Simon Keefer

Simon Keefer

5.0(3 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

To borrow a phrase from my alma mater, I aim to “awaken the teacher within.” Teaching is so much more than simply passing along information; it involves inspiration and versatility. Being able to hone in on my students’ interests and goals, encouraging them and being as helpful as possible along the way ensures that they attain the utmost success in their pursuits. I have always had a passion for teaching and it has manifested in various ways, from tutoring French at college to helping friends with homework or chess, even to holding leadership positions in a student-run recording studio. I am determined and dedicated to help any student who would benefit from my services, whatever that might look like.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as watching a student’s inner light begin to switch on. Being able to help a student establish their own voice and style is incredibly fulfilling, and in teaching I find that I learn at least as much as the students. I never makes demands of a student, I am only there as a resource or a guide, demonstrating proficiency and providing advice and critical insight (and homework when necessary). By doing so, I find that students have the possibility to come into their own, to develop their own passion and their own road. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching that take place.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
4 years in business
Serves New York , NY
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle

Specialties

Grade level

Pre-kindergarten, Elementary school, Middle school, High school, College / graduate school, Adult learner

Subject

Reading, Essay writing, Creative writing, Handwriting, Spelling, Grammar, Learning English as a 2nd language

Reviews

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MM

masha M.

Working with Simon was one of the best learning experiences I’ve had in my life—and I speak four languages, so it says a lot. His vocabulary is rich and his knowledge of grammar and punctuation rules is highly nuanced, which is not surprising given his background in Philosophy. Perhaps most importantly for me, he is able to explain words and rules in simple, understandable terms that really stick in your brain. He was also incredibly patient with me and worked with my schedule to make sure we can meet once a week consistently, and it yielded results. I have to add that he is also an incredibly kind-spirited, well-rounded person, which makes it all the more enjoyable to attend his classes. Can’t recommend enough!
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June 25, 2024

KL

Kevin L.

Hes enthusiastic about the subject and quite knowledge in helping me understand
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March 30, 2022

AK

Andrew K.

Personalized tutoring services. Adapted focus points to my deficiencies. Held me accountable. Kindly emphasized practice and discipline. Encouraged me to learn from my mistakes.
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April 27, 2021

Frequently asked questions

For me, the most important step is to understand my students’ goals: everything else begins from there. It would make no sense to work on scientific writing, for example, if the student aims to improve their writing of evaluative essays. Or, if a student is interested in studying rock, it would make little sense to assign jazz study. By listening carefully to the desires and aspirations of my students, I am best able to determine the ideal trajectory for their studies.

I have been engaged in some form of teaching for most of my life. Even though I lack certifications, I have occupied positions which required me to employ pedagogical devices. For example, when instructing incoming students about running the Recording Arts Club, it was essential to teach every aspect of running and operating the space. All of my education and  training has been done in person, in the field, and I believe that this autodidactic element has all the more improved my teaching acumen.

Because I am new to online tutoring, I will be offering free introductory lessons. From there, early students will receive a discounted rate and will be able to keep that rate in perpetuity, even if I raise my rates.

Teaching always came naturally. As soon as I learned something, the next logical step was to help others to learn it as well. In fact, an essential part of my education has been teaching, and both have been something which I have continued to pursue my whole life.

I have worked with students of nearly all ages and backgrounds. This has helped me to tailor my teaching to the individual student, regardless. In fact, part of my individualized approach stems from engaging with a wide variety of students across a wide variety of subjects.

Make sure they feel right. A teacher who is too lax for a dedicated student can be frustrating and a rigid teacher may be detrimental to a shyer student. This all depends on your goals and your interests, and it is up to your teacher to meet you where you are at, rather than the other way around. My advice is to know what you’re looking for; then, find someone who has it.

In my view, it is incredibly important to know what you seek to learn, what your learning style is, and who might best suit your aims. While it is possible to get a lot out of a session in which you do not have express goals, in order to maximize time spent in sessions,  having a clear idea of what you want and how to get there is essential.


Services offered

Esl
Social Sciences
Reading And Writing Tutoring
Test Prep Tutoring