been an elementary math tutor for nearly a decade - and have enjoyed good success working with children from 8 years through 14 years of age. I am somewhat "old school" in that I believe in the critical importance of solving problems though application of simple rules and relationships that I work to explain. This provides the student with a solid basis for later excellence in geometry, trigonometry and algebra. Although I believe a calculator has its place in learning, I teach my students to rely on their abilities to solve problems without using these devices - because it does no good to use a calculator unless the student understands the basis for a problem needing to be solved!
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

Young minds want to learn how the world operates, whether it's a computer, a cell phone or simply how light can exhibit itself as both wave and particle. In the right learning environment a student can be encouraged to explore both what they see as well as what may not (yet) be visible. I am patient, and I encourage independence of thought from my science student - because I take seriously their preparation for the pursuit of knowledge as well as its application to solving our planet's problems!
English

English

I possess a minor in English writing from San Jose State University. I have been a dedicated practitioner of good English usage and application throughout both my academic and employment careers. I believe there is strong justification for a student to both learn and practice strong English skills in their academics to help ensure the receipt of exceptional grades. With encouragement and efficient guidance, each student can become a better communicator. Through use of effective grammatical parsing of words, I work with my students to understand the origin of word roots that provide insight into word meanings and allow them to outperform their peers in tests. I also help a student to dissect a paragraph to ascertain what an effective author is trying to communicate to her/his audience. I dearly love those intricate natures of the English language and attempt to promote and convey that beauty to my motivated students!
GED

GED

My experience with students desiring to earn their GED includes working with those who must work to support themselves or a family through adults who choose to get their GED diploma later in their adult lives. The information encountered and tested in the GED requires a tutor who has an ability to explain diverse concepts and answer questions over a wide range of subjects. I work closely with my students to ensure they are properly prepared to meet the challenges in the series of GED examinations!
Geometry

Geometry

Geometry is the math subject of which I am most passionate! In working with students to understand its theorems, proofs and applications, I draw on real life situations that allow my students to picture in one, two or three dimensions the ways geometry affects our lives each and every day. I believe that interests in geometric figures are learned - and a good deal more interesting to consider when tied to real life situations!
Grammar

Grammar

I believe there is a writer inside each of my students - sometime more deeply hidden in some than others - and with encouragement and efficient guidance, each can become a better written communicator. Through use of effective grammatical parsing of words, I work with my students to understand the origin of word roots that provide insight into word meanings and allow them to outperform their peers in tests. I also help a student to dissect a paragraph to ascertain what an effective author is trying to communicate to her/his audience. I dearly love those intricate natures of the English language and attempt to promote and convey that beauty to my motivated students!
GRE

GRE

I have helped many students prepare for the graduate school of their choice through an understanding and application of test taking strategies, knowledge refreshment and the critical writing skills a student will need to be successful in graduate school. I help to remove cobwebs of past knowledge off the neurons needed to excel in the GRE. I have helped over 50 students in the last 5 years to not just pass their GRE the first time, but also to optimize their scores in both quantitative and verbal reasoning test sections. I encourage a student to study hard in preparation for the GRE, but find (as they do) that the benefits far outweigh the efforts involved. I hope you will offer me a chance to work with you as you prepare for what might well become the most important aspect of your formal education!
Literature

Literature

As a lifelong reader, I have developed a strong sense of deciphering the messages that writers are trying to deliver. Through careful and detailed analyses of written essays, short stories, and works of both fiction and non-fiction, I work with many students to help ensure they have understood a writer's intent to deliver powerful and effective words and phrases. Through detailed study of their writings, I urge my students to seek out meaning and style in the works of both historically significant and emerging authors!
Marketing

Marketing

I have worked in technical marketing for several large organizations, both in the U.S. as well as Europe from 1978 through 1995. As the international product marketing manager for AMI (American Microsystems, Inc.), I represented my employer to both domestic and international customers (IBM; General Motors; Nintendo; Ricoh, etc.) In this work, I represented AMI and its products to customers as well as providing feedback to improve AMI's overall chances for business success. Beginning in 1996 and continuing over the next 30 years, I have also been performing my own marketing services for my sole proprietorship consulting company; these efforts have been very successful and continue to bring in new business in my retirement. I also do my own marketing to represent myself to new potential students via WyzAnt, as well as direct contact with teachers and school administrators; the association with WyzAnt began about 2 years ago and has led to an increasing number of students being attracted by my marketing efforts.
Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

I have a Master's degree in chemistry and engineering processes, which focused on environmental remediation and habitat restoration of areas that had organic contaminants. I have worked for greater than 50 years with both organic and inorganic chemicals, including advanced artificial photosynthesis, thermoelectric materials, organic LEDs and organic solvents used in advanced manufacturing processes.
Physical Science

Physical Science

I am a physical scientist by experience and have been involved with training others in hands-on physical sciences (chemistry, physics, geology, materials, water, air) for more than 50 years. Because of my extensive scientific career, I am capable to easily explain and provide relevant examples of how physical scientific principles can be applied to our everyday problems. I approach learning from a student's mastery of fundamental concepts and then application to their scholastic problems - something a formal education instructor likely cannot accomplish from firsthand experience!
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I have tutored more than 50 students in prealgebra subjects (trigonometry; geometry; graphs; basic equations; single and multiple unknowns) normally encountered in their middle school curriculum. I attempt to explain basic concepts behind these subjects so a student can choose - and feel confident in their choice - of the proper and relevant application to the problem for solution on homework or in a test!
Proofreading

Proofreading

As a lifelong writer, I have learned that the worst thing to happen to other writers (and me, of course!) is to misspell a word or use the word incorrectly in an important piece of writing. I work with my students to explain the rules of grammar and usage to ensure they have a minimum number of errors in their draft passages - but also how to identify the subtle-but-still-in-error usages that are not caught by automated grammar or context/syntax systems. Whether your student is looking for assistance in writing English papers, lab reports, or their own web pages, proofing is a critically important and needed skill in a student's arsenal of intelligence!
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I have been involved in public speaking as a marketing representative who provided product information for customers. I have also been an animal rights activist who debated the pros and cons of animal abuse in several states of residence. I have represented my employers in dealing with OSHA and EPA proceedings where a strong understanding of the technical issues needed to be clearly communicated to groups of stakeholders as well as using simple verbal explanations in response to their questions. For the past 29 years, I have been the sole proprietor of Headon Designs Consultants; as such I develop and present environmental, health and safety training to educational, public, private and government entities. To date, I have presented over 1500 hours of training courses in clear concise terms that contains the results of constantly updated information. I have a minor in English from San Jose State University in California and enjoy communicating the wonders of science and technology to audiences who are eager to better understand difficult concepts and their impact on their daily lives.
Reading

Reading

Reading students are often required to be capable of quickly understanding specific written pieces under the constraint of time. This skill is critical to overall academic success and can best be learned and applied through practice. I work with students to carefully read for rapid identification of a work's theme, key words and phrases, and to use its grammatical references needed to correctly respond to questions posed in their classroom assignments. While these reading skills are important, I also prepare the student for exams with effective test-taking strategies, demonstrating how one can eliminate obviously incorrect potential answer choices, thus optimizing the proper selection of a correct response!
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have tutored many students in their preparation for the SAT - both with and without the use of a calculator! I encourage my many previous students to understand basic math concepts and then apply them to define a best approach to obtaining the correct solution in the least amount of time. I encourage a student to think about, understand and then apply multiple math concepts to a specific problem, based on the fundamental approaches that can be utilized to obtain the "right" answer!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

SAT students are required to be capable of reading and then quickly understanding specific written pieces under the constraint of time. This skill is critical to SAT success and can best be learned and applied through practice. I work with my SAT students to carefully read for rapid identification of a work's theme, key words and phrases, and to use its grammatical references needed to correctly respond to SAT questions. While these skills are important, I also prepare the student with test-taking strategies, demonstrating how to eliminate obviously incorrect potential answer choices, thus optimizing their selection of correct responses!
Soccer

Soccer

I have been a soccer player in the U.S. and Europe for over 40 years. I have coached both youth and adult teams and hold a National "D" license. I have refereed soccer games for men, women and children over the last 20 years. Most recently, I was certified as a referee in California in 2012. I am also an avid soccer spectator who follows English Premier League, German Bundeslega, and Dutch Erdedivisie games on TV to improve my knowledge of players and team styles throughout the world.
Spelling

Spelling

I have been a writer for over 50 years - and can attest to the importance of the correct spelling ( definitions and proofreading) and proper word usage in all forms of writing. I work with my students to increase their active vocabulary and word application to their written works. I go beyond spell check and grammar check which I consider to be both time wasters and a substitute for efficient language use. I encourage student study of new words and their meanings to increase communication effectiveness!
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have been an independent tutor for nearly 30 years through my consulting business. I earned a 4.00 GPA in graduate school and never got less than a "B" on any test I took. As a member of the American Chemical Society, I tutored students in need during sessions at National and regional ACS meetings. Finally, I have tutored my daughter (now a senior in high school) with study skills in all subjects; she currently has a 3.78 GPA as well as a National Honor Society member. I have also mentored employees who worked for me as they prepared for tests (many employers require at least a "B" be earned by the student in order to pay for their tuition and books).
TEAS

TEAS

I have earned multiple academic degrees in areas of chemistry, English and environmental engineering between 1963 and 1995; that allow me to tutor many students for TEAS IV and V; this helped me prepare students to excel in their new academic challenges of admission tests in nursing academic areas. Thus, my combination of education and experience allows me to tutor pre-nursing students in TEAS V, which are focused on basic essential knowledge at the 10th-12th grade level. While enrolled in graduate school between 1992 - 1995, I tutored hundreds of undergraduate students in the sciences related to nursing, including industrial hygiene, data interpretation, report writing and the statistical interpretation of data - all skills that will be needed in being accepted to and graduating from nursing schools in the U.S.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have been a writer for over 50 years - and can attest to the importance of the correct spelling (definitions and proofreading) and proper word usage in all forms of writing. I work with my students to increase their active vocabulary and word application to their written works. I go beyond spell check and grammar check which I consider to be both time wasters and a substitute for efficient language use. I encourage student study of new words and their meanings to increase communication effectiveness!
Writing

Writing

I believe there is a writer inside each of my students - sometime more deeply hidden in some than others - and with encouragement and efficient guidance, each can become a better written communicator. Through use of effective grammatical parsing of words, I work with my students to understand the origin of word roots that provide insight into word meanings and allow them to outperform their peers in tests. I also help a student to dissect a paragraph to ascertain what an effective author is trying to communicate to her/his audience. I dearly love those intricate natures of the English language and attempt to promote and convey that beauty to my motivated students!
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (160 ratings)
5 star
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4 star
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3 star
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Reviews

Great tutor!

David has been really great to work with! I leave each tutoring session feeling more confident in my abilities! He is very patient and encouraging.

Katie, 9 lessons with David

Extremely good teacher!! Very nice!

David B. really knows his material and is very patient while helping you understand the concept. I worked on college chemistry with him and this is the first assignment that I felt like I actually understood what was going on and felt confident I could do it again. I look forward to continuing to tutor with him!

Annabelle, 17 lessons with David

Knowledgable and patient

He taught fractions to my son, in a manner that was easy to process and understand. He was patient and thorough. He did influence in a positive manner. I would recommend him to others.

Bess, 8 lessons with David

Great Chemistry tutor

David was on time and made the best of every minute he was with my son. I highly recommend David.

Tony, 1 lesson with David

Excellent tutor

Davids tutorials were excellent, particularly in helping me better grasp principals I thought I understood well! I would thoroughly recommend him to any chemistry students.

Neil, 2 lessons with David

GREAT TUTOR!!

David helped me with understanding the material better in Algebra 2. He was great at explaining and was very patient. I appreciate how positive he is and that he checks in to see how I have done.

Hailey, 2 lessons with David

Seemed very knowledgeable.

David was patient and kind. If we had more time, we would utilize him greater. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time and the curriculum (chemistry) was a bit of a hurdle for the student. We realized that a 1:1 tutor is not the optimal solution for the need.

Doug, 1 lesson with David

Very good tutor

I have an essay with a very tight timeline. David was able to help me quickly. His turnover time is amazing. I highly recommend him to everyone because he cares about his students.

James, 2 lessons with David

Well spoken and informative

Geometry and thought processes were discussed for an excellent session. We appreciate the input towards building the foundation of mathematical concepts and content.

Kellie , 12 lessons with David

Patient and wise!

David did an excellent job of breaking down a complex subject and really helped to answe my daughter's questions right out of the gate. We will definitely rely on him for future help and recommend him highly. We also appreciated his very quick response to our initial inquiry. Thank you, David!

Gina, 1 lesson with David
Hourly Rate: $50
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