James Peters Tutoring
About
I am a full-time IB teacher for both middle school and high school. I am also a part-time journalist for the Annapolis Capital newspaper. I have taught English for six years, including a wide-range of literature and grammar. I have taught psychology at the Diploma Program level for two years and I am currently in my third year teaching history. I was a full-time journalist for 20-plus years before becoming a full-time teacher.
As both a high school and youth coach as well as a teacher, I find it thoroughly enjoying watching the "light bulb" snap on when a player or a student comes to an understanding or makes unexpected strides whether it be on the basketball court, baseball diamond, or classroom. As I tell my students all of the time, I am not here to fail you; I am here to help you succeed at the highest level, whether it be through extra help or differential learning.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to access your child's current level of ability through diagnostic testing and the asking of numerous questions and then tailor a plan to specifically help your child!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a full-time teacher for six years and I have been a professional journalist for 20-plus years. I have taught the Bible, history, English, and Psychology at the middle school and high school levels. I have been a youth coach for 20-plus years as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$20 an hour
How did you get started teaching?
While looking to finish my Master's Degree in Sports Management, my position as a sports writer at The Gazette Newspaper in Gaithersburg was phased out. (The paper has since closed its doors for good.) I was able to secure an Sports Management internship at Archbishop Spalding High School during that same time. Spalding had an opening for an long-term English substitute, so I took the position, which was to be for six months but was extended to a full year. I so fell in love with teaching, that I took on a full-time position at Mount Pleasant Chrisitan School in Baltimore and I have been teaching ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students with numerous different learning capabilties, including at the Diploma Program level at Maryland International School and honors level at Archbishop Spalding High School. I have also worked with students with different learning difficulties at both MDIS and at Mount Pleasant Christian School, including tutoring several students struggling to pass in both English and Social Studies for two summers at Mount Pleasant. All of those students I tutored those two summers were able to advance to the next level of school.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Each year, it is my privlige to help my church sponsor a child for Christmas. My church is in a constant partnership with schools in the area, who pass along the needs for struggling families. In this case, we are given a need/wish list for each child that we meet financially with various gifts. The gifts are then dropped off to the families a week before Christmas, so they can wrap the presents in time for Christmas morning!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Students looking to enhance their education need to find tutors/teachers who are patient and who are willing to differeniate their teaching to accomodate the student. The teacher is there to help the student; the student is not there to accomodate a rigid style of teaching.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students typically want to know if they will be helped without being judged. Students want to be helped, not ridiculed.