David
Certified Tutor
I have recently completed a Master's degree in Writing at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In addition to being on the Varsity Tutors team for almost 3 years, I worked as a tutor at the Writing Center at my school, where I was responsible for editing and proofreading the written work of a diverse range of students, as well as helping them to become more skilled and confident writers. Over the years at Varsity Tutors, I have enjoyed tailoring study plans and teaching styles for students looking to improve their verbal reasoning and writing skills in preparation for standardized tests and graduate school admissions. While I am qualified to tutor in a variety of subjects, I am particularly passionate about teaching English literature and language, verbal reasoning, and writing. As a tutor, I love the challenge of adapting to each student's unique needs, and learning what's best for different individuals. Generally, I like to keep tutoring sessions energetic and conversational. In addition to exploring the kinds of learning students are most receptive to, I am dedicated to connecting whatever we study to larger contexts and real-life issues.
Connect with a tutor like David
Undergraduate Degree: Ohio State University - Bachelors, English Literature, minors in Philosophy and Spanish
- GRE Verbal: 170
In my free time, I like film, music, sustainable agriculture, visual art, and skiing.
- College English
- College Essays
- Comparative Literature
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- Essay Editing
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Verbal
- High School English
- Literature
- Phonics
- Pre-Algebra
- Reading
- Test Prep
- TOEFL Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I love being able to apply what we're studying to real-life contexts and issues that affect both the world and the student him or herself. Being able to situate what we're learning together within a broader picture is one of the best motivations to remember why what we're learning is important and valuable. Not to mention- it's a lot of fun!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I enjoy getting to know a student - their learning style, what they're like as a person, and what they most need help with. In addition to diagnosing these things, a first session might also include a discussion about a student's long term goals, their personal interests, and any other information that would give us a broader base to know each other and where we're coming from.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Ultimately, tutoring should be a way of putting more tools in a student's toolbox, and giving them the confidence and energy to put those tools to use on their own. Whatever we're learning, I try my best to teach students not the answers to the problems at hand, but the strategies and ways of thinking that will allow them to answer the question independently. Perhaps even more importantly than just teaching these strategies is showing students how using these strategies-- learning a new skill-- can be not only enjoyable but also applicable to other areas of their life.