Shaun: Montreal tutor

Certified Tutor

For over twelve years, I've taught students from around the world with a wide variety of talents and learning needs. Helping students learn new skills to master challenging content brings me so much joy. Throughout my career, I've been continually inspired by students' resilience and capacity for growth. I see myself as a guide to remind students of their own incredible potential.

Here's a little bit about MY EXPERIENCE. My first big job was teaching creative writing to students ages 15-22 who were experiencing homelessness. I showed them different ways to tell their stories, how to research, make art, and how to publish online and in print. I then became an instructional assistant working with students in Middle and High School classrooms where I facilitated one-on-one and small group learning sessions in English, History, Spanish, and more. Next, I taught English to adults ages 18-80 in a job readiness program. Then, I taught Honors English, Language Arts and World History for English Language Learners at two wonderful high schools. My last teaching job went full circle: teaching creative writing to students at a detention center and at a mental health treatment center. I'm excited to teach with Varsity Tutors, because my main job is as a stay-at-home dad to my son with special needs.

MY EDUCATION aided me greatly in all of these positions. I graduated at the top of my class with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Creative Writing from Seattle Pacific University (SPU). I then returned to SPU to obtain my Master's degree in Teaching. Though skilled in multiple subjects, I am currently endorsed to teach English Language Arts and English Language Learners in Washington State.

Though I tutor in many different subjects including Reading, Psychology, World History, Test Prep, MY FAVORITE SUBJECT to tutor is everything and anything related to English, including Reading and Writing! One of my favorite authors is Cormac McCarthy. My favorite quote by him is "Of the telling, there is no end." I think people have a natural need to tell (and re-tell) their stories and their perspectives and I am passionate about helping them to convey their stories effectively. I'm also devoted to helping students learn how to read and listen to others' stories so that they can realize they aren't alone. In fact, we are in an international, multi-generational community of storytellers. And yes, I'm in this community too! I'm proud to have published 60 pieces of poetry, short stories, movie and book reviews, author interviews, and literary essays online and in print.

MY TUTORING APPROACH is student-centered, skills-based, and defined by connectivity. Let's start with that last one! Throughout a tutoring session, it's helpful to connect with students about what they care about, what they love, and even what bothers them and why! These kernels of connection can grow into motivators implicitly and explicitly throughout the lesson. Following this student-centered theme, my approach is defined by student need, determined both by what you the student say you need, but also on things I notice during our lessons. Finally, I believe an educator's best aim should be to teach students how to teach themselves! Whatever subject I'm working in, I endeavor to teach students skills that will aid in their mastery of disciplines throughout their lives.

So why not get started? Book a lesson with me today!