About
My name is Brian Widmer, and I am one of the most caring tutors you will ever meet. I have enjoyed a 13 year career as a professional tutor, helping adults and children of all ages achieve academic success and build their confidence.
I offer specialized support for comprehension and reading, experienced with proven methods including Visualizing and Verbalizing and Wilson Reading Program. I also assist students with middle and high school math, enabling a deeper grasp on the material and a safe place to ask questions. I am a skilled online instructor and I offer in-person work near the West Chester, PA community.
I have been recommended by parents, teachers, reading specialists and school psychologists. See their testimonials at https://brianwidmer.com/home-2/testimonials/
My clients take comfort in the genuine concern for my students and am able to connect with them on their level. I am flexible, personalizing instruction in ways that students can relate to, and I care about their confidence and sense of safety. I have been gifted with a deep well of patience and an intuitive grasp of what my students need.
When meeting a new student, I gather as much information about their personal learning style as I can. I create an individualized plan and keep you inform each step of the way. I am happy to collaborate with other members of their educational team if desired.
Qualifications and work
-B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University, 2009.
-Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes 2009-2018. Tutor, tester, trainer, case manager, and site manager.
-Self-Employed tutor 2018-present.
-Familiar with Wilson methods and comprehension strategy instruction.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Grade level
Type of math
Photos and videos
Reviews
dawn J.
jennifer G.
Jeanette M.
L. M.
Neil K.
Chris D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
- Introductory phone call: let's get to know each other and the areas of need.
- Initial session: meet the student, build rapport, and do some activities to get a clearer sense of their specific needs.
- Consultation: review my personalized recommendations and schedule a weekly plan.
- Instruction! The fun part! Do the work and make a difference!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- 8 years work experience Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (instructor, trainer, tester, mentor, case manager, clinic manager, etc.) teaching reading, comprehension, math, and a variety of school content areas.
-I have been tutoring online since 2015
- Extensive training, pro. dev., and knowledge of Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS) and math programs.
- BA Psychology, SDSU
- PA private teaching cert
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer a tiered rate system. Tier 1 is $100/hr and is for people who are fully employed, have disposable income, and are able to set money aside for savings. Tier 2 is $80/hr and is for anyone who doesn't fit the above description.
How did you get started teaching?
What types of students have you worked with?
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As of writing this, I just had my last session with a college student who will be graduating in a few weeks. It has been three years since I first met her, when she was on academic probation. Now she is a serial dean's list-er! I'm immensely proud of her, and as with most students a little sad to say adios. It's bittersweet.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't settle.
Find someone who works for you, who feels like a good fit, someone you enjoy working with and feel comfortable enough to be honest with. The right person will really want to help you, and the ability to be open with them about your internal process is very important.
If you need help with reading, make sure they are trained in a real reading program. One that has a proven track record. (Orton Gillingham, Lindamood Bell, Wilson, etc.) Not every program is a perfect fit for everyone. Some programs are geared more towards fluency, others towards comprehension. A good instructor will be able to tailor the program *to you* but even then if something isn't clicking after a few weeks, don't be afraid to look for alternatives.
There are hundreds of helpers out there. The question, as one mom worded it to me, is, "Does the help help?" The good news is that with the internet at your disposal, you have an incredible number of options to find the help that helps. Don't be afraid to talk to tutors until you find someone who you truly feel comfortable with.