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Why Tutoring?
Hi there, I'm Aaron. I offer tutoring services on the North Shore of Massachusetts for students from grades 3-12. Prior to tutoring I was a teacher for eight years at a special education high school in Topsfield, where I specialized in Math, but also taught Science, History, and English.
The belief that every student can find success in the classroom when given access to the right tools forms the cornerstone of my approach to teaching. My background in special education helped develop the understanding that every student has different learning needs. I work with each student to find their preferred and most effective learning style.
One of the things that most frequently holds students back is low self-efficacy when facing new or unfamiliar concepts. Using a scaffolding approach, I move students toward greater independence, helping them to first gain confidence in their ability to understand the material, then reinforcing and utilizing foundational skills to help understand more complex concepts.
Helping students get up to speed with their current work and looking ahead to next concepts, while at the same time reinforcing foundational skills, ensures that students will not just "learn for the test" but will instead retain the information and skills for a life time. They might even find they enjoy learning along the way!
About Me
I grew up in upstate New York, learning to love the outdoors and adventure. In 1999, drawn by the ocean, I moved to Beverly, MA to attend Endicott College. In 2003, I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English/Creative writing. I began working as a kayak guide and instructor in Essex, but soon after was hired as a teacher at the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative in Topsfield. I began teaching mostly English classes, but developed a passion for teaching all subjects, in particular Math.
I continued to work as a kayak guide during the summers, but after teaching for eight years, decided I was ready to open my paddle shop. I left teaching in 2014 to open Coast to Coast Paddle, offering lessons, rentals and tours for paddleboards and kayaks. I love helping people get out on the water, but found I was missing my time spent working with students. I began tutoring the following winter, and have helped a growing number of students since then find success in the classroom.
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Tutoring Services
One on One Tutoring-
$50/hour
We can meet at a common space, such as a local library or coffee shop, or I can come to your home. Tutoring can include, but is not limited to, homework assignments, reinforcement of foundational skills, studying for tests, writing essays, and preparing for new material.
Online Tutoring
$50/hour
Utilizing video conferencing technology along with online, interactive whiteboards, online tutoring allows for easy and convenient learning. All normal tutoring subjects can be covered, without the need to drive to a specific location. Read more about the benefits of online tutoring...
Daily Online Check-in
$25/ 30 mins.
If your student generally understands the material but struggles with staying on task for longer projects, a daily check-in could help them manage longer assignments. We'll set the number of days and times each week, and can easily adapt it based on the student's changing schedule or needs.
Check My Homework
Starting at $10/assignment
If your student is doing well but wants extra reassurance they are turning in assignments that are complete and accurate, we can set up a schedule for submitting assignments ahead of time for correcting.
Essay Proofreading
$40/ 1-5 pages, $60/ 6-10 pages
Having someone proofread your student's essay for grammar and spelling errors, as well as structure, cohesiveness, and flow, ensures that the hard work they put into writing the essay is reflected in a strong grade on the assignment.
Parent/caregiver assistance
$20/ 1/2 hour
If your student comes to you with a question about their work and you’re not quite sure how to help them, I can help you help them! We’ll work together through video conferencing and interactive whiteboards to go over general concepts and/or specific problems, brushing you up on just what you need to help your student finish their work.
“Aaron always amazed me with the patience, understanding, and sense of humor with which he engaged his students. Aaron always treats people with the utmost respect for their individuality, their strengths, and their challenges.”
“Aaron has tutored both of my children....and both of their grades went up a whole grade within one semester. He is kind, patient and caring when teaching children who struggle learning math. My son’s math teacher at school kept Aaron in the loop as to what he was learning in class, and together they turned my son into a math whiz! I highly recommend Aaron.”
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CONTACT Me
If your student would benefit from direct, one-on-one learning, I'd love to chat with you to see if I might be of help. Please fill out the contact form below and indicate the best time to get in touch, or feel free to email me at anytime at aaron@focalpointtutoring.com