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Certified Editor, Personal Statement Coach, and ESL Tutor
John B.

5.0 (97 ratings)

482 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $50
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Response time: 6 hours

About John

Bio

I graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a BA in both Russian and linguistics. While serving in the United States Air Force, I graduated from the Defense Language Institute where I studied Russian in a fifty-four-week language immersion program. In 2017, I received a certificate in editing from the University of Washington after completing a seven-month course in proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing. My two strongest attributes are tutoring ESL and...

I graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a BA in both Russian and linguistics. While serving in the United States Air Force, I graduated from the Defense Language Institute where I studied Russian in a fifty-four-week language immersion program. In 2017, I received a certificate in editing from the University of Washington after completing a seven-month course in proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing. My two strongest attributes are tutoring ESL and coaching and editing college admissions essays (personal statements).

I'm passionate about working with clients who share values of kindness, understanding, and mutual respect.

My ESL tutoring consists of the following two activities:

Natural conversation practice: I facilitate online conversation based on my students’ interests, noting any errors – especially those that impact understanding. After these conversations, we review my notes, which I also share via email.

Writing practice: I give short essay assignments based on my students’ interests. The essays are roughly two hundred to three hundred words. I edit these essays offline, giving detailed comments about both grammar and style. When we meet online, I go over my edits and comments, ensuring that my students understand.

I also provide coaching and editing using Microsoft Word’s tracked changes for the following types of writing:

- College admissions essays (undergraduate and graduate)
- Essays and dissertations
- Business documentation
- Websites and blog posts
- Resumes and cover letters
- Fiction and nonfiction

Style manuals: The Chicago Manual of Style, Publication Manual (APA), MLA Handbook
Memberships: Editorial Freelancers Association, ACES, Northwest Editors Guild

Contact me if you are looking for ESL tutoring, proofreading, copyediting, or developmental editing.

Interests: philosophy, psychology, self-help, linguistics, foreign languages, photography, photo editing, guitar, writing, yoga, cycling

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Education

University of Washington
Russian literature and linguistics

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Special discounting is available for multiple lessons.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/5/2023

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

College Counseling

College Counseling

I am a certified editor and ESL & English tutor with over fifteen years of experience working for both a college writing lab and for my own freelance editing and tutoring business. My specialty is helping people write their college admissions essays. I have helped countless clients write meaningful personal statements that have ensured their entrance into college at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I would love the opportunity to help you write a personal statement that admissions advisors will not overlook but happily put into their "yes" pile.
English

English

Since 2004, I have been tutoring English at North Seattle College. I have also tutored English on a freelance basis--mostly college level essays and personal statements for college entry, both undergraduate and graduate. I have a BA in Russian and Linguistics from the University of Washington--as most know, there is quite a bit of writing involved in earning a BA. I have always excelled in writing, and it is one of my passions.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I tutored ESL at North Seattle College for over 15 years. I have also tutored English, Russian, and ESL independently. I know the difficulties and fear involved with learning a foreign language - I had to learn Russian in just a year while serving in the military. I am an expert in teaching pronunciation, grammar, writing, and speaking to English language learners.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I received a certificate in editing from the University of Washington. I spent a major part of this program learning and practicing proofreading and copyediting skills. I have also been tutoring English and ESL since 2004, and I often help students proofread their own work. Many of my students are non-native speakers of English––undergraduates, graduates, and business professionals––who seek my expertise in helping them to write more fluently.
Russian

Russian

In the USAF, at the Defense Language Institute of Monterey, California, I was trained as a Russian Crypto-Linguist which entailed the completion of a 54 week immersion course in the Russian Language. I maintained a presence on the Dean's List for the entire time. I also have a degree from the University of Washington in Russian Language and Literature and Linguistics. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from those programs. I have taught Russian as a freelance language tutor.
Writing

Writing

I have been a writer for most of my life. I write poetry, prose, and essays that reflect the philosophical side of my personality. As a Russian literature and linguistics major in college, I wrote extensively on some very complex subject matter. I graduated from the University of Washington with honors, and in 2017 I received my certificate in editing.
Reading
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

John has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 6 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of John ’s answers ›
John B.'s Photo

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Response time: 6 hours

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (97 ratings)
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Reviews

Knowledgeable and patient

He helped me to improve my counter argument essay become stronger. I am an international students and I don't speak well. He is very patient and ask my ideas. He is very thoughtful. He even took notes, and then gave to me later on. I am really appreciate. Highly recommend this tutor.

Yinlu, 8 lessons with John

Knowledgeable, kind, and helpful

John was such a big help in writing my personal statement. Not only was he able to help me sort through my ideas and find what I wanted to communicate, but he is extremely knowledgeable in editing, grammar, etc. John helped me take my final product to a higher level that I wouldn't have been able to achieve alone. John was also extremely kind and helped me build confidence in my work. Look forward to working with him again!

Sydney, 1 lesson with John

Knowledgable, highly attentive, friendly, and patient tutor.

John is a phenomenal tutor! I highly recommend John! He is very approachable, gives simple, clear explanations, takes the time to listen to your concerns, and then offers helpful suggestions that have helped me become a better writer. He is quick to respond and I am really grateful for his help. I will most certainly seek John's tutoring service again with future written assignments. Thank you John!

Angel, 1 lesson with John

Very Helpful and Supportive!

When I started my personal statement for college, I was scattered and overwhelmed with the application process. However, after a few sessions with Mr. Belmont, my mind was put at ease. He helped organize my writing and gave me the guidance I needed to write a great personal statement. Because of his support, I regained my confidence and optimism in applying for graduate school. I am forever grateful!

Marcy, 2 lessons with John

Incredibly helpful tutor

John was very easy to talk to and had great ideas. When I first came to him with my essay it needed a lot of changes, but John made fixing it an easy process. He came to the first lesson with ideas that I had never thought of before, and in the end helped me create an essay that I am proud to submit in my college applications.

Ron, 1 lesson with John

Outstanding tutor!

John helped me with writing personal statement and resume for nursing school. He has been extremely supportive, and patience with me even on my tough days when I was depressed and was out of motivation. He is greatly knowledgeable and utilizes different avenues of teaching and flexible as well.

Amal, 7 lessons with John

Excellent editor and educator

John provided me with top notch edits on an academic journal article manuscript. Not only did he offer excellent feedback, he also explained the logic and grammar underlying the suggested edits. I found that really helpful! He was careful to look up industry convention and his responses were incredibly prompt. You should not hesitate to work with John!

Olivia, 1 lesson with John

great lesson

John helped me today with my essay and conversation. He’s patient and reviewed every mistake that I made. Great teacher! Highly recommend!

Nayla, 2 lessons with John

Great Teacher

John is a great teacher. He is always attentive to my needs and each class brings new suggestions and lessons to help with my difficulties. I definitely recommend his work.

Renata, 7 lessons with John

Compassionate companion!

Our captivated discussion with John always have high level. His skills in psychology and linguistic increase my self-confidence because I have a chance to talk to so deep and interesting person. To be honest I consider our meetings not as a lessons but rather self-development. The rest of the day is always good after our conversations with John.

Pavlo, 57 lessons with John
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 6 hours
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