Matt
PATIENT :-) Elem/Middle MATH and WRITING; HS SAT and COLLEGE ESSAYS!
Hello, parents and students. Thanks for considering me as a tutor. Although I'm a NYS certified teacher with a Masters degree and years of classroom experience, that's just part of who I am as an educator, a mentor, and a learning partner. I'm mature, seasoned, and as my students like to remind me, "old." (I'm 51 as of this update.) My pre-teaching background includes editorial and promotional work in book publishing, and I am still a professional writer and editor. (Hear that, high school ...
ADD/ADHD
I'm a NYS certified teacher with a master's degree and 7 years of classroom experience. For the last 3 years, I have taught in a 5th grade inclusion classroom, seeing to the needs of ADD/ADHD children. I work with kids on focus-refocus techniques; setting time schedules and incremental goals, incorporate physical activity and art activities into academic work, and use breaks and rewards to maintain direction and task commitment. In a tutoring relationship, the tutor and student set goals together and lay out a plan to get there. Both refer back to the plan throughout the lesson to make sure we are on track.
English
proofreading
SAT reading
SAT writing
spelling
elementary math
elementary (k-6th)
guitar
study skills
Theater
ADHD
theatre
I specialize in voice quality, projection, accents, pacing, character development and depth, and monologue preparation. I have directed student productions of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, adapted and directed a student version of Matilda: The Musical, and more. I have written, directed, and performed in corporate skits, school talent shows, theatrical revues, singing groups and bands, and comedy-improv troupes. I'm a lifelong amateur actor and have had many leading and supporting roles in regional productions of musicals, comedies, and dramas. Let's work together to bring out your best on stage!
algebra 1
American history
vocabulary
grammar
prealgebra
reading
writing
Nancy L. from Scarsdale, NY
I knew Matt would be a fine tutor and wonderful person even before we met him. His response to my inquiry was personable and detailed, as he pointed out that he had been a fifth grade teacher and in fact was coaching other students who were my son's age. He seemed as friendly as he was experienced. Furthermore, he proved throughout our email communications to schedule a meeting to be extremely reliable and prompt. On the first day, he arrived with a notebook and manipulatives that he left as a gift. He is now tutoring my son, helping him with his fifth grade math. He is very gentle, patient, understanding, and encouraging, and knows how to guide my son to understanding through thorough scaffolding and step-by-step processes. He also adds fun to the lessons as he has a wonderful sense of humor, and my son enjoys him a lot. I believe my son is gradually feeling more confident facing his fraction problems. Thank you, Matt!
Livia P. from Mount Kisco, NY
Matt is awesome with my daughter. He is enthusiastic and smart and relates brilliantly to kids. After only a few sessions we see a difference in her progress! Matt is also extremely dedicated and prepared! Prior to my daughter's tutoring session, Matt asks about what is being taught in the classroom that week and comes with his own worksheets, and he adds funny word problems that my daughter can identify with!! He's great!!
Loretta S. from Scarsdale, NY
It has been great having Matt work with my 8 year old daughter! She had no idea learning could be so much fun. Matt helps her learn the basics and so much more. I highly recommend Matt!
Stacey H. from Croton On Hudson, NY
Matt is terrific with my son, who is a reluctant writer. He also used to be a reluctant reader, but that is changing. Matt is talented at eliciting details, new language and getting my son to edit. He also knows how to keep things interesting. So grateful for his help.
Jonathan S. from Mount Kisco, NY
Matt H was a professional from lesson one to the last, connecting with our daughter to build her confidence, test taking skills and ability to master the SAT's. Together they worked through the English written portion as well as the English sections weekly. Matt was patient, thoughtful and created relevant connections that endeared him to my daughter. She looked forward to his weekly lessons and came away with the confidence needed to approach the exam with a very positive spirit. The practice tests were reviewed each week, they worked on problem areas and created solutions to allow her to understand the way to get the right answer. We will update this review when we receive the SAT results, but we are very happy with Matt's methodology, his connection to our daughter and his overall professionalism. He was committed to her success and that showed in his approach each week.
Jonathan T. from Yorktown Heights, NY
Matt has been tutoring our son in history. Matt always presents a carefully prepared lesson plan adapted to our son's level of knowledge, and is able to motivate our son to perform at his best. Matt is also able to adjust each lesson to explore other topics and questions that come up during the lesson. Matt is very patient and attuned to our son's needs. Our son really enjoys the lessons, and we are very satisfied.
Thereza Y. from Cortlandt Manor, NY
Matt is preparing my daughter for the essay part of the SAT and she is feeling stronger after the classes.
Sarah R. from Harrison, NY
Matt has been helping my daughter with AP Composition and has really increased her ability and decreased her anxiety. We are so happy to have found him.
Mae I. from Briarcliff Manor, NY
Matt did a great job getting to know my son and his learning style. He was able to connect with him and managed to get homework done ahead of time - WOW! I look forward to working with him in the future - thanks Matt!
Marisol R. from Putnam Valley, NY
My son is very excited to get started, and that's a lot to say for a reluctant reader! Thank you Matt!
Michael T. from Hastings On Hudson, NY
Matt was great at assessing my son's math needs -- emotionally and intellectually. Perfect choice for helping my son boost his self confidence when confronting new material and for learning how to work through it. Good guy. Great teacher.
Melin T. from Katonah, NY
Has remarkable rapport with my kid and it is obviously a gift of his. He is a terrific tutor, quick to understand my son's strengths and weaknesses and to help him through the challenge. We enjoy him immensely and my son gains so much from him.