About
My name is Sam. I am a Ph.D. student in Math & Science Education and hold an MS in Neurobiology. I have 21 years of tutoring, homeschooling, and teaching experience. I specialize in 4th thru 12th-grade core classes as well as test prep including standardized tests like SAT, ACT, ASVAB, GED, and others. Further, I help students with essay writing and proofreading.
I have worked with numerous students who are neurodivergent, including autistic kids and those with ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, & processing disorders as well as students who have other behavioral, developmental, & emotional disorders. One of the most common mental health disorders I have worked with is anxiety, specifically as it relates to testing & academic pressure.
I use evidence-based teaching practices combined with a personalized education teaching style to meet each kid's unique learning style. Over the years I have acquired & personally developed several instructional tools that I modify for each student - no two students are alike.
I am only tutoring remotely through zoom at the moment. While I understand the hesitation among parents as many students did not perform well for online schooling, I would love the opportunity to discuss why remote tutoring is different. I have been tutoring remotely for over 10 years and have a great success rate among my students. I have several references and would be willing to share them. My current rate starts at $50/hr but includes student support throughout the week even if we aren't meeting as well as any prep, teacher communication, and other non-session related time I put in. I hope you will give me a chance to show you how I can help!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is different and trust must be built between student and tutor otherwise the learning process cannot occur. During sessions, our tutors learn what the student likes and dislikes and incorporate that into instruction - it builds a personalized experienced for the student and generates rapport.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a tutor for 18 years and a teaching assistant for 2 years. I have a Bachelors degree in psychology and I am in my last semester of a Masters in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in neurobiology. Additionally, I am currently working with the National Tutor Association to become a Certified Tutor Trainer and am applying to have The Knowledge Branch be an accredited program.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Middle School and High School Subjects: $50 per hour
GED/ACT/SAT Test Prep: $60 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
I was 15 and working in an inner city children's mission when the Director pulled me aside and asked me how my English grades were. I told her I had A's, and so she took me and put me in a room of about 30 students of all different ages and told me "they need help. Teach them". The rest is, as you say, history.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with K through graduate and students of all different ages. I have also worked with students of several different disorders or different disabilities including ADD, ADHD, autism, behavioral disorders, anxiety, and even traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, our tutors at The Knowledge Branch all have their specialities from special early child education to neurochemistry.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be comfortable with who you hire. If you are uncomfortable with them, you will not learn from them.