Connect with hundreds of tutors like Brian

Who needs tutoring?
What prompted you to seek tutoring?

I am very happy with our experience so far with Varsity Tutors. They matched my daughter with reading specialist Mary and she is wonderful! My 10 year old daughter feels happy after her sessions and believes her tutor has already helped her.

— Allison K

What prompted you to seek tutoring?

Varsity Tutors really helped me understand the concepts during my Calculus 2 class. My tutor has such amazing patience and is open to many questions! Lastly, was always on time and very prompt. Highly suggest Varsity Tutors.

— Joey T

How soon would you like to get started?
Did you know?

Understanding your timeframe helps us to develop a tailor-made learning plan just for you.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:
Did you know?

stars

We have a 4.9/5 average customer satisfaction rating.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

Found me a great Python, C Programming, and MatLab tutor for a Engineering Computation course.

— Charles C

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

The best tutoring service period. The customer service is beyond impeccable. They provide options that are perfectly suited to your needs. They've done such a wonderful job with my daughter in high school, I plan to use their services when she attends college. I highly recommend Varsity Tutors.

— Yvette

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

We know every student is unique. And they deserve a tutoring experience as unique as their needs. With thousands of tutors available, we're confident to find the one best for you.

A photo of Brian, a tutor from Penn State University

Brian

Certified Tutor

I have over 12 years of experience teaching a variety of English and Social Studies courses. I am a graduate from Penn State University. Whether you need help with writing a paper, studying vocabulary, or reading a story, I will be able to help you improve guaranteed. In addition to my teaching experience, I have tutored in the past, and I have worked with a variety of students. I can help a student either one-on-one or in a small group setting. I have the patience, experience, and knowledge to help you do better in school. In addition, I know what teachers ask for and look for; whether writing a paper or studying for a history test, I will be able to make sure you feel better and more confident in the class. I have the ability to help with remedial course work as well as, upper level English and History courses.

Connect with a tutor like Brian

Brian’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Penn State University - Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education English

Graduate Degree: Saint Joseph's University - Master of Science, Educational Leadership

Hobbies

Outside of tutoring and teaching, I also enjoy going to the movies, sports, and traveling.

Tutoring Subjects
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Writing
9th Grade Writing
American Literature
AP Human Geography
British Literature
College English
College Essays
College Level American Literature
College World History
Comparative Literature
English
English Grammar and Syntax
Essay Editing
European History
Government
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School World History
High School Writing
Languages
Literature
Other
Psychology
Public Speaking
Reading
Social Sciences
Social Studies
Sociology
Spanish 1
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Summer
World History
World Literature
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is student-centered. I try to make sure that all students have a say in their education. It is very important for students to feel like they have a say in their education/learning.

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

For writing and reading, I always do an assessment to see what I need to work on. However, most of the time, students only want a specific thing done, or an assignment from class.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Showing them how to organize themselves and give them strategies to do things on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

By using positive reinforcement and giving them feedback to continue to do well.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

The best thing to do is to break it down into small steps/stages and PRACTICE!

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

The single most important strategy with reading is ACTIVE READING: note-taking, discussion, questions, etc. By doing these things, overall reading will improve.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Explain the strategy/skill. Practice the Skill. Practice. Practice. Assessment.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Using a variety of approaches to help a student read, or become a better writer.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

English is one of the most fundamental skills that everyone must strive to learn. I would try to apply it and show them how important these skills are in English.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

By making them feel comfortable and giving them positive feedback.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

During each session in the beginning, just take 2 minutes to see if he or she remembers what was covered.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

Based on my first session, I can tell exactly what I need to do to help the needs of any student--particularly at the high school level.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I always bring my electronic devices to help them look up information.