David

Certified Tutor

"Never do for a student what they can do for themselves." Through my own education and experience guiding others in their learning process, I have come to firmly believe that true education occurs when a person is pushed and supported to do for themselves what they did not know they could do. I have now tutored and taught in a variety of settings for three years; each experience has pushed me to be an educator who guides others to answers rather than providing the answers. In 2013, I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching from University of Portland; prior to that experience, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English at Portland State University in 2011.

I first began working with students by tutoring math for an after school homework club at a local elementary school. This experience led me to begin substituting as an educational aide throughout the Hillsboro School District; I worked in a variety of K-12 special education settings facilitating reading curriculum and serving as a one-to-one guide for students in general education classrooms. Sharing the educational process with these students, I found a passion that would lead me to pursue my master's degree.

Since entering the classroom as a teacher, I have primarily taught English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels. I student-taught in the Portland area during my certification process before taking a job teaching middle school students in Glendale, Arizona. I currently teach in Vancouver at a STEM magnet program; I guide students in their exploration of English Language Arts at the middle school level while offering a psychology/sociology elective for high school students. I also currently serve as librarian part-time.

First and foremost, I love sharing reading and writing with students. I enjoy everything from assisting students with basic reading comprehension strategies to helping students draft complex research essays. I enjoy guiding students through literature ranging from Chaucer to more modern classics. Reading is a lens for seeing the world; alternatively, writing is a lens through which the world may see the author. I first fell in love with these subjects for those reasons. I also enjoy tutoring social studies and basic math through middle school as well.

On my own time, I explore a wide range of hobbies: hiking & backpacking, cooking, writing, reading, and bicycling to name a few. More than anything, I think it essential to stay curious. I encourage my students to stay curious by modeling a life of curiosity.

I am based out of the North Portland area and can happily meet you in a public space or your own residence.

Best of luck in your search for the right tutor to guide your student. I hope that I could be the right fit for your student's learning needs and interests.