Paul: Lewisville 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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Undergraduate Degree: University of Oregon - Bachelors, English, Spanish
Graduate Degree: University of Southern California - Masters, Cinema Production Fine Arts
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.
- 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.