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Experienced, Results-Oriented - Language, College Admissions, Testing
Richard A.

1,685 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $150
Richard A.'s Photo

Experienced, Results-Oriented - Language, College Admissions, Testing
Experienced, Results-Oriented - Language, College Admissions, Testing
Richard A.

1,685 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

1,685 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Richard


Bio

Hi prospective students, my name is Ricky, and I have over ten years of experience as a professional tutor. I am passionate about tutoring because it helped me achieve academic success in my own life. I struggled with certain subjects when I was a child, but ended up being valedictorian when I graduated from Woodside High School in the Class of 2005, received top scores (5) on my AP exams, and was admitted to 10 universities across the country.

I pride myself on my easygoing and effective...

Hi prospective students, my name is Ricky, and I have over ten years of experience as a professional tutor. I am passionate about tutoring because it helped me achieve academic success in my own life. I struggled with certain subjects when I was a child, but ended up being valedictorian when I graduated from Woodside High School in the Class of 2005, received top scores (5) on my AP exams, and was admitted to 10 universities across the country.

I pride myself on my easygoing and effective tutoring style: being patient, encouraging, and empowering. I work with students to internalize concepts, not just memorize them. When a student begins to cognitively understand something for herself/himself, real learning happens. I am committed to this form of student-centered, top-notch tutoring that gets the best results over time. If the student/parent prefers, I am also happy being more didactic and instructive in my style. Oftentimes, it is a balance that works (with a focus on empowerment and student-centered learning). Finally, I tailor my approach to the student's own learning style, which is critical for academic success. Whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, each student learns differently.

In terms of my own academic path, I was honored to receive the Harvard Book Award and to attend Stanford University's Institute on Journalism. I later graduated from Santa Clara University with academic honors and two degrees. Academics are very important to me; my passion for teaching comes from my passion for learning. I love to see the "lightbulb" go off in a student's head as she/he reaches a epiphany. I deeply enjoy helping my students develop by means of a well-rounded education.

My tutoring expertise includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English (ESL or advanced English) and Spanish. I am fully bilingual and fluent in Spanish and have traveled widely in Latin American so I am an academic and cultural expert in terms of tutoring Spanish. Oftentimes, it is the cultural aspects of the language that re


Education

Santa Clara University
Environmental Studies

Policies


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Approved Subjects

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Spanish,

Spanish

I have worked with 30+ students on all levels of Spanish curriculum. I have lived in Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador for extended periods of time, so not only is my Spanish fluent, I am attuned to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. I work with my students to demystify verb conjugations, understand the mechanics of Spanish grammar, and learn their vocabulary sets. I have expertise tutoring all aspects of language acquisition — reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. We can focus on one of more areas, depending upon the needs and goals of the student.
Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified to tutor Elementary (K-6th) because I have direct experience tutoring children in this age range. I worked with Newton, The Children's Learning Center, Inc. (headquartered in Foster City, CA) and worked with this age group at Baywood Elementary School in San Mateo, CA. I tutored children each day during this after-school program (from 2:30-6 PM). I worked with children in a variety of grades and helped them learn mathematics, reading and writing skills, science, and more. My methods included asking questions as a diagnostic gauge of their understanding and then teach them a concept in a patient and lighthearted manner. Gaining a child's trust and attention is just as important as didactically teaching material. My experience tutoring children in multiple subjects and at these grade levels qualifies me to tutor Elementary (K-6th). Now my K-6th tutoring focuses on working with students in their homes through WyzAnt tutoring sessions.
Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

I have tutored Elementary Math at Baywood Elementary School bear the border of San Mateo and Hillsborough through the Newton after-school program. I have also privately tutored numerous elementary students in mathematics over the years. I specialize in helping my students understand and internalize computation strategies for themselves, focusing on critical thinking skills and problem-solving. By learning the underlying skills, students master the habits of thinking and calculation that allow them to thrive in mathematics in elementary school and beyond.
Reading,

Reading

I have over ten years of experience tutoring reading. I work with my students on reading comprehension and analysis that “reads between the lines” to understand concepts and themes, to identify literary devices, and to draw connections and inferences from the text. I help students deconstruct their reading, based on the genre, so they can fully understand characterization, plot, organization, themes, and more. I encourage inquiry from my students, and students often guide their own learning by asking questions about a given text, and we explore the answers together. This leads to self-directed learning and instills a sense of empowerment and curiosity, some of the most important traits when it comes to reading skills in students.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.
Elementary Science, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary

English

English,

English

I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Reading,

Reading

I have over ten years of experience tutoring reading. I work with my students on reading comprehension and analysis that “reads between the lines” to understand concepts and themes, to identify literary devices, and to draw connections and inferences from the text. I help students deconstruct their reading, based on the genre, so they can fully understand characterization, plot, organization, themes, and more. I encourage inquiry from my students, and students often guide their own learning by asking questions about a given text, and we explore the answers together. This leads to self-directed learning and instills a sense of empowerment and curiosity, some of the most important traits when it comes to reading skills in students.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have worked with numerous students on preparing for the Reading section on the SAT. I emphasize the reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed on the test. In addition, I teach my students the most effective test-taking strategies so they can “outsmart” the test and boost their scores. My students have seen remarkable increases in their scores as a result of our sessions.
Writing,

Writing

Writing is a powerful tool of self-expression. I help my students gain the confidence to write this way. For my part, I have years of journalism experience, and I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!
ACT English, Grammar, Literature, Proofreading, SAT Writing, Spelling, TOEFL, Vocabulary

History

American History,

American History

I received a score of "5" on the AP US History exam. I help students with all aspects of the course and AP exam preparation.
Geography,

Geography

I have taken college-level Geography courses myself and have tutored them subject over the last few years.
Government & Politics,

Government & Politics

I have worked in local government (as a Legislative Aide for the Board of Supervisors in San Mateo County) for over five years. I studied Political Science in college and have worked with countless students on government, US history, and political science. My academic expertise and professional experience facilitate a well-rounded and comprehensive tutoring experience for my students.
Political Science,

Political Science

I have worked in County government for five and a half years as a Legislative Aide for the Board of Supervisors at San Mateo County. I have also worked as a Policy Researcher and Advocate so I have experience internal and external to government. I have been involved in political campaigns as well as policy-making. Political science was a key focus of my Bachelor’s Degree as well. I have tutored Political Science, Government, and Civics for over ten years.
Social Studies,

Social Studies

I have worked with a variety of students on social studies curriculum at all grade levels. I am intimately familiar with the material so I can focus on how best to convey the information to you or your child. I match my teaching style with my students' learning style so they can grasp and retain the content. This could include visual aids, making flashcards, supplementary materials/worksheets, practice tests, kinesthetic/auditory/visual strategies, and other creative means of helping each of my students achieve mastery of the material.
Sociology,

Sociology

I am qualified to tutor in Sociology because I took many sociology classes while attending Santa Clara University and excelled in them. I included a variety of sociology courses in my Peace and Justice Studies degree and successfully completed all the courses. I have tutored numerous students in various sociology classes and have the skills to help them analyze and understand the concepts involved.
Philosophy

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified to tutor Elementary (K-6th) because I have direct experience tutoring children in this age range. I worked with Newton, The Children's Learning Center, Inc. (headquartered in Foster City, CA) and worked with this age group at Baywood Elementary School in San Mateo, CA. I tutored children each day during this after-school program (from 2:30-6 PM). I worked with children in a variety of grades and helped them learn mathematics, reading and writing skills, science, and more. My methods included asking questions as a diagnostic gauge of their understanding and then teach them a concept in a patient and lighthearted manner. Gaining a child's trust and attention is just as important as didactically teaching material. My experience tutoring children in multiple subjects and at these grade levels qualifies me to tutor Elementary (K-6th). Now my K-6th tutoring focuses on working with students in their homes through WyzAnt tutoring sessions.
English,

English

I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have worked with numerous students on improving their Prealgebra skills. I focus on empowering my students to learn the concept behind each math problem so she/he can internalize the material and apply the skills on subsequent math problems. I take a methodical approach and track my students' progress from lesson to lesson.
Reading,

Reading

I have over ten years of experience tutoring reading. I work with my students on reading comprehension and analysis that “reads between the lines” to understand concepts and themes, to identify literary devices, and to draw connections and inferences from the text. I help students deconstruct their reading, based on the genre, so they can fully understand characterization, plot, organization, themes, and more. I encourage inquiry from my students, and students often guide their own learning by asking questions about a given text, and we explore the answers together. This leads to self-directed learning and instills a sense of empowerment and curiosity, some of the most important traits when it comes to reading skills in students.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have worked with numerous students on preparing for the Reading section on the SAT. I emphasize the reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed on the test. In addition, I teach my students the most effective test-taking strategies so they can “outsmart” the test and boost their scores. My students have seen remarkable increases in their scores as a result of our sessions.
Spanish,

Spanish

I have worked with 30+ students on all levels of Spanish curriculum. I have lived in Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador for extended periods of time, so not only is my Spanish fluent, I am attuned to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. I work with my students to demystify verb conjugations, understand the mechanics of Spanish grammar, and learn their vocabulary sets. I have expertise tutoring all aspects of language acquisition — reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. We can focus on one of more areas, depending upon the needs and goals of the student.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.
Writing,

Writing

Writing is a powerful tool of self-expression. I help my students gain the confidence to write this way. For my part, I have years of journalism experience, and I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!
Spelling

Language

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Spanish,

Spanish

I have worked with 30+ students on all levels of Spanish curriculum. I have lived in Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador for extended periods of time, so not only is my Spanish fluent, I am attuned to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. I work with my students to demystify verb conjugations, understand the mechanics of Spanish grammar, and learn their vocabulary sets. I have expertise tutoring all aspects of language acquisition — reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. We can focus on one of more areas, depending upon the needs and goals of the student.
TOEFL

Math

Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I have worked with numerous students on improving their Prealgebra skills. I focus on empowering my students to learn the concept behind each math problem so she/he can internalize the material and apply the skills on subsequent math problems. I take a methodical approach and track my students' progress from lesson to lesson.

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified to tutor Elementary (K-6th) because I have direct experience tutoring children in this age range. I worked with Newton, The Children's Learning Center, Inc. (headquartered in Foster City, CA) and worked with this age group at Baywood Elementary School in San Mateo, CA. I tutored children each day during this after-school program (from 2:30-6 PM). I worked with children in a variety of grades and helped them learn mathematics, reading and writing skills, science, and more. My methods included asking questions as a diagnostic gauge of their understanding and then teach them a concept in a patient and lighthearted manner. Gaining a child's trust and attention is just as important as didactically teaching material. My experience tutoring children in multiple subjects and at these grade levels qualifies me to tutor Elementary (K-6th). Now my K-6th tutoring focuses on working with students in their homes through WyzAnt tutoring sessions.
English,

English

I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I have worked with numerous students on improving their Prealgebra skills. I focus on empowering my students to learn the concept behind each math problem so she/he can internalize the material and apply the skills on subsequent math problems. I take a methodical approach and track my students' progress from lesson to lesson.
Reading,

Reading

I have over ten years of experience tutoring reading. I work with my students on reading comprehension and analysis that “reads between the lines” to understand concepts and themes, to identify literary devices, and to draw connections and inferences from the text. I help students deconstruct their reading, based on the genre, so they can fully understand characterization, plot, organization, themes, and more. I encourage inquiry from my students, and students often guide their own learning by asking questions about a given text, and we explore the answers together. This leads to self-directed learning and instills a sense of empowerment and curiosity, some of the most important traits when it comes to reading skills in students.
Spanish,

Spanish

I have worked with 30+ students on all levels of Spanish curriculum. I have lived in Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador for extended periods of time, so not only is my Spanish fluent, I am attuned to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. I work with my students to demystify verb conjugations, understand the mechanics of Spanish grammar, and learn their vocabulary sets. I have expertise tutoring all aspects of language acquisition — reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. We can focus on one of more areas, depending upon the needs and goals of the student.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.
Writing

Writing

Writing is a powerful tool of self-expression. I help my students gain the confidence to write this way. For my part, I have years of journalism experience, and I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!

Other

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have worked with over 40 students on their college applications, including the personal statement, supplemental essay questions, and other parts of the process. Students of mine have been admitted to universities including Cornell, University of Notre Dame, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Lewis & Clark, San José State University, and more. I take a reflective and comprehensive approach to coaching students toward the strongest content for their applications and help them craft compelling essays.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Geography,

Geography

I have taken college-level Geography courses myself and have tutored them subject over the last few years.
Government & Politics,

Government & Politics

I have worked in local government (as a Legislative Aide for the Board of Supervisors in San Mateo County) for over five years. I studied Political Science in college and have worked with countless students on government, US history, and political science. My academic expertise and professional experience facilitate a well-rounded and comprehensive tutoring experience for my students.
Sociology,

Sociology

I am qualified to tutor in Sociology because I took many sociology classes while attending Santa Clara University and excelled in them. I included a variety of sociology courses in my Peace and Justice Studies degree and successfully completed all the courses. I have tutored numerous students in various sociology classes and have the skills to help them analyze and understand the concepts involved.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.
Philosophy

Science

Sociology,

Sociology

I am qualified to tutor in Sociology because I took many sociology classes while attending Santa Clara University and excelled in them. I included a variety of sociology courses in my Peace and Justice Studies degree and successfully completed all the courses. I have tutored numerous students in various sociology classes and have the skills to help them analyze and understand the concepts involved.
Philosophy, Psychology

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified to tutor Elementary (K-6th) because I have direct experience tutoring children in this age range. I worked with Newton, The Children's Learning Center, Inc. (headquartered in Foster City, CA) and worked with this age group at Baywood Elementary School in San Mateo, CA. I tutored children each day during this after-school program (from 2:30-6 PM). I worked with children in a variety of grades and helped them learn mathematics, reading and writing skills, science, and more. My methods included asking questions as a diagnostic gauge of their understanding and then teach them a concept in a patient and lighthearted manner. Gaining a child's trust and attention is just as important as didactically teaching material. My experience tutoring children in multiple subjects and at these grade levels qualifies me to tutor Elementary (K-6th). Now my K-6th tutoring focuses on working with students in their homes through WyzAnt tutoring sessions.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have been an ESL tutor since working with immigrants during college at Santa Clara University back in 2005. I have since tutored at least 30 students from countries of origin as varied as Mexico, Japan, France, India, China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more. I enjoy working with immigrants and foreign exchange students to improve their English skills so they can thrive here in the United States. This is a passion of mine, and I have seen my students make huge strides - oftentimes achieving proficiency or even fluency.
Reading,

Reading

I have over ten years of experience tutoring reading. I work with my students on reading comprehension and analysis that “reads between the lines” to understand concepts and themes, to identify literary devices, and to draw connections and inferences from the text. I help students deconstruct their reading, based on the genre, so they can fully understand characterization, plot, organization, themes, and more. I encourage inquiry from my students, and students often guide their own learning by asking questions about a given text, and we explore the answers together. This leads to self-directed learning and instills a sense of empowerment and curiosity, some of the most important traits when it comes to reading skills in students.
Spanish,

Spanish

I have worked with 30+ students on all levels of Spanish curriculum. I have lived in Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador for extended periods of time, so not only is my Spanish fluent, I am attuned to the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. I work with my students to demystify verb conjugations, understand the mechanics of Spanish grammar, and learn their vocabulary sets. I have expertise tutoring all aspects of language acquisition — reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. We can focus on one of more areas, depending upon the needs and goals of the student.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am qualified to tutor students in study skills because I have helped numerous tutees significantly improve their study techniques, leading them to higher scores on their tests, quizzes, and final exams. My tutoring methods emphasize effective study habits: making a thorough plan about what needs to be covered, in what order, and then executing on that plan. I have helped students become more disciplined, systematic, and focused in their study skills. I follow up with students between tutoring sessions to check in on their studying. I provide homework assignments for some of my students and use this tool to measure their study skills over time. I look over their assignments and discern how they are studying. I affirm what they are doing well and offer tips and suggestions in terms of improvements. Typically, making a plan and reviewing its execution has been the most effective way to help students improve their study habits and achieve better outcomes.
Writing

Writing

Writing is a powerful tool of self-expression. I help my students gain the confidence to write this way. For my part, I have years of journalism experience, and I received a perfect score of "5" on both the AP English Language and Literature exams. Essay writing is a key expertise of mine -- I help students from the initial phases of brainstorming and outlining through the revising of essay drafts. I help students craft well-written, powerful essays that meet the requirements detailed in the assignment/prompt. At the same time, I reinforce key writing techniques so that the student improves his or her overall writing abilities in the process. Writing can be such a fun, dynamic, and expressive endeavor - I help students feel confident and enthusiastic about putting pen to paper!

Test Preparation

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have worked with over 40 students on their college applications, including the personal statement, supplemental essay questions, and other parts of the process. Students of mine have been admitted to universities including Cornell, University of Notre Dame, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Lewis & Clark, San José State University, and more. I take a reflective and comprehensive approach to coaching students toward the strongest content for their applications and help them craft compelling essays.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have worked with numerous students on preparing for the Reading section on the SAT. I emphasize the reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed on the test. In addition, I teach my students the most effective test-taking strategies so they can “outsmart” the test and boost their scores. My students have seen remarkable increases in their scores as a result of our sessions.
ACT English, SAT Writing, TOEFL

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (475 ratings)
5 star
(467)
4 star
(8)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Ricky is amazing!

Ricky is a spectacular tutor - he immediately established a connection with my daughter (who was initially reticent about tutoring)....gave me a thorough synopsis of their session afterward...and was very flexible and understanding about our family's scheduling situation. He is upbeat, positive, very capable, and resonates GREAT with kids. He's also incredibly organized and "together", which I really appreciate as a parent. What a find!

SHARON, 15 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and Patient Tutor

Richard is very thorough in his approach in helping identify issue with my college writing essay. He was available and proactive in making sure my essay was perfect!

Maria, 26 lessons with Richard

Ricky is a great tutor!

Ricky is everything you want in a tutor. Patient, positive, engaging, thorough, and builds on previous lessons. My son has thrived in school since working with Ricky!

Andrea, 219 lessons with Richard

Very helpful and a good listener

Richard not only teaches and helps you with SAT, but will understand and listen to any concerns you have that goes beyond the test, whether it is anxiety issues or anything that is on your mind.

Regan, 3 lessons with Richard

Great teacher!

Ricky really helped my mother boost her English skills. She found her communication skill improved a lot even just after one class. Highly recommended.

Lois, 4 lessons with Richard

Great tutor

Richard is flexible, engaging, interesting, and patient. He's been helping me learn Spanish for a month now and I love working with him. Would definitely recommend to a friend.

Margaux, 9 lessons with Richard

Excellent Tutor

Richard worked with my daughter as she studied for the CSET exam. He came prepared and worked patiently with her to develop/review test taking strategies and specific test tips. We were very impressed!

Lisa, 7 lessons with Richard

Spanish lessons

Ricky is a very responsible tutor. We only had two sessions so far, and my son felt he is learning and making progress. I appreciate very much that Ricky prepares customized home work after each session to reinforce what was taught, and plan ahead what should be taught next time.

Xiaoyan, 4 lessons with Richard

Amazing Tutor

Ricky was amazing. He worked well with my son who has ADHD and was able to keep him engaged for a full hour. My son loved working with him and is actually looking forward to his next session with Ricky.

Becky, 193 lessons with Richard

Kind, patient, helpful

Math reading and language. Kind and patient and very flexible! He also accosted my schedule when need be. He also is a genuinely nice person who is very optimistic.

Cassie , 21 lessons with Richard
Hourly Rate: $150
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