Experience Summary
Please note that there is some repetition of my what I can tutor indirectly and interspersed restatement of my credentials. I have been tutoring or teaching for slightly more than 19 years. Previously I have tutored or taught PSAT, SAT, ACT, GED, GRE, English, Spanish, and Latin, all math through introductory calculus, an introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics, European history, and Christology. I attended Plan II at the University of Texas at Austin and have a BA in Spanish Literature and a BS in Mathematics from the same University of Texas. I have done work in philosophy and Latin at the University of Dallas. I have an MA in Sacred Theology from Ave Maria University and am a PhD candidate in Historical Theology at Catholic University of America, where I am very slowly writing a dissertation on tradition in the thought of Melchior Cano, O.P. My scores on relevant standardized tests are excellent. I have taught at three different high schools in Texas and Wisconsin and one college.
I am interested in crafting with my pupils (and their parents as the case may be) a reasonable plan to achieve their goals; please note that some goals are really just wishes, and there might be no reasonable plan to achieve such a goal. In that case, I would work with student to develop a more reasonable goal. In any case, I am demanding of my pupils but on my part give the necessary effort in return. In addition to competency, I try to provide good example to my pupils (the details of this obviously vary by the method of tutoring: online versus in-person). Sometimes a tutor/pupil relationship does not work, and if I were to determine that I am not the best one to help you, I would end our relationship so that you do not waste your money and are able to get the assistance for which you are looking.
Teaching Style
I work well with high-achievers who want to do better and struggling students who are giving it their all. I do work with somewhat indifferent students who still do the work. Students who do not care at all should avoid me.
I try to explain difficulties and then use easier problems, paragraphs, questions etc. to build competency. I then push the student toward the level of competency at which he needs to be. While I do not use them much personally, I will offer short-hand rules and acronyms that make memorization of rules, sets, and systems easier.
My Hobbies
I have suffered many private difficulties since May 2014. I still function, but hobbies have been largely cut out because of the need to deal with the difficulties and make a sufficient income. I still like (but am limited) to read fiction, mainly science-fiction, swim, and listen to "This American Life" and "Radio Lab" on the radio. I also enjoy seeing "Dowton Abbey," but please say nothing because I am a season behind because I have almost completely stopped watching television or dvds.
| Calculus I |
Proficiency: Experienced
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| I have a degree in mathematics, and I have taught various classes, but over the years, even if not yet two decades, I have forgotten much. I can do easier material like an expert, and I could relearn what is necessary even for Calculus II, but I cannot help without preparation. This is meant to describe my status for all of my math classes. |
| Latin |
Proficiency: Expert
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| I exclude poetry from my ability. Yes, I can read poetry, but my poetic vocabulary is weak as is my scansion. |
| Spanish |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
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| I am bilingual, have taught Spanish, and have a degree in Spanish literature. |
| Test Preparation |
Proficiency: Experienced
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| With the new SAT coming, I have yet to prepare for its format. I also have not looked at how this effects the PSAT. I would have listed myself as an expert for the old SAT and PSAT, but "experienced" with tutoring in test taking is now sufficient. |