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David S.

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Experienced/Retired Teacher Ready to Tutor You!

Saint Louis, MO 63146

Male

Member since:10/2012

I am a Certified Teacher

Rates from $20 to $50

I can perfom tutoring:

  • In-home
  • Group

Will travel up to 30 miles

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About Me

Experience Summary

I am a retired elementary school teacher and taught for over 15 years in the St. Louis area public/private schools. I taught mainly in grades K-5, but do have Kindergarten and Preschool experience as well. I also have taught in the St. Louis Community College system as a substitute professor and also an instructor in the reading/writing lab. I tutored college students and began tutoring on my own while employed here. I am also a certified national trainer/educational consultant that trains teachers on how to effectively manage their classrooms to eliminate low level behavior issues. I give these full day in service training sessions in the schools upon request. I also present at educational conferences and break out sessions on this topic. I have been tutoring for almost 10 years now, mainly elementary school and middle school students, but recently have been teaching adults also. I have a very strong computer background and one of my most popular tutoring topics is teaching basic computer skills and literacy. I also help students with job readiness training (how to interview, resume presentation, etc.) Lastly, I am a semi professional writer and am in the process of writing my first novel. I have written many articles that have been published on the Internet and have also been a lead editor for several years when I was teaching...editing the teacher's union newsletter!

Teaching Style

I have taught for many decades and use a variety of teaching styles since all students learn differently. I am more of a 'traditional' style teacher, realizing that the basics are vital. I am a visual learner myself, but realize that my students may not. I always teach so that all students learn..using visual,hands on, and auditory presentation of material. I am extremely thorough and endeavor to be sure my students have mastered a concept before moving on to more complex topics. I ALWAYS make what I am teaching relevant to the students...showing them how they will use what we are learning in a real life situation. This not only makes it more interesting, but the students enjoy seeing real life situations in which they can use some of the more obscure topics such as fractions, etc. I make learning fun and exciting! Getting the students involved and active is a huge part of learning!

My Hobbies

I love to read, write stories and poems, collect rocks/minerals and being out of doors. I volunteer at a local animal shelter since I have a very soft spot for cats!

Other Comments

As a tutor and teacher, I always go above and beyond to assist my students in the areas they are struggling with. I not only teach them subject matter, but build their confidence, self esteem, and instill in them a real joy of learning. Almost all of my students, when tutoring is at an end, have changed their attitudes towards learning and school. Many began with negative and unpleasant experiences, and most end up liking school again and actually enjoying learning.

Credentials

Type Level Year Title Issued By
Degree Bachelors 1987 B.S. in Education, Elementary Educ. University of Mo. - St. Louis
Certification Grades 1-8 1987 Lifetime Mo. Teaching License Missouri Department of Education
Certification Day Care License 2011 Hold Daycare Director's License ... Department of Health and Social ...
Award University 1987 Outstanding Senior in Education Univ. of Mo. - St. Louis
Award University 1987 Graduated Cum Laude - 3.4 GPA Univ. of Mo. - St. Louis
Award National 1984 National Dean's List Awards for ... USA

Subject Commentary

ADD/ADHD Proficiency: Experienced
Having been a classroom teacher for over 15 years, I have had many students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or had IEPs. I know how to reach these students and help them be great students and enjoy school.
Algebra Proficiency: Experienced
With a strong background in mathematics, I can easily assist students to learn algebra. I will make sure students have a strong foundation in earlier mathematical concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. in order to make the learning of new concepts easier. Most difficulties in math stem from the failure to master concepts from earlier grades that should be firmly in place. If these concepts are not well learned, the student is attempting to learn a very new concept in addition to relearning previously taught concepts! Sometimes it is necessary to reteach these crucial concepts to insure mastery before a student can be successful learning algebraic concepts.
Algebra I Proficiency: Experienced
With a strong background in mathematics, I can easily assist students to learn algebra. I will make sure students have a strong foundation in earlier mathematical concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. in order to make the learning of new concepts easier. Most difficulties in math stem from the failure to master concepts from earlier grades that should be firmly in place. If these concepts are not well learned, the student is attempting to learn a very new concept in addition to relearning previously taught concepts! Sometimes it is necessary to reteach these crucial concepts to insure mastery before a student can be successful learning algebraic concepts.
Basic Learning Skills Proficiency: Expert
This subject is often neglected and sometimes is the root of many learning challenges. Basic study skills, being organized, and several other topics are covered to help student gain the skills they need to learn! I always include this training no matter what subject area I am tutoring a student in.
Chess Proficiency: I know the basics
I can teach your child the basics of chess such as piece movement, basic strategies, etc.
Composition Proficiency: Expert
As a semi-professional writer and classroom teacher, I have helped students with all types of writing, from creative, expository, and narrative to reports of all kinds. With over 15 years of teaching experience, some at the university level, I can assist students with the help they require.
Computer Proficiency: Experienced
Prior to teaching, I was a computer operator/programmer. I also have taught adults and children basic computer skills/literacy as well as several Windows based applications. It is very popular subject and have taught this for many years as a tutor. At this time, I only provide instruction using Windows based PCs...Windows XP and above.
Creative Writing Proficiency: Expert
I am a semi-professional writer and am working on my first novel. I have written poems and many articles on the Internet. Creative writing has always been an integral part of my classroom.
Earth Science Proficiency: Experienced
I do have a high interest in geology and can assist up to college level students enrolled in introductory courses in earth science, geology, etc.
Elementary Proficiency: Expert
Having been an elementary classroom teacher for over 15 years and winning several awards for my teaching expertise, I know I can assist any child in elementary school not only succeed, but truly enjoy school and be the best student they can be. Most of my experience has been in grades 1-6! I use a lot of positive motivational strategies and confidence building, positive rewards and self esteem building techniques. Most of all, we have fun learning!
Elementary Grammar Proficiency: Expert
I usually don't teach this as a separate subject, but teach this vital skill with general writing, English, and language arts subjects. I do use some drill and proofreading activities to improve grammar skills, as well as oral speaking and creative writing.
Elementary Math This is one of my top subjects! Proficiency: Expert
I have a very strong background in math and taught elementary school math for over 15 years. I have helped many students in grades 1-8 succeed in this sometimes overwhelming subject. I always teach my students real life applications for the math they are learning, including consumer math. I make math fun and relevant and have had much success teaching elementary school students not only do well in school, but actually enjoy math!
Elementary Phonics Proficiency: Expert
Having taught young children in grades K-3 reading for many years, phonics is a necessary tool for children to learn in order to read well. Most schools do not teach this vital concept anymore, but when a child does not know a word on sight, they must have some tools in order to figure it out o their own using the letter sounds, etc.
Elementary Reading This is one of my top subjects! Proficiency: Expert
Strong reading skills are vital for a child's success in school, not only in the language arts, but all subject areas. I have tutored many students with reading difficulties and by using a variety of techniques such as games, puzzles, and high interest topics, I have enable many students to catch up with their reading skills and actually enjoy reading!
Elementary Science Proficiency: Expert
I have a very strong interest in Science and can easily assist student in grades K-8 with their science difficulties. I employ hands on learning as much as possible and make learning science fun! I usually correlate this topic with mathematics since Science uses much math in many concepts, such as measurement, etc.
Elementary Social Studies Proficiency: Expert
I have taught S. Studies for over 15 years in a classroom. I am certified to teach this subject in grades 1-8.
Elementary Study Skills This is one of my top subjects! Proficiency: Expert
In addition to specific subjects normally associated with tutoring, such as math, reading, history, etc., most students need to be taught study and organizational skills as well. I have found through the years that all student success needs this basic, often neglected topic that helps in ALL school subject areas. I always include this vital topic no matter what else I tutor.
Elementary Vocabulary Proficiency: Expert
I always include vocabulary skills and development in any subject I tutor in the language arts areas (English, grammar, writing, reading, etc.)
Geography Proficiency: Experienced
I can easily assist students K-12 with general geography skills. Most of my teaching experience has been in grades K-6.
Homework Help Proficiency: Expert
I have been providing homework help for over 20 years. Although I did run a homework club when I was a classroom teacher, when I began tutoring, this is the most common topic I assisted students with. Next to math, assisting with homework is what I do most when I tutor students in grades K-12. Being organized and having the tools necessary to work efficiently is also taught indirectly when tutoring students with their homework.
Math Proficiency: Expert
I have a strong background in mathematics and have successfully tutored students need assistance in math from grades K - 12. I make math interesting, relevant, and most of all, fun. By utilizing games, puzzles, and more traditional methods, I help my students succeed and overcome their math anxieties. I also include banking and consumer math skills since most students do not get any instruction on this vital math life skill! I do not tutor the following; Pre Calculus, Calculus, Trig., statistics, and other high level math concepts at this time.
Microsoft Office Proficiency: Experienced
I can instruct beginners and intermediate users the following MS Office programs. Word 2010 PowerPoint 2010 Outlook or Outlook Express Internet Explorer
Microsoft PowerPoint Proficiency: Experienced
As a certified national trainer, I have been a presenter at educational conferences. I use PowerPoint exclusively for my presentation and also use this awesome program for workshops and in service training for teachers.
Pre-Algebra Proficiency: Expert
With a strong background in mathematics, I can easily assist students to learn algebra. I will make sure students have a strong foundation in earlier mathematical concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. in order to make the learning of new concepts easier. Most difficulties in math stem from the failure to master concepts from earlier grades that should be firmly in place. If these concepts are not well learned, the student is attempting to learn a very new concept in addition to relearning previously taught concepts! Sometimes it is necessary to reteach these crucial concepts to insure mastery before a student can be successful learning algebraic concepts.
Resume Writing Proficiency: Experienced
I have done some career training for adults entering the work force for the first time. I taught a class called Job Readiness Training and resume preparation was one of the skills I taught.
Science Proficiency: Experienced
I can assist students in general science from grade K-12. My experience has been mostly in elementary school science...K-6.
Social Studies Proficiency: Expert
I have taught S. Studies for over 15 years. I am certified to teach this subject in grades 1-8.
Speaking Proficiency: Experienced
As a classroom teacher and certified trainer/presenter, public speaking is second nature to me. I haven't formally taught Public Speaking, but can assist those that need this skill for their career. For children, I assist them in overcoming the fear of standing before an audience and give them confidence and practice doing so. Have an oral report due? Let me help you knock their socks off!
Test Preparation Proficiency: Experienced
Have test anxiety? Do you usually cram for a major test or exam? Have trouble memorizing? Well, I can help. This skill is rarely taught in schools, but it is a vital skill for ALL students to know. How do you really prepare for a test? I know and can show you the steps that have proven to be successful. If you want to do well on your exams, be they a final exam or a pop quiz, let me show you how to win every time!
Testing Skills Proficiency: Experienced
When helping students with test taking, I incorporate all testing skills...preparation, test taking, and how to study. Don't let test anxiety pull your grades down. Show your instructors that you know the material. Let me show you how to do well on a test without pulling your hair out!
Testing Strategies Proficiency: Experienced
Let me show you some testing strategies that will help you do better on any test from a pop quiz to a final exam. These easy to learn and use strategies work!
Typing Skills Proficiency: Experienced
I have outstanding typing skills. My current speed is 55 wpm with no errors. I type constantly so am always practicing this vital skill. I have taught basic keyboarding skills to both children and adults and if you just need some assistance improving your speed and accuracy... I can help.
Writing Skills Proficiency: Expert
As an author, writing is one of my strongest areas. I not only teach mechanics, such as grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, but also introduce students to various types of writing such as poetry, journal, and report writing.

All Subjects I Tutor

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Algebra
  • Algebra I
  • Basic Learning Skills
  • Chess
  • Composition
  • Computer
  • Continuing Education
  • Creative Writing
  • Earth Science
  • Elementary
  • Elementary Grammar
  • Elementary Math
  • Elementary Phonics
  • Elementary Reading
  • Elementary Science
  • Elementary Social Studies
  • Elementary Study Skills
  • Elementary Vocabulary
  • Geography
  • Homework Help
  • Math
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Psychology
  • Resume Writing
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Speaking
  • Study Skills
  • Test Preparation
  • Testing Skills
  • Testing Strategies
  • Typing Skills
  • Writing Skills