Dynamic Education Specialists
About
Is messiness indicative of success? Is starting a revolution ALWAYS a good idea? Should one sacrafice or even torture an individual life to save lives? Why is it that Hannibal, the great Carthaginian general, was unable to rid the world of Rome, when he was victorious in some of the greatest military battles of all time- strategies still taught and studied at various military institutions? What can we learn from the fire in Mann Gulch and South Canyon about survival? When is it good to lie? What were the far reaching consequences of the year without Summer?
I help students analyze questions like this and many more. I don't just give you facts from a text book. I want you to question. To know why. Analyze. Be curious. Do more than just connect the dots. And always wonder.
I believe the quest for knowledge is exactly that - a quest. It is a journey that goes far beyond the classroom...and it should be a wonderful and fulfilling one- hopefully a fun one. I like finding and presenting interesting and quirky facts to try to make it all of that and more for you because it is all of that and so much more for myself.
I do not know if you are struggling in your journey, or almost at the finish line. But I do know that should we meet I will attempt to help you get to your finish line. I will provide the tools necessary for you on your way - which means perhaps offering some new ones, dusting off some old, or helping you repair the the broken. I'll challenge you, if need be, but I'll be a cheerleader. Just tell me where you want to go. Goal setting is extremely important, and is having a vision. I aim to help you achieve it. But mostly, I aim to give you the skils for you to achieve virtually any goal - for the ability to think and learn will help you with anything.
To that end, I am constantly learning. It goes without saying I am an avid reader, researcher, and writer. I stay on top of research in many fields so I can give you current and engaging information. I am currently in the middle of writing a book.
I have my law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. While both undergraduate and graduate school I worked as tutor for both college and graduate students and at Princeton Review. After, I worked for a short time for the South African Human RIghts Commission and various law firms, but quickly shifted gears into television journalism. My background as a televsion reporter gives me a unique perspective in understanding what is important in developing adequation presentation, communication, and interview skills. To that end, I can also adequately address answering questions 'on the fly', debating (as I was an attorney and a top seated debater in high school and college), and writing(currently writing a book and had to write everyday as a reporter.
I left journalism when I had more children to pursue a less hectic lifestyle but, in doing so I still wanted to keep busy! So, I taught in the classroom. I have valuable insight in classroom standards. I have taught algebra and world history and was certified to teach in texas middle through high school in english, history, and math.
In my spare time, I ran several non profit funding campaigns- such as the One Dollar Campaign, and even organized a Touch A Truck.
I moved to Wisconsin a year ago and am eager to meet you and take you to the next level, whatever that may be.
I love the 'aha' moment a person has when everything comes together for them.
The thing they didn't know they were searching is found! The idea makes sense! This came from there!
It's all amazing. For the person who has no problem with motivation, tries super hard, and never gives up, it's the MOMENT that PUSHES them OVER the Finish line. For the other person where that's an issue, or perhaps are struggling, it's the MOMENT that DRIVES them FORWARD and MOTIVATES them to KEEP GOING.
These are the moments of growth. I love watching people grow. Every kid grows at different paces, and like a good gardener that tends to its different plants with their unique needs (some need sun light, some need shade, excessive watering- you get the point :) ) the trick is to learn how to tend to each one of these plants differently. Meet them where they are at so they can grow at their optimum pace and bloom best where they are planted.
Highlights
Reviews
Jack L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Prior to our first actual session, its really important we strategize any immediate and long term goals, highlight potential strengths and weaknesses, and discuss any immediate concerns. While staying rooted in the past of what didn't help (if that is the case for you) for too long can be damaging, looking back on it to correct and move on is necessary. This introductory session, free of charge, which is really more of a conversation, to discuss individual needs, expectations, goals, and concerns, is really important because it helps me find out important things about you- do you just want homework help? Structured help? Notes? Do you want me What exactly is the best way we can best meet your needs and how can this session best serve your unique personality, gifts and learning abilities? Are you a tactile/kinetic learner? Are you struggling or need to be challenged more? And, if so, would like you me to press you with more socratic type questioning or outside resources? What do you expect to get from our sessions?
Besides this, though, some things are impossible to determine until we actually meet; I truly want to provide the best I can for you, and if not steer you in the right direction. A simple conversation helps determine that.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's in Political Science/English from Williams College
Juris Doctorate from University of Michigan Law School
Was a certified public school teacher, Texas
4-8 English, Math, History, Reading
8-12 English, History, Speech, Government
ELL, Special Education,
Homeschool Teacher & Private Instructor (Taught Several Students All subjects Grades 8-12)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard pricing per lesson is $90 an hour. I do not do half hour lessons, but will conduct lessons in half hour increments after the initial hour.
How did you get started teaching?
Ha! I entered teaching because I needed a way to not be home at work at 10:00 at night. I come from a family of educaters. I should have known better! :).
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a full spectrum of students, and as a teacher was certified in the state of Texas to work with ELL (English as a second language learner), Special Education, and higher level students. I worked with all levels in my classroom. I often taught an AP course, followed by a remedial level, in which the students had failed the state exam, and I had to bring them up to state level, followed by a 'regular class' which had a mixture of special education and ell learners. This has made me accustomed to meeting every kid where THEY are at, instead of the other way around.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit Afghanistan in a middle of the night strike in June 2022. Within seconds hundreds of buildings collapsed. Entire villages were wiped off the planet. More than a thousand people died, with hundreds and possibly even another thousand more injured- making this easily the country's deadliest earthquake in two decades.
For all its damage though, its magnitude of 5.9 is considered relatively moderate - a "classic normal faulting one for California" which though can result in some damage, traditionally results in none. And traditiotionally means, in case you're wondering a whole heck of a lot. Because in this range more than a hundred 5.9 earthquakes are expected every year. To break down what that looks like: in I987, Los Angeles got hit by an earthquake eerily similar in magnitude to the one that struck Afghanistan this June. Eight people died and Los Angeles County sustained $350 million dollars worth of damage. Hundreds of homes and buildings didn't collapse. No suburbs were wiped off the planet.
What happened? If the magntiude was the same, why was the devastation so intense?
Because of an earthquake? Can't be. Seismologists noted California construction meant most buildings wouldn't falter until earthquake intensity hit a level 9, compared to traditional Afghan structures which fall at around level 6. The difference mainly being that in in Afghan structures, building are nothing more river rocks stuck together with mortar. This lack of engineered buildings has cost them. Dearly. But mostly, it just kills a lot of people. Especially in an earthquake.
This is all preventable. We can reinforce structures and we as the international community can demand that society does better. Geohazards International is a nonprofit group made up of engineers which goes out and shows people how to 'build smarter'.
So, why I chose this event: Initially hearing the news, you would have made the assumption, as many did, that this earthquake was by itself 'devastating'- and, hence, the primary cause of a devastating event. But, here's the thing. Leading seismologist, Dr. Lucy Jones, says that is inaccurate. Earthquakes like this happen all the time. What made this earthquake different was that the buildings here were ill equipped to handle it. So, reporting that a devastating earthquake caused this deflects attention from the real issue. The real news is that the devastation, which IS news and IS devastating and horrible, is preventable. By not focusing on that it prevents society from improving and changing something that perhaps we should.
This story really highlight the importance of analysis in your everyday life. Don't miss the big picture, and lose focus. Words matter. Always ask questions, dig deeper, be curious, never be satisfied. Just because.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Many studies show the number one determinant of a kid's success is his teacher.
If that's true, that means if you have a 'smart' teacher, or certainly successful, well-versed teacher, you'd get the same kind of student. But we don't.
That's because no matter how well versed, smart, and capable a teacher is, it is JUST ONE factor. While DEFINITELY important (let's not understate this here- don't get a food critic to teach you how to fly a plane), it's just one ingredient in a recipe that leads to your success. A good teacher must have all of them to lead to a successful student.
Ultimately, not only does your tutor have to be KNOWLEDGEABLE, he also has to be PASSIONATE enough about it that he makes you care about it. Simply put, at the least he must not be boring. At the most, he ENGAGES your intellectual CURIOUSITY and STOKES your own passion so that you develop a real connection to either the material, him, or both. He drives you forward.
Having simply a smart tutor will not do. A chatty or friendly one won't do either. It must be a magical combiation of someone you either want to work for, or someone who makes you want to work for the subject you are learning.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
-What are the most immediate goals you hope to obtain through tutoring? Is this even a concern? Are you studying for a test? Hoping to finish weekly homework? Explain notes? Review/expand concepts? None of the above?
-What are your long term goals for this subject? What are you hoping to achieve by the end of the year? How are you measuring success? What does that look like? (i.e. Your grade in a specific class is an -- and I would like to raise it to a --)
-Generally, what are your long term goals past high school? What do you hope to obtain? What habits do you hope to pick up from here do you hope to transcend into your life?
-For tutoring instruction in any humanities courses please provide a written copy of your work when we speak.
-Is there any need to address SAT readiness?
-Is there any learning styles or environments you are most comfortable in? What kind of learner are you? How do you learn best? Is there any issues or problems affecting you that I should be aware of? And, if so, let's look at them in a way to best help you.
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