AP US History Specialist: College Board Consultant & Textbook Author

Mark D.

With over 20 years of classroom experience and a deep-rooted connection to the College Board, I offer a level of insight into the AP US History (APUSH) exam that few tutors can match. My goal is to demystify the "AP Way" of thinking, helping students bridge the gap between knowing historical facts and mastering the sophisticated skills required for a 5.

Expertise & Credentials
My approach is informed by my high-level involvement in the AP program:
1. Exam Development: I currently serve on the AP US History Test Development Committee, ensuring exam questions are fair and distinguish student mastery.
2. Lead Grader: As a Question Leader at the AP Reading, I oversee other graders for accuracy. I know exactly what readers look for in high-scoring essays.
3. Published Author: I am one of three AP authors for the 7th AP Edition of "Give Me Liberty!", a leading textbook in the field.
4. Teacher of Teachers: As a College Board Workshop Consultant, I train other AP educators on how to lead successful classrooms.

My Tutoring Philosophy & Methods
Teaching high school students for two decades has taught me that content knowledge is only half the battle. I focus on:
1. Writing Mastery: I specialize in the DBQ and LEQ, providing personalized, actionable feedback on how to effectively use evidence and develop "Complexity" in reasoning.
2. Strategic Prep: Using my insight into exam construction, I help students focus on the themes and time periods most likely to impact their scores.

Experience & Context
I have spent 20+ years in the classroom teaching students aged 14–18. My experience spans one-on-one mentorship, traditional classroom instruction, and national professional development. My students consistently outperform national averages, gaining the confidence and skills needed to excel on the national exam each May.