Brian Widmer

Brian Widmer

5.0Exceptional(16 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

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

Hired 2 times
1 employee
8 years in business
Serves West Chester , PA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Square

Details

Grade level

Middle school, High school, College / graduate school, Adult learner

Type of math

Pre-algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Statistics

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    DJ

    dawn J.

    I liked that Brian was very professional; he took the initial time to evaluate and understand my learning needs, then planned accordingly to those needs and with the time I allotted for.
    We started off with the Visualizing and Verbalizing program for a period of time which helped me learn how to remember things. We then switch the curriculum to the Seeing Stars program. I was very excited about this program as I have always struggled pronouncing and breaking words down.
    Throughout the learning process, Brian was always prompt and patient with me. He would explain things to me clearly to where I could understand what was being taught. This made the learning process fun and engaging. Overall, I really enjoyed working with Brian and the programs that were offered to me.
    In the end, as being an adult learner, I can certainly say that I am walking away with the knowledge that I lacked in my earlier years of learning. I cannot thank Brian enough for all that he has helped me with! I would highly recommend Brian as a tutor.
    Sincerely,
    Dawn
    ... Show more
    September 06, 2023

    JG

    jennifer G.

    Brian is extraordinary. He took an in-depth, imaginative and unafraid approach to understanding our young adult child. He was truly an immersed, committed partner in helping him. When we asked Brian to be part of our childs alternative learning journey, he put on the snorkel and dove deep with us. He earnestly strove to understand our childs thinking, pulling from his treasure trove of hard-earned knowledge and God-given abilities and intuitions to navigate the difficult waters of comprehension and communications in our childs uniquely-wired neurology. Brian is direct, yet gentle. He has the wonder of a child, yet is astute in his assessments. He hears when he listens and, in a timely and professional way, executes a thoughtful plan. All in all, Brians input, which is dedicated and intentional, is worth exceedingly more than the wage he asks.
    ... Show more
    August 02, 2023

    JM

    Jeanette M.

    Brian is my daughters 2nd grade tutor. Brian is amazing. My daughter had issues reading and after working with my daughter her confidence is up and she is actually reading. I am so amazed on the turn around with my daughters issue of not being able to read to being able to read and spell as well. Thank you again Brian
    ... Show more
    May 02, 2023

    LM

    L. M.

    Amazing tutor! He connects with my teenager and makes her understand the material and excited to learn more. We couldnt ask for more!
    ... Show more
    May 10, 2022

    NK

    Neil K.

    Our son has made significant progress in reading and comprehension. He enjoys his time with Brian so much.
    ... Show more
    May 04, 2022

    CD

    Chris D.

    My daughter was below average and really struggling with reading - comprehension. Brian worked with her and now she has made honors 2 trimester in a row! This would have never happened if it was not for the tutoring provided by Brian.
    ... Show more
    May 04, 2022

    Frequently asked questions

    - 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!

    - 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

    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.

    I started as a comprehension and reading tutor for adults and students at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. I underwent a summer-long training and practicum/professional development in their proven literacy programs. I was given the Clinician's Choice Award as the tutor most respected by my fellow clinicians. During my 8 years at LBLP I wore many hats. I trained other tutors, administered learning ability evaluations, managed a student caseload and a small team of employees at several "pop-up" centers. I also took the role of "learning coach," teaching and assisting students with everyday schoolwork. I
    I have worked with adults and students between the ages of 6 and 75, who typically need direct or indirect support for comprehension, reading, or math related needs. I have done direct reading intervention, supported students with classwork, and assisted adults with employment or everyday literacy-related tasks. The common theme with nearly all of my students is that on some level reading/spelling/math is holding them back and I help them to overcome this challenge and move forward. Usually personal confidence is a factor as well, and over the course of my time with my students, their confidence nearly always increases.

    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. 

    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.

    I think finding a tutor can already feel like a hard thing to do. Students don't need the extra burden of coming up with a list of "good questions" like they are preparing for an interview. A good fit will flow naturally from the first phone call. So to keep things very simple: why do you want a tutor, what outcomes or goals are most important to you, and what is your budget? An experienced tutor will be able to help you navigate all the rest.

    Services offered

    Guitar
    Math
    Psychology
    Reading And Writing Tutoring
    Test Prep Tutoring