English/Reading/Social Studies/Japanese Tutor

Curtis P.

I am a former Foreign Service Officer and senior business executive who took up teaching after early retirement. I have both an English and social studies credential in South Carolina and California. I have spent several years overseas as a student, a government officer, and business executive.

I speak Japanese and Vietnamese.

I was a full time teacher in middle school where I taught reading and English. The students in my reading classes increased their reading grade level by 1.7 grades in one semester. This remarkable progress was validated by the MAP test given by the district.

Every student has his/her own challenges when it comes to reading. This is especially true with the kids I've worked with who have IEP's and 504 plans. What is even more important than a teacher and a tutor is the parent. Without strong involvement in solving the child's learning issues, I have found that progress is much, much more difficult to achieve.

I received a Presidential Citation for Academic Excellency when I received my credential and I scored in the top 15% of all persons taking the social studies Praxis exam.

I have tutored both ESL and native English speakers in both reading, writing and speaking. I am available on SKYPE for consultation and assistance with homework.

I was recently gratified when a 19 year old young man who I tutored in English, geography, history, and test-taking passed his GED on his first attempt. I have also helped a lot of students who were aiming to pass the ASVAB.

But, my specialty is reading fluency called "automaticity" and comprehension. Of course, reading comprehension is the key to success in most other courses. If you are interested in my qualifications, please contact me and set up a free appointment where I sit down with parent and student during which time I can assess the student's needs.