Gina B.
Private tutor in De Land, FL
Education
National Merit Semi-Finalist, 10th grade (took test a year early) SAT Verbal score 99th percentile (710 in 1982--10th grade; equivalent to current SAT Reading test) SAT Test of Standard Written English Score 97th percentile (59/60 in 1982--10th grade; equivalent to current SAT Writing test) B. A., English Literature, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland. Recipient, Beneficial-Hodson Merit Scholarship Maintained A average while going to school full time, working part-time, and raising a family. Held a teaching assistantship in remedial English as a senior, which included tutoring students and teaching the class.
Experience
Elite high school and college essay help--ACT/SAT Reading, Writing, Essay Prep--Remedial reading--ESL Subject matter expert: Have been a writer and editor for a major specialty publisher, high-tech engineering firm, and small businesses 18 years of tutoring experience PSAT National Merit Semi-Finalist in 10th grade SAT (1982) 710 Verbal (99th percentile) 59 Test of Standard Written English (97th percentile) ESL conversational English teaching experience I am a subject matter expert in reading and writing, as well as a tutor with an 18-year track record of turning students around--many very quickly. Student grades depend on student effort and where the student is starting, but some recent marks of my students include A's on college papers, 100% on an IB poetry assignment (up from an 80 average), and A's on elementary reading and writing tests. Not only do my students improve their grades; they also learn how to learn. My goal is that they will eventually no longer need my help. My approach is hands-on and eclectic; rather than lecturing, I prefer to discover each student's strengths and interests and work from them. I have successfully tutored for 18 years in grades K-12, as well as adults. In particular, I enjoy working with students who have been labeled ADD, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or told they have learning disabilities. Many times, those who have not been progressing with the school's method will make good progress with the methods that I use. These methods include hands-on techniques that use various senses to help the student get the information. I also teach conversational ESL classes to students with some English background. My ESL experience includes teaching conversational English by internet phone to students overseas. With a B.A. in English Literature, I've also been a writer and editor for military contractors. Another of my jobs was to edit curriculum and books for a major specialty publisher. Outside of tutoring, I am an artist with gallery representation, and I sell vintage furniture and home goods in an online shop. I started tutoring with a remedial English teaching assistantship while at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. My children were dyslexic and had other learning struggles, so I understand students' and parents' challenges. Under the mentorship of a pioneering reading specialist, I home schooled them, learning to write custom curriculum with a holistic approach to learning (hands-on, reaching all of the senses). One of our sons--who had struggled a great deal--went on to get a master's degree at a highly respected university. Afterward, I tutored for Volusia County Public Schools and individual clients. From a writing method used by Ben Franklin, to newer methods developed to teach adults to read, I use creative avenues to reach my students. Besides one-on-one time, every student gets personal lesson plans geared to his or her interests, abilities, and learning style. It's easier to learn something we like, so we use materials that appeal to each student and play games when appropriate. My students usually progress more quickly than they would with traditional teaching methods. However, every student is different, and a few simply need a lot of repetition. I offer online tutoring by video conference because it can be extremely convenient for both sides. Some families don't live near a tutor with the particular expertise they need, but online access makes it possible. For parents, there is no driving to another location, no last-minute straightening of the house, no concern about a stranger in the home, and less inconvenience to other family members than with another person in the home. Other family activities can continue a little more smoothly than they might otherwise. Also, there are probably fewer cancellations on either side, because tutoring can continue in poor weather or when either student, parent, or teacher has a cold or other minor health issue. My test prep credentials include being a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist a year early (I took the PSAT in 10th grade) and scoring in the 99th and 97th percentiles on the English-related sections of the SAT. Please note that I have passed a background check and take appropriate safety precautions with all students. For minors, I meet in a public location or in a home with an adult over 18 present in the home. Much as I might like to do so, I can't hold a session otherwise, nor can I provide transportation for students. Also, I will need prior notice for a person other than the parent who initially signed up for lessons to pick up a minor. Guests are welcome to attend lessons for $10 per hour, at my discretion. (Parents sit in anytime at no charge, of course.) All of the following are included in the rate, in addition to the actual lesson time: travel expenses (or internet setup), basic supplies and worksheets, lesson preparation and plans, reports, and parent conferences. I provide a brief written overview of the material covered for each lesson afterward: parents who want more detail may call or ask in person after the lesson. My students and I often use supplies and books the student already has, but there may be times when I request that the student purchase certain items or books. I always enjoy discussing solutions with students or parents, and I respond quickly to messages. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Subject Expertise
AP United States HistorySAT Subject Test in United States HistoryIB History SLIB History HLAP US HistoryEuropean HistoryCLEP Social Sciences and HistoryCLEP History of the United States II: 1865 to the PresentCLEP History of the United States IUS Constitutional HistoryAmerican HistoryESL/ELLWritingTechnical WritingHandwritingSAT WritingPSAT Writing SkillsPersuasive WritingAP English Language and CompositionAP World HistoryAP U.S. Government & PoliticsAP US GovernmentAdvanced PlacementBritish LiteratureACT EnglishAmerican LiteratureAP English Literature and CompositionExpository WritingCollege EssaysStudy Skills And OrganizationStudy SkillsDyslexiaADHDADDUS History11th Grade Reading1st Grade Writing2nd Grade WritingCOMPASS ReadingASPIRE ReadingACT ReadingACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension9th Grade Reading8th Grade Reading12th Grade Writing2nd Grade Reading3rd Grade Reading4th Grade Reading5th Grade Reading7th Grade Reading10th Grade Reading12th Grade Reading1st Grade Reading5th Grade WritingCreative WritingCOMPASS Writing SkillsACT WritingACT with Writing9th Grade Writing8th Grade Writing7th Grade Writing6th Grade Writing6th Grade Reading4th Grade Writing3rd Grade WritingSAT Critical ReadingReadingPSAT Critical Reading10th Grade Writing11th Grade Writing
Availability
Weekdays in the afternoon, Weekdays in the evening
Can Meet
Up to 30 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
I love to read biographies and military history. My favorite day trips are to museums and historical sites. I also enjoy attending pipe organ concerts. I'm a professional artist studying the wet-on-wet technique in acrylics. My art is in one of the premier galleries in Orlando. In my spare time, I sell vintage furniture and jewelry online.
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