Harvard-Educated Tutor, 25 Yrs Exper: Math, Science, Writing, SAT, ACT

About

Hi,
My name is Chris Dingman. I'm a math, science, writing and standardized test prep tutor with a uniquely broad and qualified background. Since graduating summa cum laude from Harvard in 1987, I've been tutoring, teaching, and developing educational materials while also maintaining a lively engagement with the arts as a professional comedy screenwriter, singer-songwriter with three CDs of original material, published poet and author.

In my more than 12 years as a classroom teacher I have taught every high school math course from algebra through Calculus as well as every high school science course (biology, chemistry, and physics). In my more than 25 years as a tutor, I have also tutored all these subjects, as well as writing and SAT/ACT prep.

Standardized test prep has in fact become a specialty. Along with my private practice, I have worked with numerous educational content developers, including Testpreplabs and Think Tank Learning, which specialize in the creation and teaching of SAT and ACT test-preparation materials.

I can help you with:
MATH: basic arithmetic (fractions, decimals, etc.), pre-algebra, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-Calculus, and Calculus
SCIENCE: biology, chemistry, and physics
WRITING: all levels of writing and composition, including organizational help, sentence structure/style, and grammar
STANDARDIZED TEST PREP: including SAT, SAT subject tests, and the ACT
COLLEGE ESSAYS: including help finding the best topic to help a student's individuality shine, organization, execution, and editing.

My Approach
My tutoring approach is both easy-going and focused. (I find these two adjectives go comfortably together!) It is also highly individualized. I allow an authentic, relaxed connection, cut through the jargon, help students feel at ease, and make topics crystal clear. Students often succeed with me even when they've been frustrated by subjects or other tutors and teachers. Students almost always see both their confidence and grades go up.

My Rates
I am physically based in the SF Bay Area, where my rate is $90 per hour for a home visit. However, I offer online tutoring as well at $60 per hour. Online tutoring is done via Skype with a whiteboard which I can share with the student. (All whiteboard notes can be sent to the student after the session.)

I look forward to hearing from you!
Chris Dingman