"My primary areas of study are philosophy and the psychology of human learning. My teaching style reflects my interests; brute memorization accomplishes little genuine understanding. Instead, my approach encourages pupils to think through, question, and process information. That sort of questioning promotes understand of the subject. Facts are useless without systematization. It’s only when facts are processed that they produce something of real benefit to a student. By trying to answer fundamental questions within a field - by applying their reasoning abilities to the material at hand - students create understanding.

I have been teaching chess for almost a decade. My experience has included coaching and directing after-school programs, instructing and managing summer-camps, and teaching one-on-one private lessons. Several teams I coached won state competitions; others were runners up. Two teams I worked with placed top ten in the nation; one student became the national champion for his grade level. I was vice president of Benedictine University’s philosophy club. As vice president, I often helped students to better understand their assigned readings, to study for exams, and to polish their papers.

It is my goal to help students succeed in their current subjects of study and improve their capabilities as learners. The abilities to read and listen well, to process information logically, and to ask the right questions are key to academic success. Instructors notice these sorts of qualities in their students.

If you have questions or are interested in setting up a trial meeting, I encourage you to contact me. I respond quickly to all messages." less...