About
Hey there! I'm Matt, I am a private tutor for the advanced humanities and writing! My fields include, History, Reading Comprehension (all grade levels), Literature, Essay Writing, Creative Writing, and more upon request. I do general collegiate writing, proofreading/editing essays, as well as a variety of creative writing areas including poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, short stories, novellas, etc.
I focus on understanding my students as individual readers and writers in order to best help them. It is my opinion that there is no such thing as a bad writer, nor is there one tried and true method to honing one's writing talents. In learning about my students I tweak my sessions to gear toward their specific needs. My end goal with my students is getting them to a point where they have developed their own systems for reading and writing that best suit them, as well as turning the experience into one where they can appreciate and even enjoy either craft.
I have been independantly tutoring classmates and associates in the various fields of the humanities for over six years. In addition to graduating with a 3.65 GPA from UCLA, I am a working writer, script doctor, and story coach in the city of Los Angeles. Writing freelance articles for independant news outlets, assisting screenwriters with helping their scripts, and having written and published several creative writting projects in both New Jersey and Los Angeles. As a side note, I also happen to be New Jersey's 2017 State Champion for Forensic Speech and Debate.
The world needs people who want to read, and like to write. As much as the world changes, these lovely little skills will always be the gateway to better understanding the world. I'm a nerd for both skills. I suppose I like making nerds out of others.
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Andrea R.
Edwin L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on the field of study, I normally start with a short "getting to know you" session. As a reader, a writer, and a person. Understanding where a person's passion lies is the key to helping them see the value and potential in the written word. Following that I scale the work based on our raporrot. Every student is as different as every person. Some take longer, some take shorter, some need extra adamancy, some need extra patience. But everyone needs that thing that makes them feel like they aren't working. That is my goal session to session. Normally, after a session I will assign some semi-optional yet fun homework. These can range from short novels, to short stories, to comic books, to movies. By giving my students something they enjoy that they can learn from I am unlocking their inner love of the written word.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have received a 1200 on my SATs, was tutored into ultimately getting it, and was afterward taught how to tutor others.
During my college education, I received extensive training and education in the arts and literature in order to better inform a greater appreciation for the humanities as a whole. I have an extensive knowledge on nearly all forms a literature and multiple skills in honing the comprehension on said literature.
In addition, I received concentrated writing training during college. Which consisted of both academic and creative skills.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The extent of the lessons and the kind tutoring required usually scale pricing, but for the most part. Pricing will range from anywhere between 18$-36$/hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I sort of fell into it really! I did it all through high school for friends and for free. Then in college I started charging people when I found there was a need I could fill. By the time I started spending the occasional summer working at a theater summer camp and teaching the kids in multiple fields of study, I found I had a nack for it and decided to start doing it professionally!
What types of students have you worked with?
Young Learners: 4th-8th Grade (Ages 10-14)
High Schoolers: 9th-12th Grade (Ages 15-18)
College Students: Freshman-Senior Undergrad (Ages 18-22)
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Got a letter from one of my former students in Hawaii with a box of Hawaiian choclates. She basically thanked my for my help, told me that I inspired her interest in the humanities, and said she had just gotten her acceptance letter to Yale in the fall. It was the most affirming experience as and educator I'd ever had.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Teachers are those you learn to work with. Tutors learn to work with you. Don't feel obligated to work with someone because they are supposedly good at what they do. If they can't give you what you need, you need to find someone who actually does. Don't settle for who's best. Settle for who's right for you.