Search
Jonathan S.'s Photo

20-Yr Certified Teacher | 1500+ SAT, AP, Math & English Coaching
Jonathan S.

5.0 (21 ratings)

150 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $85
Contact Jonathan
Meet Jonathan S.
Report Video

About Jonathan

Bio

With a BA in secondary education from SUNY Geneseo (recognized as a "Public Ivy"), California State Certification, and over 10,000 virtual teaching hours across 20+ years, I specialize in transforming how students process info and dominate high-stakes exams. My background lets me comfortably swing from accelerating gifted learners to building cognitive systems for neurodivergent students with IEP or 504 plans. Bypassing passive rote memorization, I focus on building core critical thinking,...

With a BA in secondary education from SUNY Geneseo (recognized as a "Public Ivy"), California State Certification, and over 10,000 virtual teaching hours across 20+ years, I specialize in transforming how students process info and dominate high-stakes exams. My background lets me comfortably swing from accelerating gifted learners to building cognitive systems for neurodivergent students with IEP or 504 plans. Bypassing passive rote memorization, I focus on building core critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and data-driven decoding strategies that deliver proven, elite score increases—including 1500+ SAT performance.

Whether guiding high schoolers through college-level AP Chemistry stoichiometry equations or coaching candidates to conquer standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, ISEE, HSPT, GED, and Regents, my methods rest on real-time accountability. I create a highly engaging, structured digital environment centering on real scenario practice and immediate, actionable feedback to eliminate learning gaps and calculation traps before exam day arrives.

Beyond my academic background, I bring an elite creative edge to my instructional design as an award-winning, international best-selling novelist and screenwriter with over 160 international awards and honors. I am a Barnes & Noble and Kirkus-recommended author with work in the Library of Congress. I serve as a feature film script doctor and have had projects commissioned by producers tied to Disney, Sony, and Universal, alongside a script optioned by the producer of the American Pie and Final Destination franchises.

I’m currently based in Mexico City and speak fluent Spanish, bringing a rich international perspective to my practice. As a multidisciplinary artist who has subtitled Mexican cinema and writes songs for a cinematic rock project, I fuse narrative structural mastery, translation precision, and high-impact communication into my teaching, making abstract analytical concepts uniquely accessible.

Read more

Education

SUNY at Geneseo
History
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $85
  • Rate details: Base rate covers 1-on-1 core K-12 academic support. Inquire for discounted group micro-pods, multi-hour prep packages, or specialized high-stakes Digital SAT/ACT test prep strategies.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/30/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Jonathan hasn’t set a schedule.

We’re having trouble loading this schedule right now. Please try again later.

Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I am a 20-year certified master educator, award-winning novelist, and industry-represented screenwriter specializing in high-stakes ACT English prep. My specialized test-prep curriculum weaves real-world communication logic directly into grammar mechanics, rhetorical strategy, and essay writing tracks. I show students exactly how to beat the "illusion of competence" built by automated school apps so they can answer with total accuracy under strict time pressure. Over two decades, I have helped hundreds of teenagers conquer testing anxiety, build independent critical reasoning, and clear elite university entrance scores.
ACT Math

ACT Math

I am a 20+ year California State-Certified Master Educator and expert curriculum architect specializing in secondary mathematics frameworks, including Geometry and Intermediate Algebra. My specialized high-stakes ACT Math track is engineered to eliminate the "illusion of competence" caused by digital shortcuts, focusing heavily on raw conceptual logic and strategic pacing. Through a rigorous, data-driven intake protocol using standardized testing baselines, I surgically map a student's exact operational strengths and mathematical blind spots. Over two decades of live digital instruction, I have empowered hundreds of students to build strict testing endurance, master complex problem-solving tracks, and clear elite university benchmarks.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

I am a 20-year certified master educator, award-winning novelist, and screenwriter specializing in advanced reading comprehension tracks. My high-stakes ACT Reading framework integrates real-world story structure and professional-grade communication logic directly into your student's test prep. I show teenagers exactly how to beat the "illusion of competence" built by automated school apps so they can analyze complex text accurately under strict time pressure. Over two decades, I have helped hundreds of high schoolers conquer test anxiety, master reading pacing, and reach elite scores for competitive university admissions.
ACT Science

ACT Science

I am a 20-year certified master educator with a 10,000-hour digital instruction pedigree across core biology, chemistry, and physics tracks. My advanced ACT Science curriculum is engineered to build the rapid chart analysis, data interpretation skills, and independent reasoning needed to conquer the exam. We completely bypass slow general overviews to instantly isolate your student's precise pacing bottlenecks and conflicting viewpoint gaps. Over two decades, I have successfully empowered hundreds of high school students to eliminate automated crutches and reach elite STEM score benchmarks.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I am a 20-year certified secondary mathematics educator with over 10,000 hours of live digital experience breaking down advanced algebraic frameworks. My specialized Algebra 1 curriculum transforms complex multi-step variable equations, linear functions, and quadratic systems into clear, highly digestible milestones. I intentionally skip stuffy textbook jargon to focus directly on building the raw conceptual logic, speed strategies, and independent reasoning skills needed to ace exams. Over two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of students eliminate mathematical anxiety, beat learning gaps, and enter advanced tracks with absolute confidence.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I am a 20-year certified secondary mathematics educator with over 10,000 hours of live digital experience helping high schoolers master higher-level math tracks. My specialized Algebra 2 curriculum breaks down complex polynomial functions, rational expressions, logarithms, and matrix operations into clear, logical milestones. I completely bypass stuffy, confusing lectures to focus heavily on the raw conceptual logic, problem-solving tracks, and speed strategies needed to dominate proctored exams. Over two decades, I have successfully guided hundreds of students to overcome advanced mathematical anxiety, clear hidden learning gaps, and ace their college preparatory timelines.
American History

American History

I am a 20-year California certified secondary social studies educator with extensive classroom and digital experience guiding middle and high school students through advanced humanities tracks. As an award-winning novelist and screenwriter, I seamlessly weave advanced narrative structure and engaging historical context directly into my American History and APUSH frameworks. I skip dry, repetitive memorization drills to focus on building the raw critical reasoning, independent source analysis, and essay writing skills needed to ace exams. Over two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of students beat test anxiety, master historical pacing, and secure top-tier scores for competitive university admissions tracks.
Basketball

Basketball

As a former varsity high school basketball team captain and a practice squad player for the Division 1 University at Buffalo program, I understand the training required to compete at a high level. My private athletic coaching specializes in building fundamental court awareness, sharp ball-handling mechanics, and consistent shooting form. I break down advanced defensive positioning and offensive footwork into structured drills that mirror high-level collegiate practice environments. By focusing on basketball IQ, physical endurance, and mental toughness, I help youth and high school players elevate their game and prepare for competitive team tryouts.
Biology

Biology

I am a 20-year certified master educator with a 10,000-hour digital instruction pedigree specializing in secondary life sciences and high-stakes lab curricula. My specialized biology program breaks down complex concepts like cellular processes, genetics, and ecology into clear, highly digestible logical systems. I skip dry, repetitive lectures to focus directly on the critical thinking, vocabulary architecture, and diagram analysis strategies needed to dominate proctored school and standardized exams. Over the past two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of middle and high school students conquer science anxiety, eliminate learning gaps, and secure top-tier grades for competitive academic tracks.
CBEST

CBEST

As a California State-Certified Educator who passed the CBEST with a top-tier score on my very first attempt, I offer adult learners a highly efficient blueprint to clear this critical credentialing barrier. Over my 20-year career, I have successfully coached dozens of aspiring teachers to master the specific math, reading, and essay-writing sections of the exam. My targeted instruction breaks down complex quantitative reasoning formulas, reading comprehension passage traps, and the strict structural rubrics required for high-scoring essays. By identifying individual diagnostic gaps, tailoring study routines, and implementing valuable test-taking strategies, I help adult students eliminate test anxiety and confidently secure their passing scores.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I am a 20-year certified master educator with a 10,000-hour digital instruction pedigree specializing in secondary physical sciences and introductory lab curricula. My specialized chemistry program breaks down complex concepts like stoichiometry, chemical equations, and molecular architecture into clear, highly digestible logical systems. I completely skip dry, repetitive lectures to focus directly on the mathematical logic, vocabulary scaffolding, and problem-solving tracks needed to dominate exams. Over the past two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of middle and high school students overcome science anxiety, eliminate learning gaps, and secure top-tier grades.
Common Core

Common Core

As a 20-year veteran California State-Certified Educator, I have extensively designed and taught core math and English curricula aligned with Common Core standards since their initial state adoption in 2010. Throughout my instructional tenure and independent study leadership at the Altus Institute, I directly trained students to meet the objectives required by these modern benchmarks. I specialize in breaking down complex concepts into logical, visual milestones so students understand the foundational "why" behind their school assignments rather than just relying on rote memorization. By diagnosing exact skill gaps and tracking local school expectations, I ensure elementary, middle, and high school learners build the critical self-editing habits and math stamina required to excel on modern state assessments.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

As an award-winning published novelist, industry-represented screenwriter, and certified educator, I bring real-world professional expertise to students passionate about creative writing. Over my 20-year teaching career, I have coached writers of all ages to master narrative structure, complex character development, and evocative world-building skills. My customized instruction replaces overwhelming blank-page anxiety with concrete plotting skills, structural outlining strategies, and advanced prose exercises. Whether guiding students through short stories, full-length manuscripts, or screenplay drafts, I give writers the critical self-editing tools and creative confidence needed to polish their unique literary voices.
Earth Science

Earth Science

During my 11-year tenure as a Lead Educator at the Altus Institute, I developed and delivered comprehensive Earth Science curricula fully aligned with rigorous middle and high school academic standards. As an active private tutor, I have successfully guided dozens of students to master complex geological, meteorological, and astronomical concepts. My instructional methodology utilizes clear visual frameworks and targeted diagnostic checkpoints to simplify challenging topics like plate tectonics, rock cycles, and climate systems. By breaking down heavy technical vocabulary and data-analysis charts into logical steps, I help students close their learning gaps, build testing endurance, and dramatically improve their classroom grades.
Ecology

Ecology

With an extensive foundational background in the advanced life sciences and over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I help students master the complex dynamics of ecological systems. I specialize in breaking down advanced concepts—including population dynamics, nutrient cycling, ecosystem energetics, and community interactions—into highly intuitive, structured frameworks. My targeted approach focuses on building cognitive stamina and eliminating the "illusion of competence" so students can confidently solve multi-variable data and case study questions. Whether preparing for an advanced secondary biology track, an AP Environmental Science exam, or foundational college courses, I equip students with the analytical tools to excel.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

As a California State-Certified Master Educator, I have spent over two decades helping elementary students build foundational academic skills and cognitive confidence. My virtual instruction methods are specifically tailored to younger learners, using high-engagement techniques that maintain focus and build strong study habits online. I specialize in breaking down complex reading, writing, and early mathematics concepts into clear, manageable steps that eliminate learning gaps. By establishing a structured and encouraging digital environment, I ensure that K-6th students develop both the academic stamina and critical thinking skills required for long-term success.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I am a 20-year certified master educator with over 10,000 hours of experience helping elementary students build deep math comprehension and unshakeable confidence. My specialized curriculum transforms core numerical concepts, fractions, word problems, and foundational logic into highly engaging, step-by-step milestones. I completely bypass stuffy, repetitive lectures to focus directly on the real-world critical thinking patterns that take the frustration out of school work. Over the past two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of young learners beat math anxiety, eliminate learning gaps, and step into middle school completely ahead of the curve.
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

I am a 20-year certified master educator with an 11-year legacy designing customized independent study frameworks for non-traditional student populations. I specialize in running student-centered upper-elementary science tracks that transform passive reading into active, hands-on critical thinking. By using personalized multiple-intelligence diagnostics, I easily find and fix conceptual gaps in foundational earth, life, and physical sciences. Over two decades, I have helped hundreds of transitioning students build real cognitive stamina and unshakeable confidence for the middle school road ahead.
English

English

Hello! I am a 20+ year California State-Certified Master Educator, award-winning novelist, and industry-represented screenwriter specializing in advanced high school humanities and analytical reading muscles. Your goal for your son aligns perfectly with my clinical, whole-child framework, which rejects automated shortcuts to focus deeply on sentence architecture, expository writing structures, and advanced literacy tracks. As an expert curriculum architect, I specialize in preparing upcoming freshmen for the high-stakes demands of advanced tracks by diagnosing precise cognitive gaps and building long-term intellectual endurance. Let me know his specific upcoming course layout so we can coordinate our initial diagnostic strategy call this week.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I am a 20-year certified master educator and bilingual language specialist with thousands of live digital hours helping students master English fluency. My specialized ESL/ESOL curriculum completely bypasses dry, repetitive textbook drills to focus directly on real-time conversational logic and natural speech patterns. I use a data-driven diagnostic protocol to target individual pronunciation blind spots, structural syntax gaps, and confidence blocks during high-stakes communication. Over the past two decades, I have successfully guided hundreds of international students and professionals to overcome language anxiety, ace interviews, and navigate academic environments with absolute clarity.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

As a California State-Certified Secondary Educator and an award-winning novelist, I emphasize mechanics and structural logic in every essay session. Over a 20-year teaching career, I have guided thousands of middle school, high school, and college students to master argumentative formatting, thesis development, and rhetorical prose. My approach focuses heavily on dismantling writer's block by teaching students how to outline with precision and self-edit their drafts effectively. Whether preparing for high-stakes AP exams, college admissions statements, or core academic research papers, I give students the structural tools needed to produce clear, powerful, and high-scoring essays.
Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

Over a 20-year career as a California State-Certified Educator, I have specialized in building structured, low-anxiety learning systems tailored for students with ADHD. My instructional approach replaces overwhelming lectures with short-term goals, clear visual frameworks, and proactive time-management strategies that keep students engaged and focused. I work closely with students to explain complex assignments, develop personalized organizational habits, and build the critical self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in academic environments. By focusing on executive functioning alongside core mastery, I help neurodivergent learners reduce friction, overcome avoidance behaviors, and establish long-term academic independence.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

As an industry-represented screenwriter and published novelist, I bring real-world creative expertise directly into my virtual instruction sessions. Over the past two decades, I have guided diverse groups of writers to master advanced narrative structure, compelling character logic, and high-impact world-building mechanics. My instructional approach focuses on breaking down complex storytelling theories into actionable, step-by-step creative frameworks. Whether helping a student outline an original novel, polish a script, or develop foundational literary skills, I provide the precise technical guidance needed to build sustainable creative stamina.
Film

Film

As an industry-represented screenwriter and professional script doctor who optioned a project to producer Warren Zide (*American Pie*, *Final Destination*), I offer real-world cinematic expertise to students and independent creators. Having worked directly on multiple film projects, I specialize in analyzing narrative structures, breaking down genre mechanics, and auditing character development tracking. My private coaching breaks down complex cinematic themes, scene transitions, and industry-standard script formatting into practical, actionable milestones. Whether you are navigating long-form creative drafts, editing a screenplay, or studying academic film theory, I provide the precise structural tools needed to elevate your storytelling.
Fitness

Fitness

Drawing from a lifetime of competitive athletics as a former high school football player and over 20 years of dedicated weightlifting experience, I design practical, high-velocity fitness routines tailored for long-term strength and endurance. My personal training framework focuses on progressive overload, strict compound movement mechanics, and functional calisthenics, drawing from my own active routine of bi-daily lifting and advanced weighted bodyweight training. I specialize in guiding clients through core strength benchmarks, proper bench press technique, and high-efficiency pull-up and dip progressions to build functional muscle safely. By breaking down intimidating gym routines into structured, milestone-driven workout plans, I help individuals build absolute consistency, prevent injuries, and reach their personal physical peaks.
GED

GED

I am a 20-year certified teacher and expert curriculum architect specializing in high-stakes high school equivalency prep and adult education tracks. My multi-disciplinary framework is engineered to accelerate your timeline across all four GED test modules: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning through Language Arts. We completely bypass slow, generic overviews to deploy a data-driven diagnostic protocol that surgically isolates your exact conceptual blind spots and pacing bottlenecks. Over two decades, I have successfully empowered hundreds of independent learners to overcome testing anxiety, build real mental stamina, and secure their diplomas with absolute confidence.
Geography

Geography

I am a 20-year California certified secondary social studies educator with extensive classroom and digital experience guiding middle and high school students through advanced humanities tracks. My specialized geography curriculum breaks down both physical and human geographic frameworks into highly engaging, interconnected structural concepts. I completely skip dry, repetitive memorization drills to focus on building the raw critical reasoning, independent map analysis, and spatial logic skills needed to ace exams. Over two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of students overcome academic anxiety, master complex subject matter, and secure top-tier grades for competitive school tracks.
Geology

Geology

With an extensive foundational background in the advanced physical sciences and over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I help students demystify the complex processes of the Earth. I specialize in breaking down dense geological mechanics—including plate tectonics, mineralogy, stratigraphy, and geomorphology—into clear, highly intuitive concepts. My targeted approach focuses on building cognitive stamina and eliminating the "illusion of competence" so students can confidently ace high-stakes proctored exams. Whether mastering rock cycle identification or interpreting complex geological maps, I give students the structural tools to excel.
Geometry

Geometry

I am a 20-year certified mathematics specialist with extensive experience guiding high schoolers through fast-paced summer credit courses. My customized geometry framework breaks down complex proofs, coordinate theorems, and spatial logic into clear, highly digestible systems. I intentionally eliminate confusing textbook jargon to focus heavily on the structural confidence and independent reasoning your student needs for proctored exams. Over two decades of live digital teaching, I have successfully guided hundreds of students to stay completely ahead of their school syllabus and earn top-tier grades.
Golf

Golf

Having played competitive golf since the age of 13 and serving as a key member of my high school golf team, I understand the precise mechanics and mental discipline required to excel on the course. I specialize in breaking down the foundational physics of the swing, optimizing short-game precision, and mastering course-management strategies for players of all levels. My instructional approach focuses on building consistent muscle memory and elimination of high-stress unforced errors to reliably lower your handicap. Whether you are a beginner looking to build a clean baseline or an intermediate player looking to fix a persistent slice, I provide actionable, structured feedback to elevate your game.
Grammar

Grammar

As a Kirkus-Recommended, award-winning author and represented screenwriter, I teach grammar and syntax through the lens of elite, professional storytelling. My industry background includes optioning a feature script to legendary Hollywood producer Warren Zide (producer of American Pie and Final Destination). I specialize in breaking down complex structural rules, mechanics, and advanced narrative flow to transform students into powerful, high-impact communicators. Together, we will master precision grammar to eliminate passive writing and elevate your prose to publication or studio standards.
Guitar

Guitar

As a veteran California certified teacher, professional songwriter, and creative storyteller with over 10,000 stories shared on TikTok, I bring a unique, engaging approach to rhythm guitar instruction. I specialize in teaching beginners and intermediate players how to master fundamental chord progressions, steady strumming patterns, and essential timing mechanics. My lessons combine clear technical coaching with practical music theory to show students how rhythm guitar anchors songwriting and creative expression. By breaking down complex fretboard movements into simple, visual milestones, I help aspiring musicians reduce frustration, build muscle memory, and quickly develop the confidence to play their favorite songs.
Handwriting

Handwriting

With over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I help students develop the fine motor control and spatial awareness necessary for clean, efficient handwriting. I specialize in teaching both print and cursive styles by breaking down stroke mechanics, letter formation, and pencil grip into highly intuitive steps. My structured approach focuses on building kinetic memory and physical writing endurance, transforming handwriting from a slow, frustrating chore into an automatic, effortless skill. Together, we will improve legibility and processing speed, ensuring your student can confidently handle the high-volume demands of paper-and-pencil school assessments.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

Over my 20-year career as a California State-Certified Educator, I have successfully prepared hundreds of high school students to excel across a wide range of competitive admissions and state benchmark exams. My targeted test-prep expertise spans regional and national standards, including the FCAT, HSPT, ISEE, SAT, ACT, and NY Regents, as well as critical equivalency and exit paths like the GED, HiSET, CHSPE, and CAHSEE. I specialize in breaking down complex quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections while reinforcing core mastery aligned with modern Smarter Balanced and STAR testing metrics. By combining rigorous content diagnostics with vital pacing strategies and anxiety-reduction techniques, I equip students with the structural tools and endurance required to maximize their scores.
Homeschool

Homeschool

As a 20-year veteran California State-Certified Educator, I have spent the last seven years working extensively with homeschooled students to deliver comprehensive academic support and curriculum tracking. My foundational expertise includes an 11-year tenure as a Lead Instructor at the Altus Institute, where I successfully managed a model that blended independent study, formal in-school instruction, and homeschooling. I excel at customizing standard state curricula to fit diverse home learning paces, designing rigorous structured routines, and preparing students for formal benchmark exams. Whether providing core multi-disciplinary instruction or bridging the gap to high-stakes test prep, I partner closely with families to maintain elite academic standards and independent logic at home.
ISEE

ISEE

As a 20-year veteran California State-Certified Educator, I have successfully coached hundreds of students to achieve top-tier scores on the ISEE for competitive private school admissions. My targeted curriculum covers all levels of the exam, specializing in breaking down complex quantitative reasoning, mathematics achievement, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension sections. I seamlessly integrate advanced vocabulary development and structural essay strategies with the critical time-management and elimination tactics necessary to master this specific test format. By combining thorough content knowledge with anxiety-reduction techniques, I ensure students develop the testing stamina and structural confidence needed to maximize their scores.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

As a California State-Certified Educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and an international best-selling author and screenwriter, I specialize in shaping compelling narrative voices for high-stakes personal statements. My extensive background includes serving as a feature film script doctor for Hollywood production teams and publishing creative work recommended by Barnes & Noble and Kirkus, and preserved in the Library of Congress. I work closely with students to dismantle generic essay templates, unlock authentic structural storytelling, and capture their unique personal journeys to stand out to elite admissions committees. Whether navigating undergraduate applications, graduate school statements, or competitive fellowships, I provide immediate, actionable structural revisions to transform rough drafts into unforgettable narratives.
Phonics

Phonics

As an award-winning, Kirkus-Recommended author with over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I apply the science of reading to build dominant foundational phonics skills in early learners. I specialize in breaking down phonemic awareness, letter-sound correspondences, blending, and decoding mechanics into highly engaging, logical steps. My structured framework systematically eliminates guessing habits, teaching young students to read confidently through direct auditory and visual tracking. Together, we will build the core literacy foundations, cognitive focus, and reading endurance necessary to smoothly transition from basic sound isolation to fluid paragraph comprehension.
Physical Science

Physical Science

I am a 20-year certified master educator with a 10,000-hour digital instruction pedigree specializing in foundational physics, chemistry, and earth systems. My specialized physical science program breaks down complex concepts like energy forms, chemical structures, and motion mechanics into clear, highly digestible logical frameworks. I skip dry, repetitive lectures to focus directly on the mathematical reasoning, technical vocabulary, and independent problem-solving skills needed to dominate exams. Over the past two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of middle and high school students conquer science anxiety, eliminate learning gaps, and build long-term academic stamina.
Physics

Physics

With an extensive foundational background in the advanced physical sciences and over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I help students confidently master the quantitative laws of physics. I specialize in breaking down complex topics—including Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, electromagnetism, and wave physics—into highly intuitive, logical frameworks. My targeted approach focuses on building cognitive stamina and elimination of the "illusion of competence" so students can successfully solve multi-variable equations under real testing conditions. Whether preparing for an advanced high school physics track, an AP physics exam, or a foundational college lecture, I give students the concrete analytical tools to excel.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I am a 20-year certified master teacher specializing in guiding middle school students through the critical transition into Prealgebra. I excel at transforming complex abstract concepts, multi-step variable equations, and foundational problem-solving into clear, confidence-building steps. My high-accountability framework rejects lazy digital shortcuts to ensure your child builds genuine independent logic and deep math comprehension. Over two decades, I have helped hundreds of students eliminate mathematical anxiety, catch up on missing skills, and step into higher-level math tracks with absolute confidence.
Proofreading

Proofreading

As an award-winning, Kirkus-Recommended author and represented Hollywood screenwriter, I bring elite industry standards to the craft of proofreading and copyediting. Having optioned a feature script to legendary producer Warren Zide (American Pie, Final Destination), I know firsthand that absolute mechanics, formatting compliance, and syntactic precision dictate professional success. Across a 20-year instructional career, I teach students how to systematically audit their own work for grammatical errors, passive structures, punctuation slip-ups, and stylistic inconsistencies. Together, we will build the meticulous eye for detail and cognitive stamina required to polish academic essays, manuscripts, or applications to publication-ready standards.
PSAT

PSAT

I am a 20-year certified master educator and expert test-prep curriculum architect specializing in the digital PSAT framework and critical reasoning tracks. My specialized program is strategically engineered to prepare early high schoolers for competitive National Merit Scholarship benchmarks by mastering both the verbal and mathematical sub-sections. I completely skip generic, slow lectures to focus directly on building the raw independent logic, strict pacing skills, and anxiety mitigation tools required under proctored conditions. Over two decades of live digital instruction, I have successfully guided hundreds of sophomores and juniors to eliminate testing anxiety, bypass automated technology crutches, and secure top-tier scores.
Reading

Reading

As an award-winning, Kirkus-Recommended author and represented Hollywood screenwriter, I train students to read with the analytical eye of a professional editor. Over a 20-year instructional career spanning thousands of sessions, I have perfected a systematic approach to mastering structural text decoding, thematic synthesis, and rapid argument tracking. I specialize in stripping away the "illusion of competence" by equipping students with concrete strategies to dominate dense, complex passages found on high-stakes assessments like the digital SAT, ACT, and AP literature tracks. Together, we will build the critical comprehension skills and sustained cognitive stamina required to read efficiently and perform flawlessly under strict testing timelines.
Regents

Regents

As a native New Yorker who personally excelled on the NYS Regents exams and earned a Secondary Education degree from SUNY Geneseo, I offer an insider's mastery of the New York State curriculum. Over a 20-year career as a certified educator, I have successfully guided multiple students to pass and score mastery level on their Global History, US History, English, and core Mathematics Regents exams. My targeted test preparation specializes in decoding the specific scoring rubrics, multiple-choice patterns, and source-based essay prompts used by the Board of Regents. By diagnosing content gaps and engineering rigorous pacing drills, I ensure students build the conceptual fluency and testing endurance required to secure their high school diplomas.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I am a 20+ year California State-Certified Master Educator with a 10,000+ hour digital instruction pedigree, specializing in secondary mathematics frameworks including Geometry and Intermediate Algebra. My high-stakes SAT Math track is specifically engineered to eliminate the "illusion of competence" caused by digital shortcuts, focusing heavily on raw conceptual logic and strategic pacing models. Through a rigorous, data-driven intake protocol using standardized testing baselines, I surgically map a student's exact operational strengths and mathematical blind spots. Over two decades of live digital instruction, I have successfully empowered hundreds of students to build strict testing endurance, master complex problem-solving tracks, and clear elite university benchmarks.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I am a 20+ year California State-Certified Master Educator with a 10,000+ hour digital instruction pedigree, specializing in high-stakes test preparation and elite reading mechanics. As an award-winning, Kirkus-recommended novelist and industry-represented screenwriter, I have designed a specialized SAT Reading curriculum that integrates advanced narrative structure, critical reasoning tracks, and professional-grade communication logic. My framework eliminates the "illusion of competence" built by automated school software, using data-driven diagnostics to isolate conceptual blind spots in evidence-based reading, contextual vocabulary, and structural endurance. Over two decades, I have successfully guided hundreds of middle and high school students to master complex textual analysis, dominate hyper-competitive university admissions tracks, and clear elite exam benchmarks through unshakeable testing confidence.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I am a 20+ year California State-Certified Master Educator with a 10,000+ hour digital instruction pedigree, specializing in high-stakes standardized test preparation and advanced syntax engineering. As an award-winning, Kirkus-recommended novelist and industry-represented screenwriter, I have designed a specialized SAT Writing curriculum that bridges advanced structural narrative logic with rigorous grammatical mechanics. My framework is clinically engineered to eliminate the "illusion of competence" built by automated school platforms, using data-driven diagnostics to isolate exact conceptual gaps in expression of ideas, standard English conventions, and test-taking pacing. Over two decades, I have successfully empowered hundreds of high school students to overcome test anxiety, master complex rhetorical analysis, and clear elite university admissions thresholds with unshakeable testing confidence.
Songwriting

Songwriting

As a state-certified teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience and the lead songwriter of a critically acclaimed rock band in Mexico City, I teach songwriting through a structured framework of narrative logic, literary devices, and lyric composition. I'm also a Barnes & Noble/Kirkus-recommended novelist and award-winning, represented screenwriter, and I blend my teaching and creative experience to help students unlock their creative potential. I guide students to break through creative blocks by mastering the core mechanics of lyric meter, rhyme design, and linear thematic progression. Whether an aspiring writer is developing a creative portfolio or looking to refine their poetic voice, I provide a high-accountability space designed to foster genuine artistic self-reliance.
Spanish

Spanish

I am a 20-year certified educator and expert language coach with thousands of hours delivered to students navigating intermediate and advanced Spanish tracks. If your speaking feels slow, labored, or unclear, my conversational narrative framework is designed to break your verbal bottleneck without repeating boring basic grammar drills. We bypass mechanical textbook memorization to target the exact conversational pacing blocks and real-time response gaps holding you back. Over two decades of cross-border instruction, I have guided hundreds of learners to command spoken confidence and develop genuine bilingual fluency.
Special Needs

Special Needs

As a 20-year veteran California State-Certified Educator, I have extensive experience modifying core academic curricula to align with diverse IEP and 504 accommodation frameworks. My instruction prioritizes patience, clear diagnostic checkpoints, and adaptive multi-sensory techniques that accommodate a wide spectrum of learning differences. I specialize in breaking down intimidating assignments into clear, manageable tasks that lower academic anxiety and boost student confidence. By partnering directly with families to understand a student's unique needs, I build a structured, supportive learning environment that promotes true academic progress and independent thinking.
Spelling

Spelling

I am a 20-year certified master educator, award-winning novelist, and screenwriter specializing in advanced language mechanics and vocabulary scaffolding. My specialized orthography curriculum replaces dry, repetitive rote memorization drills with professional-grade communication logic, phonological patterns, and word architecture. I help young and intermediate learners eliminate the "illusion of competence" built by automated smartphone spellcheck tools to develop authentic structural writing accuracy. Over two decades of live digital teaching, I have successfully guided hundreds of students to overcome language anxiety, master phonetic structures, and build lifelong literacy confidence.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I am a 20-year certified master educator with over 10,000 hours of live digital experience helping students build raw cognitive stamina and independent study frameworks. My specialized coaching curriculum focuses deeply on time management, advanced executive functioning, and strategic note-taking models designed for high-stress environments. I show students exactly how to eliminate the "illusion of competence" built by passive screen scrolling, replacing it with targeted active-recall systems and clinical testing pacing. Over the past two decades, I have successfully guided hundreds of middle and high school students to conquer academic anxiety, beat structural procrastination, and master their full workload with absolute confidence.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

As a 20-year veteran California State-Certified Educator and an award-winning published novelist, I provide advanced structural mechanics to students navigating high-level thesis writing. I specialize in guiding high school honors, undergraduate, and graduate students through the entire research process, from formulating defensible arguments to synthesizing complex literature reviews. My targeted instruction teaches students how to construct rhetorical outlines, manage heavy source citations, and eliminate passive voice in their academic prose. By breaking down intimidating long-form projects into structured, manageable drafting milestones, I equip academic writers with the critical self-editing skills needed to produce polished, high-scoring submissions.
TOEFL

TOEFL

I am a 20-year certified master educator and expert test-prep architect with thousands of live digital hours helping students maximize their English proficiency scores. My specialized TOEFL curriculum bypasses slow textbook drilling to focus directly on the strategic pacing and real-time communication logic needed for the exam. I use a data-driven diagnostic framework to instantly isolate individual blind spots across all four core testing domains: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Over the past two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of international students and professionals overcome test anxiety, hit elite score thresholds, and unlock competitive university admissions.
United States History

United States History

I am a certified social studies educator with two decades of experience teaching students across grades 6 through 12. Throughout my career, I have developed comprehensive curricula spanning United States history, civics, geography, and government. My extensive classroom background allows me to adapt my teaching methods to support both middle school foundational skills and high school advanced coursework. I specialize in helping students break down complex historical events, improve critical reading, and excel on standardized exams.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

As an award-winning, Kirkus-Recommended author and represented screenwriter, I teach vocabulary through the lens of precision and professional communication. My methodology moves completely away from rote flashcard memorization, focusing instead on deep contextual tracking, etymology, and strategic root-word analysis. With over 20 years of synchronous instructional experience, I specialize in preparing students to master the dense lexical demands of competitive AP humanities tracks and high-stakes proctored exams like the digital SAT/ACT. Together, we will build the advanced verbal logic and cognitive stamina necessary to decode complex texts and elevate your personal writing style.
World History

World History

I am a 20-year California certified secondary social studies educator with extensive classroom and digital experience guiding middle and high school students through advanced global humanities tracks. As an award-winning novelist and screenwriter, I seamlessly weave advanced narrative structure and deep cultural context directly into my World History and AP WH frameworks. I completely skip dry, repetitive memorization drills to focus on building the raw critical reasoning, independent source analysis, and document-based essay writing skills needed to ace exams. Over two decades, I have successfully helped hundreds of students beat testing anxiety, master historical pacing, and secure top-tier grades for competitive university tracks.
Writing

Writing

As an award-winning, Kirkus-Recommended author and represented Hollywood screenwriter, I teach the art and mechanics of high-impact writing. My professional credentials include optioning a feature script to legendary producer Warren Zide, the creative force behind massive franchises like American Pie and Final Destination. I specialize in breaking down complex structural design, developmental editing, narrative arc pacing, and the precision syntax needed to elevate prose to commercial standards. Whether a student is crafting a college essay, a short story, or a feature script, I equip them with the concrete tools to banish passive voice and hook their audience instantly.
Jonathan S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Jonathan before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Jonathan

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (21 ratings)
5 star
(21)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Targeting to Exactly What My Son Needed

Jonathan worked with my 17 year old son to bring his SAT score from 1460 to over 1500. He did an amazing job of targeting what my son needed to do his absolute best on the test. His structured pacing, strategy-first approach, and customized lesson frameworks provided clear, top-tier value for my son's high score goals. Thank you Jonathan!!

Deborah, 6 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Deborah! It's been an absolute privilege working with your son over the last few weeks. He's brought a phenomenal work ethic and sharp analytical speed to our advanced test prep sessions. I am incredibly proud of his focus, his dedication to mastering our question-decoding strategies, and his fantastic score achievement. Wishing him the absolute best of luck as he launches into his first-choice college applications!

Great tutor!

Jonathan was patient, encouraging, and took the time to make sure I understood the reasoning behind each strategy rather than just teaching shortcuts. I left each session with a clearer understanding of my strengths, specific areas to improve, and a concrete plan for practicing effectively. I would definitely recommend Jonathan to anyone looking to improve their academic performance!

Ipshita , 5 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Ipshita! I truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback. Demystifying the complex data-analysis and problem-solving strategies required for ACT Math and Science is one of my core goals as a tutor. I am so glad to hear that our sessions have helped build your confidence and left you with a clear, actionable plan for your independent practice. Keep utilizing those techniques, and I look forward to seeing your hard work pay off on test day!

Amazing SAT Tutor

An amazing tutor who makes the reading and grammar rules easy to understand. The lessons are clear, encouraging, and never feel overwhelming. I highly recommend.

K, 17 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

Thank you, K! I really appreciate the kind words. Seeing students have those "lightbulb moments" with tough reading and grammar patterns is exactly why I love doing this work. It is a pleasure collaborating with you both, and I look forward to keeping this strong momentum going in our future sessions!

Truly excellent chemistry tutor

We are thrilled to have found Jonathan to help our son prepare for accelerated chemistry this fall. He is extremely knowledgeable and approachable, and has organized a great course for my son to make sure he feels confident and prepared as he moves into the next school year.

Cate, 12 lessons with Jonathan
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Cate! I appreciate your feedback. Organizing structured courses for advanced science classes is a core focus of my work. I'm glad to hear the lessons are helping build strong skills and confidence. I look forward to our upcoming sessions as we continue preparing for a successful school year ahead.

Hourly Rate: $85
Contact Jonathan