Mark

Certified Tutor

I am originally from Massachusetts and went to college at Clark University. I majored in English and minored in Theater Arts. For graduate school I stayed at Clark and completed a Master of Arts in Teaching program. After graduating I taught for four years in two different school districts in Massachusetts doing a combination of English and theater. In addition to classroom teaching, I spent quite a bit of time before and after school tutoring students in English, history, test preparation, and in critical reading and writing skills needed in other subjects. My favorite subject to tutor is writing because it is often the most rewarding. Giving students the confidence and skills to authentically express their ideas is one of the most important things education can do.

I love writing plays and short stories as a hobby. I am also passionate about improv theater and am involved in several improv groups in the Portland area. In terms of my tutoring style, I think that learning works best when the tutor and student have a strong, trusting relationship. I like to get to know my students and connect the academic material to their lives as best I can. I encourage students to push themselves while providing supportive, critical feedback to guide them. I recognize that each student has a unique learning style. I make it a point to learn what that style is as soon as possible and to tailor my instruction to their needs.