Seth M.
Mcminnville, OR
I can help with Philosophy, Religion, Writing, Physics and Mathematics
Seattle Pacific University -- Bachelor of Science
Physics EngineeringUniversity of Dallas -- Master of Theological Studies
Master'sHoly Apostles College and Seminary -- Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master'sAbout Seth
I've helped hundreds of people improve their skills and their lives. Let me help you.
I hold masters' degrees in both philosophy and theology, and a bachelor of science degree in physics and engineering. I've worked as an advanced trainer and educator for companies like Intel, Evergreen Aviation International, and the Archdiocese of
Policies
Cancellation
12 hours notice requiredI am willing to adjust the hourly tutoring fee for groups, extended or repeat lessons, certain subjects, and special circumstances.
Travel Radius
Travels within 20 miles of Mcminnville, OR 97128Seth offers online lessons
Seth is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Seth to get started.
"Extremely Helpful, Knowledgeable, and Patient"
- Adnan, Indianapolis, IN on 1/25/17He is great at explaining things and he took the time to understand my individual questions. It was so helpful to have a real conversation with someone (not just read a textbook) so I could really understand the concepts. I'd highly recommend.
Thank you for your kind comment Adnan. It has been a pleasure to work with you.
"Knowledgeable and patient!"
- Glenda, Carrollton, TX on 10/8/15I learned a lot in less than an hour. Seth clarified a lot of concepts that confused me and that I couldn't interrupt my teacher to ask about. That was awesome.
Thanks Jonathan. Glad I could help. Best wishes for your class.
"Very patient"
- Leah, Pax, WV on 4/17/15Seth is a great teacher! He is patient and he is very good at expanding on what you need to do, also if you need it explained more than once he will do so gladly.
Thank you for your kind comment Leah. It was great to meet and be able to assist you. The project you are working on is a big, complex one, and I hope it goes well for you.
"Happy I chose Seth"
- Allen, Mcminnville, OR on 4/12/15Seth was very professional and considerate. He has helped my test preparation studies to go in the best progressive direction possible.
Thanks for your kind review Allen. I'll do whatever I can to help you.
"Patient and understanding"
- Alissa, Woodburn, OR on 4/12/15Seth was very understanding of the situation and was able to be patient and helpful in getting to the heart of the problem and willing to make a game plan to tackle it head on. I am very optimistic he will be able to help us achieve our goals.
Thanks for your kind review Alissa. I really appreciate your feedback and I'll do whatever I can to help.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
ACT English
To prep for ACT English, the student needs to practice critical proofreading, rapidly identifying awkward sections and grammatical errors, as well as being able to efficiently construct improvements to the passages.
I have extensive experience writing stories, essays and papers ranging from a few paragraphs to almost 100 pages. This includes all formatting of title pages, contents, footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies in accordance with various styles. Even more important than mechanical formatting, my efforts focus on clear, concise, persuasive body content, good grammar, and logical organization.
Several students have asked me to act as a critical reader and commenter on their writing projects, up to and including graduate level theses.
ACT Math
The ACT Mathematics test consists of 60 questions covering pre-algebra through trigonometry. Students have 60 minutes to complete the test -- one minute per problem.
ACT Reading
The ACT Reading Test consists of 40 questions that the student must answer over 35 minutes. The student is usually presented with a reading several paragraphs long, followed by several questions intended to evaluate comprehension.
To do well, a student must be able to read rapidly, focus on the material, assimilate what is read, and avoid distraction. To state it simply, this is accomplished through practice, by starting with shorter readings and working up to ACT-sized ones.
ACT Science
The ACT Science test consists of 40 questions to be answered within a 35 minute time limit. The test assumes that students have already completed biology as well as earth-science or similar. Students who have not completed these or struggled with them should do supplemental science study.
Many students have a natural affinity for science, but just have difficulty learning to "think scientifically." Between my training in physics and philosophy, I can help most students improve their understanding of science-related topics and grow in their ability to think clearly about scientific matters.
Algebra 1
The average person doesn't need to know calculus, differential equations, and beyond unless they are going into a hard science field or similar.
However, topics like geometry, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, and especially algebra are incredibly practical and useful in everyday life.
My effort is to help the student understand these topics in an intuitive, practical way by relating them to common things all around them (e.g., a cooking recipe, woodworking, budgeting, calculating gas needs, estimating times, etc.). In this way, the student both comes to a better, real-life understanding of the subject, as well as how to apply it to everyday problems.
Algebra 2
The average person doesn't need to know calculus, differential equations, and beyond unless they are going into a hard science field or similar. However, topics like geometry, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, and especially algebra are incredibly practical and useful in everyday life.
My effort is to help the student understand these topics in an intuitive, practical way by relating them to common things all around them (e.g., a cooking recipe, woodworking, budgeting, calculating gas needs, estimating times, etc.). In this way, the student both comes to a better, real-life understanding of the subject, as well as how to apply it to everyday problems.
Bible Studies
I have a Master's degree in Theology and have taught Bible studies for small groups and various churches since about 1988.
Business
I'm formerly the executive vice president of an airline and have started and run several successful small businesses.
At the large corporate level, I managed individual departments and divisions, which primarily involved strategic planning, budget management, employee supervision, and negotiations.
I prefer working with small businesses. These efforts have included everything from developing a business plan, accounting/finance, production, employee management, inventory, shipping, to taxation and regulation, etc.
Career Development
Many people are disappointed or frustrated with their jobs. This frustration frequently springs from being in a job, career or company that is incompatible with one's psychology.
I am a certified philosophical counselor. As such, one of the things I do is help people examine their beliefs and values (as well as their skills and overall life-circumstance), and then set and move toward career goals that truly complement these beliefs and values. This might include making adjustments to improve their current jobs, seeking supplemental training and education, or even moving into an entirely different (but more fulfilling) career.
Computer Science
I started programming, building and repairing computers when I was about 11 years old, way back in 1981. Since then I've worked with nearly every common computer technology that has come and gone. I've designed and built server networks for schools and small businesses, acted as a computer technology consultant for multiple clients, worked at Intel, developed dozens of websites (including e-commerce), and so on.
I personally built and maintained about ten different servers; Macintosh, Windows, Linux/Unix/FreeBSD. I have built both wired and wireless (and hybrid) networks.
I can operate nearly any common software program, and have used many programming and scripting languages, including Assembly, Basic (various versions), Cobol, Comol, Python, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, C, C#, C++, AppleScript, assorted Shell scripting systems, etc.
Financial Accounting
I have about 20 years experience managing the budgets at large corporations, as well as performing all accounting operations at micro-businesses.
This includes accounting software selecting, general ledger setup, supplemental module selection and setup, routine entries, account reconciliation, as well as monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, and tax preparation, filing and dispute resolution.
Fitness
I have been a fitness and self-defense instructor for many years. I am presently on faculty at a Community College where I teach a fitness and self-defense course. My fitness training work emphasizes maintaining mobility, and injury avoidance as we age.
General Computer
I started programming, building and repairing computers when I was about 11 years old, way back in 1981. Since then I've worked with nearly every common computer technology that has come and gone. I've designed and built server networks for schools and small businesses, acted as a computer technology consultant for multiple clients, worked at Intel, developed dozens of websites (including e-commerce), and so on.
I personally built and maintained about ten different servers; Macintosh, Windows, Linux/Unix/FreeBSD. I have built both wired and wireless (and hybrid) networks.
I can operate nearly any common software program, and have used many programming and scripting languages, including Assembly, Basic (various versions), Cobol, Comol, Python, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Perl, HTML, C, C#, C++, AppleScript, assorted Shell scripting systems, etc.
Geometry
Geometry has to do with understanding shapes, angles, sides, areas, perimeters, lines, intersections, slopes, and also introduces the idea of proofs.
For many students these are new and challenging ideas. With extensive experience in mathematics and real-world applications, I can help students develop ways of understanding these ideas and overcoming difficulties.
This is especially important when it comes to proofs, as these are an early exposure to the ideas of logic and reasoning.
HTML
I've written hundreds of web pages using HTML4 and 5 over the last couple decades -- some for personal projects, some for other people, and some for still-running e-commerce businesses.
The basics are easy to teach, and most people can learn them quickly. Even though most web design software now avoids direct coding, it is still a very useful skill that can solve a lot of problems.
JavaScript
I have written dozens of websites integrating JavaScript and other technologies.
Logic
As part of my Master's degree in Philosophy I completed a course in logic and epistemology (received an A). Logic is a fundamental part of philosophy, my various mathematical courses, as well as the extensive computer science and programming I've completed.
Macintosh
I've been selecting, operating and repairing Macintosh computer systems (and servers) since about 1988. This has included software installation, general use, troubleshooting, training others, system software installation and updating, hardware changes, networking, etc.
I still have five different Macintosh computers that either are or have been used as part of a business network (in addition to at least as many that have come and gone). I use them daily, and assist several other people in their use -- setting up user accounts, installing updates, fixing problems, etc.
Managerial Accounting
I have about 20 years experience managing the budgets at large corporations, as well as performing all accounting operations at micro-businesses.
This includes accounting software selecting, general ledger setup, supplemental module selection and setup, routine entries, account reconciliation, as well as monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, and tax preparation, filing and dispute resolution.
Martial Arts
I have black belts in two different martial arts, have been practicing for 35 years, presently teach fitness and self-defense in our community, and am a fitness and self-defense instructor for a Community College. I have experience and formal training in:
- Tae Kwon Do (multiple styles)
- Tae Soo Do
- Tang Soo Do
- Hwa Rang Do
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- and a few others!
Philosophy
I hold a master of arts degree in philosophy and have an intense passion for helping other people learn to think more deeply about their lives and choices.
I teach college level philosophy online, and offer philosophical counseling to individuals and groups both online and in-person. I have also developed and taught philosophy courses for high school academies.
My primary areas of interest are ethics and political philosophy. My preferred method is phenomenological.
PHP
I have written dozens of websites, including e-commerce sites, integrating PHP scripting.
Physical Science
Physical science is typically an introductory level course (or an umbrella term) that includes astronomy, chemistry, physics and a variety of earth sciences. The goal is to increase the student's understanding and appreciation of the world (and universe) within which we live.
In addition to imparting knowledge, physical science also challenges the student with new ways of thinking about the world, evaluating truth claims, and understanding the relationships between matter, energy, life, etc.
Being degreed in both physics and philosophy, I am very aware of and happy to assist students with the topics and questions that arise when one studies physical science.
Physics
I have a bachelor of science degree in physics and engineering from Seattle Pacific University. I taught high school physics, and have tutored many high school and college students.
I really enjoy physics, and love to work with others to help them understand and solve real-world physics problems.
Prealgebra
Pre-algebra introduces the student to important skills that can help a person over his entire life and form a foundation for later math topics. However, many students are challenged by these, especially how to express a real-life (story) problem in a mathematical form and then solve it.
Due to my extensive background in physics and engineering, I have a lot of experience analyzing real-world problems using mathematics. I can help students learn to do the same, so that they can have success in pre-algebra and later topics.
Precalculus
Topics like geometry, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, and especially algebra are incredibly practical and useful in everyday life.
Precalculus acts as a transition or bridge between these more fundamental mathematical topics, and the mathematics that one encounters when he enters hard science (e.g., calculus, differential equations, etc.). But that can be a hard bridge for some people to cross.
My goal is to help the person get across that bridge and keep moving forward. The reality is that, as one advances in mathematics, sometimes it doesn't make perfect sense when first learned, but it usually does so after a couple years of practice.
Probability
I studied probability in both high school and college. Since then I've applied it for years while an active trader in the stock, options and futures markets.
Probability is entertaining, fascinating, and applicable to many industries, careers and recreational activities (e.g., card and dice games).
Religion
I hold a master's degree in theology from the University of Dallas and have taught religion and theology -- primarily Christian/Catholic -- in various churches and in various capacities for nearly 25 years.
I also have some experience studying comparative religions including Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and others.
SAT Math
The SAT Mathematics section consists of 54 questions covering pre-algebra through trigonometry. Most are multiple choice. For some the student writes in the answer. Students have 70 minutes to complete the test -- a little over one minute per problem.
Preparing for the test involves improving one's overall mathematics skills, as well as developing test-taking skills. For example, the student cannot allow himself to get bogged down by a question he does not understand, and because there is a penalty for wrong answers on multiple choice questions, he should not guess at answers unless he is able to first eliminate unlikely options.
The student should take several sample tests, identify weak areas, then receive tutoring in those areas as well as employ the proper strategy for maximizing his test score. It is important that the student actually understand the mathematics and not be reliant upon a calculator to solve the problems.
These are all areas where I can help.
SAT Reading
The SAT Reading section consists of 67 questions that the student must answer over 70 minutes (usually broken into smaller chunks). The student is usually presented with a reading several paragraphs long, followed by several questions intended to evaluate comprehension. The SAT Reading section includes some "complete the sentence" problems, too.
To do well, a student must be able to read rapidly, focus on the material, assimilate what is read, and avoid distraction. To state it simply, this is accomplished through practice, by starting with shorter readings and working up to SAT-sized ones.
The "complete the sentence" problems are also easily practiced, and are generally easy for someone who consistently attempts speaking and writing with correct grammar.
SAT Writing
The SAT Writing section consists of an essay and 49 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 60 minute time limit. The essay has a 25 minute limit. The multiple choice questions consist of:
- Improving Sentences (~25 questions)
- Improving Paragraphs (~6 questions)
- Identifying Sentence (grammar) Errors (~18 questions)
Preparing for the SAT Writing section involves working with the student to identify and strengthen weak areas, as well as conducting timed practice tests using realistic sample questions.
Along with speaking, writing is a critical life skill. Someone who can write well -- persuasively, concisely, organized, with proper grammar -- has a tremendous advantage in our modern society. Writing is a skill in and of itself, but it builds upon a more fundamental one, which is the ability to think clearly and construct rational, persuasive arguments.
With an extensive background in philosophy, and having written and proofread probably hundreds of essays over the years, these are areas where I can really help.
Statistics
Many people use the terms probability and statistics interchangeably, as they both incorporate similar mathematics and appear similar to outside observers. However, statistics also includes concepts having to do with experimentation and attempts to conduct research in a way such that one's results are both valid and robust (widely applicable and resistant to attack).
I studied statistics in college and applied it rigorously while an active trader in the stock, futures and options markets.
Study Skills
I have training specifically in engaging and teaching others good study skills. This training included the following courses:
Teaching Research Design (National Catholic Educational Association, 2014)
Research and Design for Thesis Students (Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Master's Program, 2014)
In assisting others in the development of their study skills, I emphasize establishing daily blocks of set study time, working in a quiet and clean space, eliminating distractions, focusing on the problem at hand, gathering and vetting relevant information, setting and working toward measurable goals, etc.
Tax Preparation
I have personally prepared approximately 90 different tax returns for individuals, sole proprietorships, partnerships (both standard and limited liability) and small corporations. I have personally consulted many individuals and businesses on how to perform their taxes in a way that minimizes their tax burdens without exposing them to additional risk. This included all information gathering, calculations, form prep, submission and follow-up, and included both federal and state-level returns.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a very practical skill for anyone involved in construction, fabrication, or who goes on to engineering or various sciences.
My effort is to help the student develop an intuitive understanding of basic trigonometric principles so that he or she can apply them with ease in real life situations.
Web Design
I have designed and written dozens of websites over the years integrating HTML, PHP, JavaScript, SQL databases, e-commerce, etc. I've also created custom sites using online resources.
Writing
I've easily written hundreds of essays, dozens and dozens of large project/research papers, and even authored a few books. My writing has ranged from creative stories to technical writing to tutorials to philosophical works. I've received special training in planning and developing research papers, and have assisted dozens of students with their own essays, papers, and even graduate-level theses.
My general approach is to help the student begin with a clear and engaging idea, develop a flowing outline, draw upon relevant sources (when appropriate), and blend this into a finished paper that draws the reader into the story or argument. Of course, we work on spelling, grammar and punctuation along the way, but writing is much more than any of these or even their sum.
Unlike other topics where you can just produce an answer and move on, writing is a process. It is hard work and incorporates several other skills. It takes a great deal of time, focus and patience. People who are struggling with writing (or their parents) need to realize that half of writing is just developing and maintaining good study habits, in the sense of having regular time dedicated to writing and revising without distractions.
Other Mcminnville, OR Tutors
Seth M.
Mcminnville, OR
I can help with Philosophy, Religion, Writing, Physics and Mathematics