Are you someone who doesn’t like to read or write because it’s difficult? Do you have trouble communicating clearly because spelling or pronunciation is “not your thing?” Have you been getting bad grades in school, missing out on promotions, or stuck in a job with no future, because you don’t know how to use the English language well?

I am a tutor, and I can help. I have Bachelor’s degrees in English and History, and have been a professional educator for over 8 years. My minor in university was in Music, with a focus on vocal performance. I have worked with kindergarteners, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, through high school and college students and adults. Currently I teach local California history and social studies through a non-profit organization, and I have taught English as a Second Language and tutored music students in beginning music theory. I have also been a freelance writer and editor for almost 5 years.

I am very structured in my approach to learning, but having dealt with minor learning difficulties of my own, and in former students, I work “outside the box” as needed. However, I am not trained to assist students with severe developmental, emotional, behavioral, or other disabilities that affect learning and education.


*What I can provide:

1.) Academic Tutoring:

For kindergarten through 8th grade students: reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary in English, speech and pronunciation for public speaking, history/social studies, beginning music theory, and conversational skills in English.

For high school and college students and adults: reading, writing, spelling, proper pronunciation and conversational skills in the English language.

2.) Coaching and Research Assistance:

For high school students and adults: I can coach you in manners and general good etiquette for both social and business situations. I can also proof-read and edit academic papers, and provide research assistance. (Note: I can assist you in doing your work, but I cannot write your paper or do your homework for you!)


*Where I conduct tutoring sessions:

I always meet my students in public places, like libraries or coffeeshops. To keep transportation costs down, I stay within the downtown San Jose area, at three main spots: 1) the Martin Luther King Jr. Library at 4th and San Fernando Streets, 2) the Starbucks coffee shop at San Pedro and Santa Clara Streets, and 3) the Peet’s Coffee & Tea shop on Santa Clara St. at Lightson Alley. I can consider other similar public locations in the downtown area, as well as the Milpitas Public Library and Noble Library in Berryessa.


*When I am available for tutoring sessions:

Between Wednesday, July 9th, and Friday, August 22nd, 2008 I will be available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

After Friday, August 22nd, I will be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays only, and occasional Saturdays.

My fees are very reasonable; please contact me for more information. I will need to know your name, grade level, and learning situation and needs (or those of the student, if you are their parent) before setting up a tutoring session. Since I don't post my phone number on public forums, please contact me by e-mail.


Thank you!

Elizabeth Urbach

• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests