PrepNow Tutor - James S.
A lifelong learner, James has a passion for helping students reach their education goals. He holds a BA in philosophy from Boston University. Since college, he has worked in a variety of academic and artistic settings as an archivist, actor, private tutor, and publishing project manager. In addition to tutoring, he currently works as a private writing consultant, helping individuals plan and write their own books.
“My tutoring career happened quite by accident,” James says. “I spent a lot of time in the math lounge at BU, which was also the tutoring center. I've always enjoyed helping others, and students would wander in, looking for help, and I would gladly aid them in their studies.” He continued to tutor throughout and beyond college and has never looked back. He has extensive experience teaching mathematics across all levels—from elementary math through multivariable calculus and differential equations; he has also prepared students for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and AP Calculus through both institutional test-prep programs and private tutoring.
James’s teaching style focuses on creating a “rock solid relationship” with every student. “I love to learn the strengths and abilities of the student and focus my teaching style in a way that works best for them,” he says. “This method helps me to learn the areas they need help in and find ways to help them break through any barriers they have to understanding.” James’s favorite part of tutoring is helping students break through barriers to understanding in challenging subjects or the standardized tests.
As a student, James participated in the math team, the debate team, the track team, intramural soccer, and the drama club. He was a two-time National Problem Solving Competition Finalist and a four-time Selection to the Boston University Putnam Team.
James loves to travel and is on a mission to visit all 63 national parks. However, his current passion is theatre, and he’s a co-artistic director of a local non-profit theatre in his hometown. “I have a multitude of roles—from picking the season, training new directors, directing my own plays, and occasionally acting.” As a writing consultant, James has helped authors publish dozens of books and has supported a respected Lyme disease doctor in sharing his expertise through a patient-focused website.
