From Homer to Hamilton | Test Prep, the Classics & Humanities

Erik O.

ACT Reading

I bring years of experience helping students develop the core skills that the ACT Reading section tests—critical reading, comprehension, and textual analysis. I’ve taught literature, history, and writing in classroom settings, emphasizing how to draw inferences, identify main ideas, and understand tone and structure. These foundational skills translate directly to success on standardized reading assessments. My approach focuses on building confidence, improving reading efficiency, and equipping students with strategies they can apply under timed conditions.

Bible Studies

I hold an M.A. in Theological Studies and a B.A. in Philosophy & Religion, grounding my approach to Bible Studies in both rigorous scholarship and broad philosophical context. Over the past six years, I have developed and taught engaging Bible and Sunday school curricula for students ranging from middle schoolers to adults, focusing on historical background, literary structure, and practical application. My teaching emphasizes critical thinking and personal reflection, guiding learners to interact thoughtfully with the text and understand its relevance to contemporary faith and ethics. Whether preparing for in-depth topical studies or introductory overviews, I tailor each session to meet your goals and foster lasting confidence in your biblical literacy.

Classics

I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in fields that required extensive reading in classical literature, including works by Augustine, Aquinas, Dante, Shakespeare, Locke, Milton, and Rousseau. I have taught these texts as part of high school Humanities courses at classical schools, where I integrated history, literature, philosophy, and civics. My language training includes four semesters each of Greek and Hebrew, culminating in advanced sight translation of original texts. I have also studied and taught Latin at four different levels, helping students engage directly with the language and thought of the ancient world.

Debate

I taught public speaking and debate for three years at the high school level, equipping students to present themselves with confidence and to craft clear, persuasive arguments. My students learned to argue both sides of an issue, using rhetorical strategies to concede where appropriate and persuade with integrity. My academic background in Philosophy sharpened my skills in logic and critical thinking, while my theological training required me to write thesis-driven essays that fairly addressed opposing viewpoints. This combination of classroom experience and rigorous academic training enables me to coach students in both the art and ethics of effective argumentation.

English

With a Bachelor's and Master’s in the liberal arts, I bring over a decade of experience teaching English through the lens of logic, clarity, and persuasion. I help students strengthen their grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills—from foundational mechanics to advanced composition. Whether you're looking to improve academic essays, prepare for standardized tests, or simply communicate more effectively, I tailor lessons to meet your individual needs. My approach is patient, practical, and grounded in the belief that English is not just a subject—but a vital skill for life.

Essay Writing

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion and a Master’s in Theological Studies—both of which required extensive academic essay writing, including formal research papers, rhetorical analysis, and thesis-driven arguments. My graduate coursework emphasized clear structure, analytical depth, and persuasive style. In addition to writing at the graduate level, I have taught essay writing for six years in a classical high school setting, guiding students through the writing process from outline to polished final draft. This combination of academic training and classroom experience equips me to help students write essays that are clear, compelling, and well-organized. I also passed other writing-related quizzes on the platform. I have extensive and rigorous educational and professional training and experience in essay writing.

European History

With over 20 years of historical study and a Master's degree in the Liberal Arts, I bring a deep and nuanced understanding of European history from antiquity to the modern age. My teaching experience includes guiding students through pivotal events such as the rise and fall of empires, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the world wars—all with an eye toward connecting past ideas to present realities. I emphasize primary sources, historical thinking, and storytelling to make European history engaging and meaningful. Whether for academic support or intellectual enrichment, I help students grasp not just what happened, but why it mattered.

French

I first encountered French while living in Switzerland as a child, and I’ve continued to study languages ever since—including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Because French is closely related to Latin, I can help students make sense of grammar and vocabulary in a way that actually sticks. Whether you're just starting French in high school or need help building confidence, I focus on clear pronunciation, practical vocabulary, and easy-to-understand explanations. My goal is to make French fun, approachable, and something you can succeed at—even if languages aren’t usually your thing.

GED

I understand what it’s like to struggle—during high school, I barely graduated myself. But later in life, I experienced an academic turnaround that led me to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. Not everyone needs to follow the same path, but I know how important a second chance can be, and I approach GED prep with patience, empathy, and a deep respect for every learner's journey. My goal is to support, encourage, and equip students to succeed—not just on the test, but beyond it.

Geography

I bring years of classroom experience teaching world geography with an engaging, story-based approach that helps students see the “why” behind the “where.” My background in history, government, and philosophy gives me a broad perspective on how geography shapes cultures, conflicts, and civilizations. I help students connect physical features and climate with human behavior, migration, and politics. Whether you're prepping for a test or just trying to make sense of the world map, I make geography relevant, memorable, and enjoyable.

Government & Politics

I have over six years of teaching experience, including high school courses in Government, Civics, and Economics. My academic background in Philosophy and Theological Studies has sharpened my ability to teach political theory, constitutional law, and the philosophical foundations of governance. I specialize in making abstract concepts like federalism, separation of powers, and civil liberties accessible and engaging for students. Whether you need help understanding current events, preparing for AP exams, or writing policy essays, I can provide clear explanations and practical guidance.

Grammar

Whether you're untangling sentence structure or wrestling with punctuation, grammar doesn’t have to be scary. I specialize in making complex concepts simple, approachable, and even fun. With a background in teaching and a love for clear communication, I help students gain confidence in writing mechanics—from subject-verb agreement to comma placement and everything in between. Let's turn grammar fears into grammar cheers!

Greek

I received rigorous training in Greek and Hebrew through a graduate program that emphasized reading the original texts without reliance on English translation, requiring multiple years of study and direct engagement with the classical languages. My background includes teaching Latin—a similarly inflected language—giving me insight into the grammatical patterns and structures that support long-term mastery. I specialize in helping students build a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary while offering clear, memorable strategies for retention, even for those who struggle with language learning. My goal is to make Ancient and Koine Greek both accessible and engaging, so students can confidently read and understand classical texts in their original form.

Hebrew

I received extensive training in Biblical Hebrew through a graduate program that prioritized reading the original texts without reliance on English aids, culminating in advanced sight translation and exegesis directly from the Hebrew Bible. This training required several years of formal study in both grammar and syntax, laying a strong foundation for accurate interpretation and linguistic precision. With a broader background in classical languages and linguistics, I help students internalize complex patterns through clear explanations and effective memory techniques—even for those who find language learning difficult. My goal is to make Biblical Hebrew approachable, enjoyable, and rooted in a deep understanding of the text.

Latin

Latin may seem like a dead language, but it’s alive with meaning, logic, and beauty. With years of experience teaching Latin, I help students master the grammar, vocabulary, and structure that form the backbone of so many modern languages. Whether you're translating Caesar or decoding conjugations, I’ll guide you step by step in a way that makes the language both understandable and enjoyable. Let’s bring Latin to life—one declension at a time!

Literature

With a strong background in the liberal arts and over six years of classroom teaching experience, I help students approach literature as more than just assigned reading—it becomes a conversation across time and culture. Whether analyzing classic works from Homer and Shakespeare or exploring modern texts, I guide students in developing critical thinking, interpretive skills, and compelling literary essays. I emphasize both the beauty of language and the structure of argument, helping students grow in appreciation and academic confidence. My goal is to make literature accessible, meaningful, and even enjoyable.

Logic

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, which included multiple semesters of formal logic, symbolic reasoning, and argument analysis. My Master’s degree in Theological Studies further honed my ability to read thousands of pages of complex texts, trace arguments with precision, and evaluate them for soundness. In the classroom, I have taught logic as both a standalone subject and an essential skill woven into courses on debate, history, and rhetoric. This blend of academic training and teaching experience enables me to help students not only grasp logical principles but also apply them effectively in everyday reasoning and academic work.

Philosophy

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religion and continued my philosophical training during my Master’s in Theological Studies. With over two decades of experience studying and teaching philosophy, I help students engage with big ideas—from Plato to Nietzsche—with clarity and confidence. I'm also currently writing Categories: An Accessible Guide to Clearer Thinking, a user-friendly introduction to philosophy that makes complex ideas practical and approachable. Whether you're tackling ethics, metaphysics, or logic, I tailor each lesson to spark curiosity, sharpen reasoning, and make philosophy a joy to learn.

Political Science

I have an academic background rooted in the study of political theory, constitutional government, and international relations, with a strong emphasis on both classical and modern political thought. I’ve taught students how to connect foundational ideas from thinkers like Locke, Marx, and Madison to real-world systems and current events. My approach balances clarity and curiosity—helping students not only memorize facts but understand how political systems shape the world we live in. Whether you're preparing for exams or just trying to make sense of the headlines, I aim to make political science both relevant and understandable.

Proofreading

Whether you're polishing an essay, refining a research paper, or perfecting a personal statement, I bring a careful eye and a love of language to every line. My background in teaching, writing, and editing equips me to help students spot common grammar pitfalls, improve clarity, and strengthen argumentation. I focus on more than just commas—I help you express your ideas clearly and confidently. Together, we’ll ensure your writing not only reads well but truly shines.

Public Speaking

I specialize in helping students transform from shy and hesitant to confident and compelling public speakers. My students have delivered rousing speeches in front of entire schools, demonstrating clear tone, strong body language, controlled volume, and engaging pacing. I guide students through every stage of the process—from writing their own original speeches to performing classical speeches with authenticity and presence. With personalized coaching, I help each student find their voice and speak with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Reading

I help students become confident, capable readers who can engage with a wide range of texts—from fiction to nonfiction, literature to informational passages. With experience teaching reading skills across multiple grade levels, I focus on comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary development, and fluency. I meet each student where they are, offering patient guidance and tailored strategies to strengthen reading confidence and performance. Whether you're preparing for a test or simply trying to enjoy reading more, I’m here to help make reading click.

Religion

I hold a Master’s in Theological Studies from a rigorous, Protestant Christian seminary and have over 21 years of experience studying Christianity and comparative religion. While I am personally persuaded of the Christian faith, I approach the study of world religions with clarity, fairness, and respect, helping students understand both the common ground and key distinctions among major belief systems. My goal is to provide intellectually honest and engaging instruction—whether a student practices another faith or holds no religious commitments at all. I am always open to sharing the reasons for my own convictions when asked, but I never seek to impose them.

Social Studies

With over six years of experience teaching Social Studies—including U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, and Geography—I bring an interdisciplinary and engaging approach to the subject. My goal is to help students connect historical and civic concepts to the real world, making learning both meaningful and memorable. I emphasize critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to analyze cause and effect in societal developments. Whether preparing for exams or simply trying to understand the world better, I tailor each session to the student’s needs and learning style.

Study Skills

I wasn’t always a top student—in fact, I used to struggle just to stay organized and keep up. But once I learned the right study skills, everything changed—and now I love helping others experience that same breakthrough. Whether it’s managing time, taking notes, prepping for tests, or staying focused, I teach practical, proven strategies in a way that clicks. I believe anyone can succeed with the right tools and encouragement—and I’m here to help make that happen!

Thesis Writing

I specialize in guiding students through the thesis writing process, from refining a focused research question to crafting a well-supported, clearly structured final draft. With a graduate-level background in theology and the liberal arts, I bring both academic rigor and stylistic clarity to each stage of the writing journey. I help students strengthen their arguments, organize their ideas, and develop a persuasive voice that meets academic standards. Whether you're writing your first major paper or polishing a graduate thesis, I provide practical, tailored support to help you succeed.

United States History

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religion and a Master’s in Theological Studies, both earned through academically rigorous liberal arts programs that required extensive study in American intellectual and cultural history. Over the past six years, I’ve taught U.S. History in middle and high school classrooms, covering everything from colonial America to the Cold War and beyond. My 20+ years of ongoing historical study include not only primary sources but the broader development of American political thought, law, and civic identity. This background enables me to guide students through U.S. History with clarity, enthusiasm, and deep contextual understanding. I have also passed the quizzes for Government and Politics which can only occur if I am familiar with them in the context of United States History.

Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary is the secret sauce to confident communication and academic success. Whether you're preparing for tests, writing papers, or just want to sound sharper, I can help you expand your word bank in a way that's fun and memorable. As someone who has taught language, literature, and grammar—alongside Greek, Latin, and Hebrew—I bring a deep understanding of word roots and structure that makes learning new terms easier. Let’s build your vocabulary one meaningful word at a time!

World History

I bring over two decades of historical study to the table, with a particular love for tracing the big stories that connect ancient empires, global religions, revolutions, and world wars. I’ve taught World History from middle school to high school, and I strive to make it more than just names and dates—it’s a living drama of ideas, cultures, power, and people. My background in theology, philosophy, and the liberal arts gives me a broad lens for connecting historical movements to the big questions of life. Whether you're prepping for a test or just trying to make sense of it all, I can help you see the world as history has shaped it.

Writing

I have over six years of experience teaching writing across a range of formats, including academic essays, persuasive pieces, creative storytelling, and thesis development. My educational background in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts has sharpened my ability to help students organize their thoughts clearly and express them effectively. I specialize in helping students improve their grammar, style, and structure while also developing a strong and confident voice. Whether you're crafting a research paper or polishing a college admissions essay, I can guide you from brainstorming to final draft with clarity and purpose.