FAQs
How are you different from commercial services?
As a veteran instructor, I have had direct contact with students for 35 years and have learned how young adults understand and grasp a topic. Larger services provide inexperienced tutors who have recently graduated from school themselves and have gone though a brief training session.. They also have different levels of instructors, with varying levels of expertise, each level charging a different rate. Moreover, large services provide instruction in all subject areas. As a member of the national AP grading committee and an individual specializing in one area, I can provide dedicated learning. I am fluent in the area and, as a father of two, I am aware of how to communicate with young adults using terms, concepts, analogies, mnemonics and acronyms that they will understand and remember.
What subjects do you provide tutoring in?
I specialize in Economics and United States Government, particularly college level and Advanced Placement. However, as one who has taught the entire gamut of Social Science courses, instruction can be provided in any of these areas.
Where does the tutoring take place?
Tutoring can take place at your home, my North Shore Staten Island home or an outside location if desired.
Do you supply materials?
All materials are provided and included in the cost. As a member of the Advanced Placement grading committee, I have primary sources, review sheets, lists of the most relevant study web sites, and most important, non-publicly released College Board AP materials and dozens of years of actual previous exams. Texts not written by the College Board use different language and styles which often confuse students. The most effective teaching strategy is to use materials and questions which will be directly encountered. I also attend seminars with the AP question writers before the exam is administered. If instruction takes place in your home, an internet connection with a desktop, laptop or an Ipad is extremely helpful to illustrate the wide range of concepts, graphs and charts.
How are students initially assessed?
As a decades long teacher, I am adept at assessing the amount of help that a student needs. I can meet with the student in person, over the phone or via Facetime or Skype, and together we will go over a series of previous AP questions. This first conversation points the way towards the amount of information that the student knows and how much assistance they will need.
What times are you available?
If I do not have a class scheduled at St. John's, or other tutoring commitments or extracurricular sessions, I can generally accommodate you any time throughout the day. Tutees are often busy with outside activities; thus my flexibility makes it easier for all.
Is there any long term commitment, minimum number of sessions or enrollment fees?
Unlike commercial centers, I don’t require any contractional obligations or fees to enroll. Tutoring takes place only as long as the student needs it. Different learners require a differing number of sessions. I believe in getting to the point of an issue without surrounding it with unnecessary irrelevant details. I have found that two hour sessions are by far the most productive but that may not work for all.
Can you tutor more than one student at once?
Traditionally, I work with one student at a time. However, working with 2 or 3 at once is often very productive and more cost effective. The chemistry of the potential group is also important in determining the number of students to work with.
Do you tutor students other than those who are taking Advanced Placement courses?
I tutor anybody who may be in need of assistance. The Advanced Placement exams mirror college courses. Thus, AP and university students can benefit. Moreover, as one who has taught the entire range of Social Science courses, I can provide help in any area, including preparing for the New York State Regents, which has recently undergone a structural change.
Can I meet you before you are retained?
A meeting may be necessary before I am hired. Successful learning depends on the dynamic between student and tutor. A free initial consultation is important so that parent and student can gauge me and I can ascertain whether assistance is needed. As previously mentioned, this can be done in person, via Facetime or Skype, or over the phone.
How and when do I provide payment?
Payment can be via cash, check or money order. It can be delivered at the end of a tutoring session or another discussed arrangement.
What areas do you service?
I am based in Staten Island but travel to accommodate clients throughout the New York / New Jersey area.
How can you be reached?
The best way to contact me is via text message, email, phone call or the Contact Me page on this site. I will receive text messages immediately. Contacts will be returned within the same day.
What is the cost?
The cost is $100-$125 per hour, depending upon location Discounts for working with more than one can be arranged if the relationship works between the students or if a block of hours is purchased.
What is your basic philosophy?
I believe in the value of learning. These are subjects which I love, and and believe that getting students to share this belief is very satisfying. Economics and government are totally engaging, even to teens, if presented in the right way. The approach to this road is important. Read my home page reviews and the testimonial page to learn more about me and my methods. If you have any questions, I will be happy to speak to you. The relationship between your child and I is key. Learning works best when both parties mesh. Contact me anytime if there is something you need clarified. I look forward to working with you.