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Matthew Purdy English Tutoring
About
My name's Matt, and I've been teaching English courses of varying kinds for nearly 20 years. I earned my PhD in English in 2008. Since 2010, I have lived in the greater Boston area, though I am happy to work remotely with anyone anywhere.
My teaching experience has covered the following areas, and I would be happy to work with you on any of them:
-composition: persuasive, analytical, and narrative essays
-literature: fiction, poetry, early American to contemporary, prose poems, magical realism
-creative writing: fiction, poetry, prose poems
Additionally, I have taught English as a Second Language for 10 years. I have taught every level from Beginner to Proficient, and I have worked with students from all over the world. If you are a non-native speaker looking for conversation practice or help reading or writing, don't hesitate to get in touch. And if you're a native speaker who needs to brush up on grammar, I would be happy to help you as well.
I was put on Earth to teach. This isn't to say I'm the greatest teacher in the world, but teaching is what I am here to do, and when I'm in a classroom (or its virtual equivalent) I would rather be nowhere else. And my students can tell.
I love teaching because it allows me to share what I love with others. And I really do love what I teach -- language and literature and writing. All of it can enrich your life. It certainly has mine. If I can help someone else discover the power of language, then I've done my job as a teacher.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
During our first meeting, I want to know what your goals are. What do you find challenging? Is there anything you have found helpful in the past? I want to find out as much as I can about your particular educational journey so that I can tailor our sessions to your needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My degrees:
BA, Connecticut College, 2001
MA, Binghamton University, 2003
PhD, Texas Tech University, 2008
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My minimum is generally $40 an hour, though I am flexible depending on the work involved and the financial situation of my tutees.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching while I was in my MA program. I actually didn't plan on going into teaching professionally, but over the course of that first semester, I found that I loved it. That was in the fall of 2001, and I've taught every semester since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of tremendously varying backgrounds. I have worked with college freshmen straight out of high school and students in their 50s returning to college after starting a career and a family. I have worked with students from all over the world in ESL, composition, literature, and creative writing classes. I meet every student where they are and help them get where they want to go.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
On the last day of a class I was teaching during the Spring 2021 semester, one student said even though it wasn't his best subject, I was the best English teacher he'd ever had. This is always gratifying to hear, but this year was particularly challenging. One of the colleges where I teach held classes in person all year. This was refreshing, as it was great to be in a room with students again and see their faces (well, except their mouths). I had to adapt to the new circumstances, though, which meant having to rethink teaching strategies I'd used for years. Now that the year is over, I can say without a doubt that this year has made me a better teacher. Hearing such kind words from this student (and several others) showed me the Grand Experiment that was the 2020-2021 school year was successful.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who is versatile. Remember: your needs are paramount here. You want a teacher who can help you achieve your goals, and if one method doesn't work, you need someone who knows how to try something else.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your goal?
That is the key question for the student to have in mind before seeking out a tutor, I'd say. We begin at point A, and the student sets point B. It's my job to get us from here to there. If the end goal isn't clear, though, it's difficult for me to plot a course.