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Getting Results at a Reasonable Rate
Barrie John M.

4.9 (1,464 ratings)

4,455 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $55
Contact Barrie John
Response time: 38 minutes
Barrie John M.'s Photo

Getting Results at a Reasonable Rate
Getting Results at a Reasonable Rate
Barrie John M.

4.9 (1,464 ratings)

4,455 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (1,464 ratings)

4,455 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Barrie John

Bio

Want to boost your scores to get into the college of your choice? Need a professional writer who can improve your essays and reports? I have been a test preparation and general English tutor for 14 years, teaching SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, GMAT, FAST tests and AP English. I've ranked in the Top 10 percent of tutors here because I not only explain incorrect answers but also teach students how to really make sense of a passage and grasp those tricky, nitpicky writing section questions. I provide...

Want to boost your scores to get into the college of your choice? Need a professional writer who can improve your essays and reports? I have been a test preparation and general English tutor for 14 years, teaching SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, GMAT, FAST tests and AP English. I've ranked in the Top 10 percent of tutors here because I not only explain incorrect answers but also teach students how to really make sense of a passage and grasp those tricky, nitpicky writing section questions. I provide tips, effective answer elimination strategies, and general passage-specific strategies to save time and have a proven record of getting that top score, that scholarship.
Like most good teachers, I get results. A recent student got a 1580 on the November SAT and credited my strategies. Here is a quote from a parent: "For Reading/writing he got 750 which is 100 points more than his September score. We are sure you coaching played a major part in his improvement." Another student not only scored above average but also got his coveted college scholarship. One of my writing students, Emily, got second place in the 2020 Duke University TIP writing contest.
I will show you not only what key areas to focus on but also how to manage time effectively in a timed test, and how to eliminate answers in a short amount of time using my proven, effective strategies.

Writing
Unlike most teachers, I'm a published writer and an expert at spotting grammatical mistakes and ensuring clarity, flow and cohesion, all key parts of effective writing.
I have tutored numerous students on college application essays as well as general essays. I do not write the essay for your child; rather, I provide the tools to write a successful, meaningful essay.

Background
State certified teacher in English, ESL and Social Studies.
Professional writer and editor.

Read more

Education

Maynooth University
English
Delaware Valley University
EdD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $55
  • Rate details: There is a 10 percent discount if I tutor two or more students in a session.
  • Lesson cancellation: 3 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/23/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Business

GMAT, GRE

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
GMAT, Grammar, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Reading,

Reading

I am a certified English teacher and writer who provides late elementary, middle and high-school students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts based on their reading level. My techniques will enable them to understand key ideas and better prepare them for the SAT and college-level courses. Materials: I provide all the reading materials. I use skill-specific passages as well as passages that test students on a wide range of reading skills from vocabulary-in- context to inferences to purpose. Qualifications: Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and ESL.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.
Grammar, Vocabulary

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I have taught the English Section for 12 years, teaching what appears on the test and offering tips, strategies to score well.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have taught the Reading Section for 12 years, offering tips, strategies to save time and score well.
English,

English

Effective readers make effective writers. I provide students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their reading comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. I use my decades of writing and editing experience to show students and adults how to recognize grammar mistakes, improve their sentences and paragraphs, and ultimately produce a cohesive, organized and engaging essay or report.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
Reading,

Reading

I am a certified English teacher and writer who provides late elementary, middle and high-school students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts based on their reading level. My techniques will enable them to understand key ideas and better prepare them for the SAT and college-level courses. Materials: I provide all the reading materials. I use skill-specific passages as well as passages that test students on a wide range of reading skills from vocabulary-in- context to inferences to purpose. Qualifications: Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and ESL.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have taught the SAT Reading and Writing sections for 14 years, showing students the key areas to focus on a passage and providing answer elimination strategies and additional tips based on my expertise. For digital SAT, I have created rigorous mini modules that mimic the format of the test. My material covers all the questions tested and follows two tracks: medium-level questions and challenging advanced questions.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I am a published writer, editor and certified teacher helping people of all ages become more confident writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!
Writing,

Writing

I am a professional writer and teacher who helps people of all ages become better writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give my students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!
Grammar, Literature, Proofreading, Vocabulary

History

Social Studies,

Social Studies

I am certified to teach social studies grades 7-12 in Pennsylsvania. I taught both 7th grade (world cultures) and 8th grade (American history) for a year in the Philadelphia School District, developing plans for both subjects and assessing students on topics covered. I believe students should be able to accurately interpret maps as well as graphics. My other goal for students is to be able to think critically about current events and draw parallels with past historical periods.
European History

Homeschool

English,

English

Effective readers make effective writers. I provide students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their reading comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. I use my decades of writing and editing experience to show students and adults how to recognize grammar mistakes, improve their sentences and paragraphs, and ultimately produce a cohesive, organized and engaging essay or report.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
Reading,

Reading

I am a certified English teacher and writer who provides late elementary, middle and high-school students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts based on their reading level. My techniques will enable them to understand key ideas and better prepare them for the SAT and college-level courses. Materials: I provide all the reading materials. I use skill-specific passages as well as passages that test students on a wide range of reading skills from vocabulary-in- context to inferences to purpose. Qualifications: Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and ESL.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have taught the SAT Reading and Writing sections for 14 years, showing students the key areas to focus on a passage and providing answer elimination strategies and additional tips based on my expertise. For digital SAT, I have created rigorous mini modules that mimic the format of the test. My material covers all the questions tested and follows two tracks: medium-level questions and challenging advanced questions.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.
Writing

Writing

I am a professional writer and teacher who helps people of all ages become better writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give my students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!

Language

ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.

Most Popular

English,

English

Effective readers make effective writers. I provide students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their reading comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. I use my decades of writing and editing experience to show students and adults how to recognize grammar mistakes, improve their sentences and paragraphs, and ultimately produce a cohesive, organized and engaging essay or report.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
Reading,

Reading

I am a certified English teacher and writer who provides late elementary, middle and high-school students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts based on their reading level. My techniques will enable them to understand key ideas and better prepare them for the SAT and college-level courses. Materials: I provide all the reading materials. I use skill-specific passages as well as passages that test students on a wide range of reading skills from vocabulary-in- context to inferences to purpose. Qualifications: Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and ESL.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.
Writing

Writing

I am a professional writer and teacher who helps people of all ages become better writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give my students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!

Other

College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have helped dozens of students with college application essays. I help them generate ideas and ensure that the application is tailored to the college of their choosing. As a freelance writer, I teach creative ways to introduce a topic and tell a compelling story. I know how to make sentences sing, I will point out sentences that don't work.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.

Summer

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

English can be a complex language. I will break it down for you in simple terms with easy-to-follow rules and strategies based on my years of teaching. I provide all the materials , and I will get to you that next level where you feel comfortable reading and writing. Qualifications: State certified ESOL teacher. I have been a long-term ESOL teacher at the high school and elementary level.
Reading,

Reading

I am a certified English teacher and writer who provides late elementary, middle and high-school students with the tools, texts and strategies to improve their comprehension on a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts based on their reading level. My techniques will enable them to understand key ideas and better prepare them for the SAT and college-level courses. Materials: I provide all the reading materials. I use skill-specific passages as well as passages that test students on a wide range of reading skills from vocabulary-in- context to inferences to purpose. Qualifications: Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and ESL.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

I am an experienced certified English and Social Studies teacher. I have taught students how to take effective notes, differentiating between essential and nonessential information. I have also given lessons on how to mentally prepare for a quiz or test. In addition, I teach test prep, which covers reading strategies, effective writing, and dealing with deadlines.
Writing

Writing

I am a professional writer and teacher who helps people of all ages become better writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give my students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I have taught the English Section for 12 years, teaching what appears on the test and offering tips, strategies to score well.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have taught the Reading Section for 12 years, offering tips, strategies to save time and score well.
College Counseling,

College Counseling

I have helped dozens of students with college application essays. I help them generate ideas and ensure that the application is tailored to the college of their choosing. As a freelance writer, I teach creative ways to introduce a topic and tell a compelling story. I know how to make sentences sing, I will point out sentences that don't work.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I have taught the SAT Reading and Writing sections for 14 years, showing students the key areas to focus on a passage and providing answer elimination strategies and additional tips based on my expertise. For digital SAT, I have created rigorous mini modules that mimic the format of the test. My material covers all the questions tested and follows two tracks: medium-level questions and challenging advanced questions.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

I am a published writer, editor and certified teacher helping people of all ages become more confident writers. I have assisted students with school and college application essays, and adults with anything from advertising copy to workplace reports. I don't write the essay but instead give students the tools to become better writers by teaching what I have learned my 25 years as a writer and editor. You can count on this writer for effective writing!
GMAT, GRE, SSAT

Examples of Expertise

Barrie John has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 17 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Barrie John ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (1,464 ratings)
5 star
(1,411)
4 star
(34)
3 star
(11)
2 star
(3)
1 star
(5)

Reviews

knowledgeable SAT Reading tutor

Easy to communicate with. Barrie-John sends a mini quiz before class and then he goes over what student needs help with. We ran out of study materials, thankfully Barrie prepares practice materials. It's a positive experience for us.

Sally, 4 lessons with Barrie John

Amazing tutor!!

Barrie-John is an amazing teacher! With his help and guidance my child scored 780 in SAT reading/writing. Barrie-John is very knowledgeable, passionate and really wants the student to succeed. He gives frank and straight-forward feedback regarding the progress and areas for improvement. I strongly recommend Barrie-John!

Venkat, 8 lessons with Barrie John

Great review

Although it has only been 2 lessons with him I have already felt the difference his teaching made on the SAT problems. I've gotten better with looking for the trap answers/distractors which used to be a problem for me which still is to a certain extent but not as much as before. In addition, his help with punctuation has helped me immensely. When taking the PSAT for school I struggled greatly with the semicolons, commas, etc with his help it has been way easier for me to use those types of punctuation. Not only will his class help with the SAT but because of the grammar and such as previously mentioned it will help me become a better essay as well.

Xiaofei, 14 lessons with Barrie John

Remarkable ACT Reading Progress!

After just two sessions reviewing ACT reading, my child’s score went up 12 points. We could not be happier with these results, and they are a direct result of Barrie-John’s thoughtful direction and instruction.

Langley, 2 lessons with Barrie John

Knowledgeable SAT tutor

My son took the PSAT’s in 10th grade and after only 2 weeks together he took the PSAT again. My sons score increased 150 pts. We’re working with him now for the SAR’s but Barrie John was able to identify my sons weakness and help my him understand what to look for on the test and what to avoid. Highly recommend.

Beth, 6 lessons with Barrie John

Excellent SHSAT Tutor

My son is very enthusiastic about working with Barrie-John to prepare for the SHSAT. He finds the tips and strategies Barrie-John has provided to be very helpful and is gaining confidence in his ability to succeed on the test. We will definitely reach out to Barrie-John for SAT tutoring and would highly recommend him to others.

Dara, 8 lessons with Barrie John

Amazing tutor!!

Barrie-John is an amazing teacher! With his help and guidance my child scored 780 in SAT reading/writing. Barrie-John is very knowledgeable, passionate and really wants the student to succeed. He gives frank and straight-forward feedback regarding the progress and areas for improvement. I strongly recommend Barrie-John!

Venkat, 8 lessons with Barrie John

This guy helped my daughter to break through the 1550 SAT score bar

My daughter has struggled to improve her SAT R/W score from 700 to 750 for a few months. It's desperate after you did all the practice tests, and still have no idea how to improve to break the bottleneck. Personally, I think it's more difficult to improve from 700 to 750 than from 400 to 700. She practiced almost all the SAT tests of the past 3-5 years, but still consistently made 7-10 mistakes in reading and writing sections per test. Barrie helped her to identify and overcome her weaknesses. He also assigned the homework targeting the areas that need improvement. She finally passed the bar with 770 in R/W section, and I don't think it's possible without Barrie's help.

Wei, 8 lessons with Barrie John

Thorough SAT review

As a first lesson Barry provided an assessment to take and we discussed strategies to improve my score. Lesson was very focused and helpful. I will be reaching out for additional help for the SAT as well as my college essay.

Jennifer, 2 lessons with Barrie John

Very Knowledgeable and patient Tutor

Barrie is a very Effective, Knowledgeable, and Patient Tutor. My son had taken three lessons with him in preparation for the ACT. He learned a lot from him. His grammar part was improved from 32 to 35! I highly recommend him!

Jessica, 5 lessons with Barrie John
Hourly Rate: $55
Response time: 38 minutes
Contact Barrie John