Alex
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, English and American Studies
ACT Composite: 34
ACT English: 35
ACT Math: 32
ACT Reading: 36
ACT Science: 34
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1570
SAT Math: 740
SAT Verbal: 780
SAT Writing: 800
Theater, visiting museums, reading, singing/playing piano, and attending African Dance class!
10th Grade Reading
10th Grade Writing
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Writing
12th Grade Reading
12th Grade Writing
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Writing
9th Grade Reading
9th Grade Writing
Adult Literacy
American Literature
AP English Literature and Composition
AP US History
College English
College Level American History
College Level American Literature
Comparative Literature
Elementary School Math
High School English
High School Level American History
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
ISEE Prep
Middle School Reading
Middle School Writing
SAT Subject Test in Literature
SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening
SAT Subject Test in United States History
SAT Subject Tests Prep
Shakespeare
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in helping my students create work that best reflects themselves and their own point of view, as opposed to mine. Because of this, I strive always to listen to my students and support their original thoughts and ideas -- the writing that emerges is inevitably more personal, and the student has greater confidence in tackling their assignments in the future.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical first session, I want to get to know a student's passions and dislikes and to hear from him or her about what areas need improvement. Even if I have been briefed extensively by a parent or guardian about the student's needs, it's important for me to understand how the student feels, as it can often be easier to talk to an impartial tutor than a parent about academic struggles. Then, if it's a writing session, I will often have the student do some free writing about a subject they are interested in, and afterward work through their writing with tips and suggestions.