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Paul: Orland Park tutor

Certified Tutor

I've been teaching and tutoring for over fifteen years and to me the most important aspect of teaching is that the student learns how to think for him or herself. Without that, there is no real learning. This begins with the relationship between teacher and student. There must first and foremost be trust there, so that the student feels comfortable learning with a particular person. This is also important for the teacher so they begin to understand how the student thinks, how the student learns and what obstacles to learning the student may or may not possess.

My approach is one of rapport, enthusiasm for learning, enthusiasm for the subject matter and one where I guide the student in the right direction, rather than giving them all the answers. Together we'll tackle whatever problems or issues face us and figure it out together. The more we do this, the more the student gains knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills, all of which will serve the student going forward as an independent thinker and worker.

I love to teach, I love to learn and I know my enthusiasm for both comes across when working with a classroom of three hundred students or one on one.

I'm a writer and filmmaker by trade. I've been teaching and writing for over twenty years, have a variety of academic and non-academic interests including films, books, sports, music, travel, languages, art, theatre and many more. To be honest, I'm pretty much interested in everything in one way or another, whether it be academic or pop culture related. I speak three languages, have traveled extensively and come from a very academically oriented family.

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Paul’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: University of Oregon - Bachelors, English, Spanish

Graduate Degree: University of Southern California - Masters, Cinema Production Fine Arts

Hobbies

I'm a writer and filmmaker by trade. I've been teaching and writing for over twenty years, have a variety of academic and non-academic interests including films, books, sports, music, travel, languages, art, theatre and many more.

Tutoring Subjects
ACT English
ACT Reading
ACT Writing
AP English Language and Composition
AP Human Geography
AP US History
AP World History
College English
College Essays
College Level American History
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing
English
English Grammar and Syntax
English Language Arts Substitute
Essay Editing
Geography
Graduate Test Prep
GRE
GRE Analytical Writing
GRE Quantitative
GRE Subject Test in Literature in English
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Verbal
High School English
High School Geography
High School Level American History
High School Writing
History
IB History
Literature
PSAT Critical Reading
PSAT Writing Skills
Public Speaking
SAT Subject Test in Literature
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
SAT Subject Tests Prep
SAT Writing and Language
Social Studies
Substitute
Test Prep
US History
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that the best way to help a student is to equip them with the tools and knowledge that will allow them to solve problems with greater and greater effect. The goal is to have each student not only learn the materials that are currently in front of them, but to help them to identify the best ways to learn, assess, and work that help them going forward. Help them learn to think for themselves.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

It's important to build a rapport with any new student. I need to make them feel comfortable with me so that I can assess their strengths and weaknesses, and determine how best to go about helping them. Every student is different, not only in the way they learn, but as people, and the best way to help them is to quickly put them at ease and find out how best to help them.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

This is part of my core philosophy. Instead of providing students with an answer, I like to help them find it on their own. I help by asking questions and steering them in the right direction. The more they get used to asking the right questions and approaching subjects in the right way, the more they'll be able to do it themselves, without aid.