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Effective tutor for math, writing, reading, history, econ, civics
Helen M.

4.9 (131 ratings)

673 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $70
Contact Helen
Response time: 2 hours
Helen M.'s Photo

Effective tutor for math, writing, reading, history, econ, civics
Effective tutor for math, writing, reading, history, econ, civics
Helen M.

4.9 (131 ratings)

673 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (131 ratings)

673 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Helen

Bio

I am a lawyer by training but have always enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspects of lawyering. A longtime supporter of K12 education, I served for ten years on the school board in Sonoma, California.

During that time, I began tutoring students, some as a volunteer and some as a paid tutor, and I truly enjoyed it. I had students who were very focused on their achievements, but I had more students who were behind or having trouble with motivation. I worked primarily with middle school...

I am a lawyer by training but have always enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspects of lawyering. A longtime supporter of K12 education, I served for ten years on the school board in Sonoma, California.

During that time, I began tutoring students, some as a volunteer and some as a paid tutor, and I truly enjoyed it. I had students who were very focused on their achievements, but I had more students who were behind or having trouble with motivation. I worked primarily with middle school and high school students, although I also had students in the elementary grades.

I have an undergraduate degree from Hamline University in St. Paul. I majored in political science, with an added emphasis in economics. I attended law school at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. I am an expert in civics/government and American history.

As a recently retired lawyer who is not ready to be fully "retired," I am pursuing tutoring positions. Especially with distance learning, there is more of a need than ever for tutors who are innovative, have a great sense of humor, and who enjoy their students.

Moreover, I have worked with students with ADHD and dyslexia, as well as other learning challenges, and strategies for managing those challenges permeates my tutoring. Most students have some learning challenges, so this has been a great perspective to have because it keeps me focused on the individual needs of each student.

As a lawyer, I spent most of my day reading or writing. While I came by my abilities in this area somewhat naturally, I agree with the current educational philosophy that emphasizes systematic and data-driven approaches to teaching skills that may seem somewhat intangible. I am also quite experienced with helping students develop better study habits and routines.

Regarding math, I always enjoyed the subject but thought I was “not good at it,” despite strong grades. I think this is quite common and a real impediment to math success. When I started tutoring, I did a complete online rev

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Education

Hamline University
Political Science
UC Berkeley School of Law
J.D.

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $70
  • Rate details: Special pricing for multiple hour sessions!
  • Lesson cancellation: 16 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/13/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Sat

Approved Subjects

Business

Criminal Justice,

Criminal Justice

I have practiced law for decades. My focus has not been on criminal law, but of course I have had clients with overlapping criminal and civil/juvenile cases. I am well versed in criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional principles, and matters of public interest relating to our criminal justice system.
Law,

Law

I attended law school at the Berkeley Law School at the University of California, Berkeley. I have mentored colleagues on numerous occasions. I was chair of the Moot Court Board in law school, so appellate work has always been an interest of mine.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As an attorney, I have had the opportunity to speak publicly in a courtroom setting on a weekly basis. However, I have also delivered seminars or talks to parents on special education issues and in other contexts to groups of lawyers or the public at large. My approach to public speaking draws heavily on the storytelling traditions. In addition, I have helped many students and colleagues who have significant anxiety about public speaking.

Corporate Training

Law,

Law

I attended law school at the Berkeley Law School at the University of California, Berkeley. I have mentored colleagues on numerous occasions. I was chair of the Moot Court Board in law school, so appellate work has always been an interest of mine.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As an attorney, I have had the opportunity to speak publicly in a courtroom setting on a weekly basis. However, I have also delivered seminars or talks to parents on special education issues and in other contexts to groups of lawyers or the public at large. My approach to public speaking draws heavily on the storytelling traditions. In addition, I have helped many students and colleagues who have significant anxiety about public speaking.
Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored numerous elementary students. All of these students were either struggling in one or more subjects, or wanted help to excel in particular areas. I strongly believe that tutoring younger students has the potential to better prepare students when they move on to middle school.
Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

I have worked with students on Math from ages 4 through 16. I especially enjoy working with students from grades 3 through 8. It has been my experience that a thorough understanding of elementary and middle school math is essential for success in both pre-algebra and algebra. Computer aided instruction (with support) is particularly effective for these grades. I took math classes through advanced algebra in high school and college. When I began tutoring a number of years ago, I used Khan Academy to refresh my knowledge, working through all grades from kinder through high school subjects. My knowledge is quite current, and I work at various ways of explaining topics or problems. Where appropriate, I also use logic games to encourage a systematic approach to problem solving.
Reading,

Reading

I have tutored students from preschool to high school. In some cases, the students were being homeschooled but the family needed extra help for any number of reasons. I am a retired lawyer but my passion lies in my tutoring!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Elementary Science, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary

English

English,

English

As a lawyer for over forty years, words were my stock in trade. Many judges (often the audience for legal writing) are very pressed for time. While a court submission may involve complicated matters of law and fact, the key is to write a highly readable document that does not require an advanced education to understand. Essays on standardized tests may only be skimmed by the examiner, so the merits must jump out at the reader, and deficiencies must be avoided at all costs.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As an attorney, I have had the opportunity to speak publicly in a courtroom setting on a weekly basis. However, I have also delivered seminars or talks to parents on special education issues and in other contexts to groups of lawyers or the public at large. My approach to public speaking draws heavily on the storytelling traditions. In addition, I have helped many students and colleagues who have significant anxiety about public speaking.
Reading,

Reading

I have tutored students from preschool to high school. In some cases, the students were being homeschooled but the family needed extra help for any number of reasons. I am a retired lawyer but my passion lies in my tutoring!
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I am an outstanding writer, having been a practicing attorney for several years. I have worked with a number of students on standardized tests. The writing required for the SAT is somewhat formulaic and therefore it is easier to teach.
Writing,

Writing

As an attorney, the ability to write well is paramount. I have published articles and given presentations with supplemental written materials. I have written thousands of documents and have always been complemented on my writing skills.
ACT English, ACT Reading, Grammar, Literature, Proofreading, Spelling, Vocabulary

History

American History, Government & Politics, Political Science, Social Studies

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Tutoring experience through Algebra 2. Keep my own skills up to date by doing Khan Academy several times a week.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored numerous elementary students. All of these students were either struggling in one or more subjects, or wanted help to excel in particular areas. I strongly believe that tutoring younger students has the potential to better prepare students when they move on to middle school.
English,

English

As a lawyer for over forty years, words were my stock in trade. Many judges (often the audience for legal writing) are very pressed for time. While a court submission may involve complicated matters of law and fact, the key is to write a highly readable document that does not require an advanced education to understand. Essays on standardized tests may only be skimmed by the examiner, so the merits must jump out at the reader, and deficiencies must be avoided at all costs.
Reading,

Reading

I have tutored students from preschool to high school. In some cases, the students were being homeschooled but the family needed extra help for any number of reasons. I am a retired lawyer but my passion lies in my tutoring!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Writing,

Writing

As an attorney, the ability to write well is paramount. I have published articles and given presentations with supplemental written materials. I have written thousands of documents and have always been complemented on my writing skills.
Geometry, Prealgebra, Spelling

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Tutoring experience through Algebra 2. Keep my own skills up to date by doing Khan Academy several times a week.
Geometry, Prealgebra, Probability

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Tutoring experience through Algebra 2. Keep my own skills up to date by doing Khan Academy several times a week.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored numerous elementary students. All of these students were either struggling in one or more subjects, or wanted help to excel in particular areas. I strongly believe that tutoring younger students has the potential to better prepare students when they move on to middle school.
English,

English

As a lawyer for over forty years, words were my stock in trade. Many judges (often the audience for legal writing) are very pressed for time. While a court submission may involve complicated matters of law and fact, the key is to write a highly readable document that does not require an advanced education to understand. Essays on standardized tests may only be skimmed by the examiner, so the merits must jump out at the reader, and deficiencies must be avoided at all costs.
Reading,

Reading

I have tutored students from preschool to high school. In some cases, the students were being homeschooled but the family needed extra help for any number of reasons. I am a retired lawyer but my passion lies in my tutoring!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Writing,

Writing

As an attorney, the ability to write well is paramount. I have published articles and given presentations with supplemental written materials. I have written thousands of documents and have always been complemented on my writing skills.
Geometry, Prealgebra

Other

Law,

Law

I attended law school at the Berkeley Law School at the University of California, Berkeley. I have mentored colleagues on numerous occasions. I was chair of the Moot Court Board in law school, so appellate work has always been an interest of mine.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Government & Politics

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Tutoring experience through Algebra 2. Keep my own skills up to date by doing Khan Academy several times a week.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have tutored numerous elementary students. All of these students were either struggling in one or more subjects, or wanted help to excel in particular areas. I strongly believe that tutoring younger students has the potential to better prepare students when they move on to middle school.
GED,

GED

I have tutored other GED students. I stay current by taking GED practice tests weekly. I use diagnostic testing to determine areas of strength and areas that need attention. With the student largely driving the process, I help develop a target study schedule by subject and chosen test dates.
Reading,

Reading

I have tutored students from preschool to high school. In some cases, the students were being homeschooled but the family needed extra help for any number of reasons. I am a retired lawyer but my passion lies in my tutoring!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Writing,

Writing

As an attorney, the ability to write well is paramount. I have published articles and given presentations with supplemental written materials. I have written thousands of documents and have always been complemented on my writing skills.
Geometry

Test Preparation

GED,

GED

I have tutored other GED students. I stay current by taking GED practice tests weekly. I use diagnostic testing to determine areas of strength and areas that need attention. With the student largely driving the process, I help develop a target study schedule by subject and chosen test dates.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I am an outstanding writer, having been a practicing attorney for several years. I have worked with a number of students on standardized tests. The writing required for the SAT is somewhat formulaic and therefore it is easier to teach.
ACT English, ACT Reading, PSAT, SSAT

Examples of Expertise

Helen has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 3 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Helen ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (131 ratings)
5 star
(124)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(2)

Reviews

Great teacher!

Helen is a great tutor. She is very familiar with different learning styles, including how to support learners with disabilities best, so she modifies her tutoring sessions to meet each learner's needs and strengths. Very knowledgeable in the law and can mentor law students at different points in their academic and professional paths.

Geraldine, 6 lessons with Helen

She’s A Pro!

Helen comes with a wealth of wisdom and patience. Her in-depth knowledge about The Constitution and how local government works, was extremely helpful. Her explanations were thorough and relatable. I left her session with an abundance of useful information and a boost of confidence. I would highly recommend Helen.

Valerie, 3 lessons with Helen

Encouraging, to the point and great guidance

10/10 will recommend. Helen is a great tutor and has amazing skills to help guide on assignments and information

Alyssa, 20 lessons with Helen

Very Helpful and helps you understand the material.

I am so grateful to have found Helen, she is very patient, willing to help at any given moment, and also very knowledgeable. I would totally recommend her I would love to her 10 stars if I could. Choosing her as your tutor will be your best decision.

Teanna, 8 lessons with Helen

Math GED

Helen is a very good tutor. My tutoring with Helen has been to get me to understand and learn the math needed for my GED. She has a talent that I believe could help anyone learn and succeed in their mission! She has given me a burst of confidence! If I’m struggling with something she try a different way to show me which for me worked out well to get me through the struggle that I was having with certain math problems. I’ would definitely refer her for anyone who needs the extra help to get you through the learning struggles you may be having.

Bernadette, 11 lessons with Helen

Math GED

Helen is a very good tutor. My tutoring with Helen has been to get me to understand and learn the math needed for my GED. She has a talent that I believe could help anyone learn and succeed in their mission! She has given me a burst of confidence! If I’m struggling with something she try a different way to show me which for me worked out well to get me through the struggle that I was having with certain math problems. I’ would definitely refer her for anyone who needs the extra help to get you through the learning struggles you may be having.

Bernadette, 11 lessons with Helen

Very patient

Took her time to offer great advice on my assignment and thoroughly reviewed my work. Felt confident when I turned it in. Look forward to working with her again.

BC, 4 lessons with Helen
Hourly Rate: $70
Response time: 2 hours
Contact Helen