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Benjamin S.'s Photo
Benjamin S.'s Photo
Benjamin S.'s Photo

Benjamin S.

Helping students to learn and understand - with patience and empathy.

Helping students to learn and understand - with patience and empathy.

$30/hour

4.9 (197 ratings)

  • 566 hours tutoring

About Benjamin

Bio

There are no bad students - just inadequate instruction. Based on my experience of mentoring, teaching and tutoring I know that even difficult subjects can be made comprehensible. I have yet to encounter a student who failed to master what I was teaching. I do this by listening to each individual, by trying to understand their difficulties, even if unarticulated, and by helping them to devise their own solutions and their own methodologies. My motto is :

"It has to make sense to YOU!"...

There are no bad students - just inadequate instruction. Based on my experience of mentoring, teaching and tutoring I know that even difficult subjects can be made comprehensible. I have yet to encounter a student who failed to master what I was teaching. I do this by listening to each individual, by trying to understand their difficulties, even if unarticulated, and by helping them to devise their own solutions and their own methodologies. My motto is :

"It has to make sense to YOU!"

Consequently, I see it as my mission to help students to get to that place by teaching them how to think systematically; how to learn; how to persist and how to become life-long learners.

I was educated at Columbia University and in "The Graduate School of Life". I have BS in Electrical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and 35 years of research and teaching experience

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Education

Columbia University Engineering
E.E.
Columbia University GSAS
PhD

Policies

Schedule

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Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Subjects

Business

GRE

Corporate Training

Hebrew,

Hebrew

I learned Hebrew as a 13-year old in three months and it has become my native tongue.
Polish

Polish

I used Polish as an exclusive language until the age. of13 and have never. lost my facility with it.

Elementary Education

Elementary Math

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I understand math well, and I know to impart my knowledge to others. My philosophy of teaching can be summarized in a phrase: “IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE TO YOU !!!!”. I use a variety of approaches to make sure that my students get to the point where they really understand the basics of the topics they are working to master. Different approaches are needed for each student but I have yet to encounter an individual who cannot learn, given the proper guidance.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I am fluent in the language is science (math) and I quite a bit of experience using, teaching and tutoring math, physics, chemistry and biology with more than a modicum of success.
Biology,

Biology

I have worked for over 25 years as a research biochemist and have an excellent grasp of the field. I have also spent several years teaching biology at the High School and Middle School level. This latter experience allowed me to expand my view of biology beyond biochemistry and molecular biology. During my teaching years I realized that I am (with all due modesty) a very good teacher who has been able to teach and excite student of all abilities and interests in biology an, just important, teach them to think and ask questions.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I have been fascinated by chemistry ever since I learned in 7th grade about the compilation of the periodic Table by Mendeleev in what in its time (19th century) an act of mad genius. I have always done well in chemistry courses and, for 25 years I have worked as a research biochemist trying to understand the chemistry of life. I love teaching and (with all due modesty) I am quite good at it. MY operating motto and principle by which I approach each student is: "It has to make sense to YOU." This means that I individualize my instruction to each student and explain the subject to them at their level and with a language that they understand.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have always loved math and one of the high points of my academic experience was Eucledian geometry in the eight or ninth grade. I enjoy tutoring and I enjoy doing this successfully with a number of students (mostly not through Wyzant's platform). In my work I use a variety of approaches to make sure that each of my students gets to the point where she (he) understands the basics of the topics they are working to master. I have found that such understanding is much more effective than rote learning of formulas or memorization.
Physics,

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have tutored successfully for SAT math which is a test that requires not only knowledge of the subject but also, and sometimes, primarily good test taking skills. I know that I can be extremely helpful in both aspects of this test.
Prealgebra

Language

Hebrew,

Hebrew

I learned Hebrew as a 13-year old in three months and it has become my native tongue.
Polish

Polish

I used Polish as an exclusive language until the age. of13 and have never. lost my facility with it.

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

I feel very comfortable teaching math at all levels and I found myself able to adapt to many learning styles (all of them, so far), including what's on the ACT.
Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I understand math well, and I know to impart my knowledge to others. My philosophy of teaching can be summarized in a phrase: “IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE TO YOU !!!!”. I use a variety of approaches to make sure that my students get to the point where they really understand the basics of the topics they are working to master. Different approaches are needed for each student but I have yet to encounter an individual who cannot learn, given the proper guidance.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I am fluent in the language is science (math) and I quite a bit of experience using, teaching and tutoring math, physics, chemistry and biology with more than a modicum of success.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have always loved math and one of the high points of my academic experience was Eucledian geometry in the eight or ninth grade. I enjoy tutoring and I enjoy doing this successfully with a number of students (mostly not through Wyzant's platform). In my work I use a variety of approaches to make sure that each of my students gets to the point where she (he) understands the basics of the topics they are working to master. I have found that such understanding is much more effective than rote learning of formulas or memorization.
Physics,

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have tutored successfully for SAT math which is a test that requires not only knowledge of the subject but also, and sometimes, primarily good test taking skills. I know that I can be extremely helpful in both aspects of this test.
Trigonometry,

Trigonometry

I find trigonometry fascinating and ingenious. As a student I loved learning it and have used it in my career extensively. The only irksome fact about trigonometry are some of the identities but there is one identity equation which all students should know namely: cos(x) [squared] + sin (x) (squared] = 1. knowing this and the definitions of trigonometric functions will get you through most trigonometric problems.
Prealgebra

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I understand math well, and I know to impart my knowledge to others. My philosophy of teaching can be summarized in a phrase: “IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE TO YOU !!!!”. I use a variety of approaches to make sure that my students get to the point where they really understand the basics of the topics they are working to master. Different approaches are needed for each student but I have yet to encounter an individual who cannot learn, given the proper guidance.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I am fluent in the language is science (math) and I quite a bit of experience using, teaching and tutoring math, physics, chemistry and biology with more than a modicum of success.
Biology,

Biology

I have worked for over 25 years as a research biochemist and have an excellent grasp of the field. I have also spent several years teaching biology at the High School and Middle School level. This latter experience allowed me to expand my view of biology beyond biochemistry and molecular biology. During my teaching years I realized that I am (with all due modesty) a very good teacher who has been able to teach and excite student of all abilities and interests in biology an, just important, teach them to think and ask questions.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I have been fascinated by chemistry ever since I learned in 7th grade about the compilation of the periodic Table by Mendeleev in what in its time (19th century) an act of mad genius. I have always done well in chemistry courses and, for 25 years I have worked as a research biochemist trying to understand the chemistry of life. I love teaching and (with all due modesty) I am quite good at it. MY operating motto and principle by which I approach each student is: "It has to make sense to YOU." This means that I individualize my instruction to each student and explain the subject to them at their level and with a language that they understand.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have always loved math and one of the high points of my academic experience was Eucledian geometry in the eight or ninth grade. I enjoy tutoring and I enjoy doing this successfully with a number of students (mostly not through Wyzant's platform). In my work I use a variety of approaches to make sure that each of my students gets to the point where she (he) understands the basics of the topics they are working to master. I have found that such understanding is much more effective than rote learning of formulas or memorization.
Physics,

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"
Prealgebra

Science

Biochemistry,

Biochemistry

I have a Ph.D in biochemistry and I performed hands-on bench research for 25+ years. I love the field and I think that it is one of the most exciting (and demanding) fields of science. I have been successful in mentoring and teaching dozen of students at all levels and I know that I can do it for you.
Biology,

Biology

I have worked for over 25 years as a research biochemist and have an excellent grasp of the field. I have also spent several years teaching biology at the High School and Middle School level. This latter experience allowed me to expand my view of biology beyond biochemistry and molecular biology. During my teaching years I realized that I am (with all due modesty) a very good teacher who has been able to teach and excite student of all abilities and interests in biology an, just important, teach them to think and ask questions.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I have been fascinated by chemistry ever since I learned in 7th grade about the compilation of the periodic Table by Mendeleev in what in its time (19th century) an act of mad genius. I have always done well in chemistry courses and, for 25 years I have worked as a research biochemist trying to understand the chemistry of life. I love teaching and (with all due modesty) I am quite good at it. MY operating motto and principle by which I approach each student is: "It has to make sense to YOU." This means that I individualize my instruction to each student and explain the subject to them at their level and with a language that they understand.
Physics

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I understand math well, and I know to impart my knowledge to others. My philosophy of teaching can be summarized in a phrase: “IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE TO YOU !!!!”. I use a variety of approaches to make sure that my students get to the point where they really understand the basics of the topics they are working to master. Different approaches are needed for each student but I have yet to encounter an individual who cannot learn, given the proper guidance.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I am fluent in the language is science (math) and I quite a bit of experience using, teaching and tutoring math, physics, chemistry and biology with more than a modicum of success.
Biology,

Biology

I have worked for over 25 years as a research biochemist and have an excellent grasp of the field. I have also spent several years teaching biology at the High School and Middle School level. This latter experience allowed me to expand my view of biology beyond biochemistry and molecular biology. During my teaching years I realized that I am (with all due modesty) a very good teacher who has been able to teach and excite student of all abilities and interests in biology an, just important, teach them to think and ask questions.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I have been fascinated by chemistry ever since I learned in 7th grade about the compilation of the periodic Table by Mendeleev in what in its time (19th century) an act of mad genius. I have always done well in chemistry courses and, for 25 years I have worked as a research biochemist trying to understand the chemistry of life. I love teaching and (with all due modesty) I am quite good at it. MY operating motto and principle by which I approach each student is: "It has to make sense to YOU." This means that I individualize my instruction to each student and explain the subject to them at their level and with a language that they understand.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have always loved math and one of the high points of my academic experience was Eucledian geometry in the eight or ninth grade. I enjoy tutoring and I enjoy doing this successfully with a number of students (mostly not through Wyzant's platform). In my work I use a variety of approaches to make sure that each of my students gets to the point where she (he) understands the basics of the topics they are working to master. I have found that such understanding is much more effective than rote learning of formulas or memorization.
Physics,

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have tutored successfully for SAT math which is a test that requires not only knowledge of the subject but also, and sometimes, primarily good test taking skills. I know that I can be extremely helpful in both aspects of this test.
GED

Test Preparation

ACT Math,

ACT Math

I feel very comfortable teaching math at all levels and I found myself able to adapt to many learning styles (all of them, so far), including what's on the ACT.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

I have tutored successfully for SAT math which is a test that requires not only knowledge of the subject but also, and sometimes, primarily good test taking skills. I know that I can be extremely helpful in both aspects of this test.
GED, GRE

Examples of Expertise

Benjamin has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 9 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Benjamin ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (197 ratings)
5 star
(189)
4 star
(7)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

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All reviews

Featured review

Amazing tutor

Unfortunately I found Benjamin very late in the semester and there is only so much that can be done in such a short amount of time. His willingness and drive to help me succeed is unmatched. He’s able to make difficult concepts simple and helped me comprehend topics through my homework and various examples. I will be returning to him whenever I’m needing tutoring again. He’s wonderful, patient and readily available. Can’t wait to work with him again!

Lauren, 8 lessons with Benjamin

Great tutor!

Benjamin was a fantastic tutor for my daughter. He was patient and very knowledgeable and explained the biology work in a clear manner that was easy for her to understand. We will absolutely use him again!

Elizabeth, 2 lessons with Benjamin

Great explanations!

Professor Benjamin explained the concepts that I was learning clearly which were the laws of thermodynamics. He used simple and everyday examples. He certainly made sure that I understood why enthalpy, entropy, and free energy work they way they do and how they work together to explain reactions.

David, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Very knowledgeable and patient.

Benjamin knows how to explain very complicated physics problems. He teaches you how to think and then solve the problem, while explaining how the equation you are using was derived. He is also very flexible with time, which is super important and helpful.

Sandra, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Very patient tutor

Ben has been a fantastic tutor and has been very patient with my son throughout his Algebra 2 lessons. He's very thorough with his explanations and will break down any problem so that it is simple to understand.

Mihee, 3 lessons with Benjamin

The right match that my son needed

Ben taught Chemistry to my Sophomore son today. My son ended happy, liked Ben as a tutor, and wants to keep him for the remaining of the year. Ben was willing to help him in other subjects too, making him reasoning and getting the concepts.

Angeline, 7 lessons with Benjamin

Excellent tutor

I was in a time crunch trying to understand a chemistry concept and calculation at night and Benjamin responded to my request right away. He was very patient and walked me through every step until I felt comfortable doing it on my own. He also took the time to assess my general techniques to help improve my study and test taking skills. I will definitely be calling him back for future tutoring needs!

Ana, 1 lesson with Benjamin

did great

He used different variations of ways to get my son to understand element configuration. Will use him again for sure!

Mason, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Knowledgeable and Patient

Very professional and helpful especially at the last minute. My son was able to grasp the material easily. Benjamin is patient in his demeanor and explains things in a simple manner

Andrea, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Very patient

Benjamin was extremely patient with me and made sure I actually understood what I had trouble with. He didn’t mind explaining more than once in detail and used different examples when I wouldn’t understand from the first time

Jolie, 1 lesson with Benjamin
Contact Benjamin

Response time: 2 hours

$30/hour

Benjamin S.'s Photo

Benjamin S.

$30/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Benjamin

Response time: 2 hours