Samiat Salami

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Introduction

I am available to tutor all English and literacy-based subjects. Whether you need SAT writing prep, essay help (literary and non-literary), novel analysis, fiction/non-fiction writing critique, writing tutorial, grammar tutorials, or basic English language skills, I will try to meet you at your level and help you improve through thorough explanations and gentle critiques. I understand that writing can be complicated and it requires a lot of patience to learn its devices. I will be patient. I enjoy working with people one-on-one and I will be as invested in your success as you are. I always want the best for my students. I also believe in non-traditional methods of approaching language and teaching, so you won't be bored. The goal is to have a great time learning and improving. I love helping people become better communicators. Learning to be a better writer means learning to express yourself significantly better.

Overview

Hired 1 time

1 employee

12 years in business

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Reviews

3.7

3 reviews

5

67%

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1

33%

Miles A.

Sep 30, 2015

She really helped to improve my grammar, vocabulary, writing proficiency, analytical ability and researching skills; Samiat was very invested in ensuring that I was ready for the upcoming exams. Without her help I wouldn't have got the A- grade! :-)

Adwoa M.

Oct 11, 2015

Samiat taught me to speak fluent first world English. She is a very good teacher and helped me to learn quickly and well.

Daria S.

Mar 10, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Samiat came to give my husband a first lesson, which went fine. After that, we agreed to hire her for a package, for which she proposed the price and we accepted. Hours before showing up for the next lesson, she told us that she had miscalculated the price offered and she doubled the price on us. Unfortunately we had already turned down another tutor we had tried, so we were left hanging at the last minute. Really not professional... first for "miscalculating" as much as 200% of the price she proposed, and also for telling us last minute, after several messages on which we agreed on the price and a schedule. Oh, and she also kept the change from what we paid her for the first lesson, assuming she was coming back and could deduct from future payment. Absolutely a bad experience, I am sorry to say.

Samiat Salami's reply

Hi Daria, My sincerest apologies for your experience. I take full responsibility for the price increase. I was just so excited to share my skills and help your husband, that I didn't calculate the price of actually traveling to your place. It would have cost me significantly. You were one of my first clients on the site and I was trying to figure out a rate that is fair to both you and me. I want my services to be accessible to those who need it. I wrote to you 4 hours before the scheduled session, and we had agreed to meet a few hours before. I was hoping we could been in conversation about it. I quoted you at $18 an hr (an hour a session). My transportation expenses would have been $8 and $2 for printing expenses (there are a lot of worksheets), leaving me with a take home of $8. Considering this is the Bay Area, that's not even minimum wage, especially for a service like teaching. I apologize if you felt let down, I really cared about helping your husband get better. As an immigrant to the U.S, for me, teaching ESL is not about the money, it is a labour of love. It was a very difficult decision and I wouldn't have sent that message if I could afford to teach at that rate. I will be happy to refund you the $2 change, through Paypal or a check in the mail. I am very, very sorry you had a bad experience.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Lessons

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My rates vary between $17 - $25 an hr. I will give a quote depending on how much work the student needs.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I have a 5 step process to assess my student's skills when I am working with students who are new to writing and speaking english. - I like to begin with an oral Interview. It is important to listen to my students immediate use of vocabulary and grammar. - I like to get a sample of work my students have previously worked on (maybe past homework) to gauge their skills. - I also give a fill-in-the-blank vocabulary and grammar test. - A reading test. I like to hear my students read out loud, so that I am aware of their natural reading rhythm. - And finally, a summary of the text my students have just read. I use this test to gauge their comprehension skills. The point of this test isn't to intimidate students. They absolutely don't have to get it right, the goal of the test is to know their skills, so that I can know where to begin to help. When I am working with students who are native English speakers, but need writing help, it is all about their previous work. It so important that students provide a piece of writing that they are either working on, or a project they plan to complete.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an MFA degree in writing and I have taught an undergraduate ESL writing class for two semesters. I have also been a writer and editor for over 3 years.

Samiat Salami

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