Gilman Tutoring

I interview students to establish a rapport, asking them about their interests and then move on to determine what they want to work on, where they think they might have problems, and then make suggestions on what I could do to help them. I might ask them to read something or how they might go about solving their particular learning problems. I would like to know if they wish to work with a specific textbook or on a particular project. If the latter, then I would help them access appropriate resources through the internet.  

I have taught at Fordham’s ESL program since 2002. I earned my MS in English literature and my PHD in Humanities Education from New York University. Prior to teaching at Fordham, I taught and directed a US high school English program, taught in NYU’s School of Education and in the ESL programs of the School of Visual Arts and LaGuardia Community College. In Istanbul for three years, I taught AP English and supervised the ESL program at Robert College, a bilingual 6-12 school for Turkish nationals. I then spent five years in Japan teaching English at the American School in Japan. Awards include a Newspaper Fund Fellowship, a John Hay Foundation Fellowship in Humanities, a National Endowment for the Humanities Seminar in Painting as Text, and a Fulbright Travel Grant to study China’s Arts in Transition. I have travelled extensively to over 42 countries, especially in the Middle and Far East. At Fordham, I have developed and taught American History, Government, and Social Sciences, American Culture through the Arts, Introduction to Sociology, and Psychology through Literature, in addition to Modern Short Fiction, Creative Writing, Grammar Workshops, and various levels of writing and reading courses.

I charge $60.00 per hour. This is the standard rate for a  tutoring session with a member of Fordham's faculty. 

Initially, I worked in publishing when I first graduated from college; however, I simultaneously studied to complete my MS in English. Upon completion of that degree, I decided to teach because I wanted my efforts to give me more personal satisfaction than I received from participation in  business. Teaching also afforded me opportunities to continue studying art, literature, and music, to experience different cultures, and to meet very interesting individuals  - both students and colleagues. 

My students have ranged from those with ESL problems and learning challenges to academically and intellectually talented individuals - ages 14 to 50. I have also help individuals who needed to formulate application essays or edit scholarly manuscripts. 

This past semester, I tutored a very hard working young man who was completing his computer science degree. Because he is a full time computer techncian in a NYC high school, we worked weekends - from conception to completion - on three research projects: cyber security, cloud computing, and gentrification of East Harlem. Faced with limited time and deadlines, I found our sessions challenging, educational, and energizing. 

Look for a teacher who is experienced, patient, intelligent, and enthusiastic. You want someone who can challenge and stimulate you, but you also want someone with whom you can easily and honestly talk. Compassion and a sense of humor help. 

The student needs to be as honest and specirfic as he/she can in explaining goals, needs, and problems.