Chemistry Tutors
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Need AP Chemistry Tutor for Daughter at BHS
April 2016
My daughter needs an AP Chemistry Teacher for BHS 2016/2017 school year that can accommodate her Crew Team schedule. Trying to get it sorted ahead of time. Thank you for any and all suggestions. K.
My daughter at BHS enjoyed and appreciated working with tutor Rosie Ueng on AP Chemistry work;
rosie [at] rosewatercooking.com (rosie[at]rosewatercooking[dot]com) 510.649.3039 www.rosewatercooking.com
Karen G
Both of my daughters have worked with Steve Brand (stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com). He is a former head of BHS Chemistry Dept. and knows the material inside and out. Additionally, after the first meeting, you can work with him on Skype, making it incredibly convenient -- and quite inexpensive. I recommend him completely! Chloe C
Chemistry & Algebra II tutor recommendations sought
Nov 2015
We are looking for someone who can tutor both high school Chemistry and Algebra II. Any recommendations for a tutor of either or both? We're looking for someone patient, clear, experienced and knowledgeable. We're in Berkeley. Thanks. Mom of an art kid
Hi, When my son needed an AP Chemistry tutor last year, I contacted the Chemistry department at Cal and asked them to post a sign for a student interested in tutoring. Within a couple of weeks, we found a lovely young man, who ended up tutoring not just my son, but two friends as well - an hour and a half a week for $15 for each family. Sweet deal for the families, sweet deal for the college student. Unfortunately, the student has graduated and moved out of the area, but you might be able to find another student this way. NC
June 2015
Thanks to recommendations on this network, we recently engaged Steve Brand
as a chemistry tutor for our Berkeley High sophomore.
Steve responded quickly to a ''911'' after my son had a very bad quarter in
chemistry and hoped to resurrect his semester grade in the final month of
the year.
Steve tutored my son over SKYPE, which initially seemed like it might be
less than ideal but worked out just fine.
He has a wonderful, calm demeanor and is good at sensitively figuring out
where the student is struggling. In our case, test prep and study habits
were a part of the problem, and Steve made good suggestions. He is a whiz at
explaining the concepts and content too.
Three sessions in, my son earned the highest grade in the class on an exam.
We'll see how my son does on the final tomorrow, but I've seen great
improvement.
Contact him at stephenbrand [at] comcast.net (stephenbrand[at]comcast[dot]net). He is terrific!
Narrowly Averted Chemistry Calamity
Seeking tutor for AP chemistry, Berkeley High
Oct 2014
Looking for a tutor for AP chemistry for my berkeley high sophomore. Would consider using a high school student who did well in the class and can explain the work. Hoping for a reasonable rate- finances limited.
I think others have posted this before. Steve Brand: stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com. Former BHS chem teacher. Nice man. Comes to your house. Is happy to tutor more than one kid at a time (splits the cost and is good for the kids). Highest recommendation. Peggy
I am writing to recommend Amy Hansen as a tutor for AP Chemistry. Amy worked with my 10th grader last year, and was very helpful in explaining the material and using a process and Q format through which my 10th grader had to think through the concepts and solve the problems. My teen had a very hard time in the AP class and often got discouraged. The weekly sessions with Amy were essential to make it through - that was when my teen was able to digest more of the information and feel more confidence working through the homework packets. In addition to having a thorough understanding of the material, Amy was also very patient and had a caring nature throughout. Since she used to teach AP Chem at BHS, she is very familiar with curriculum and up to date on what the teachers are doing in each sessions. Lastly - when my teen had some last minute questions before a project, Amy was available on the phone to help. All said, we had a great experience with Amy. hansena49 [at] gmail.com anon
For families looking for a caring and effective AP Chem tutor, we highly recommend Stephen Brand, former BHS AP Chem teacher. Our son was struggling his sophomore year taking both AP Chem and Math Analysis at the same time. He was getting Cs on his tests and couldn't figure out what to do differently. Stephen spent a few sessions with him, quickly identified the learning barriers, and our son started excelling. The light went on and stayed on! He finished with As in both classes. Stephen can be reached at stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com. Relieved parent
Tutor for AP Chemistry
Dec 2012
My 10th grader needs help with AP Chem, can anyone pass along the name of an East Bay tutor? Anon.
We used Elizabeth Znameroski through East Bay Tutoring, you can reach her directly at: eaz [at] berkeley.edu. She is amazing! Maggie
My son, also a sophmore, recently started working with a tutor to help him with chemistry and has had several meetings already. I found the tutor through Aspire Education,www.aspireeducation.org. My son is now so enthusiastic about what he is learning that he wants to tutor chemistry. A good tutor is a blessing!
Chemistry tutor review
May 2012
I want to recommend Steve Brand as a chemistry tutor. He provided great guidance to my son during the second semester of AP Chemistry at Berkeley High.
Not only did my son learn what he needed about how to approach the chemistry problems before him, but his confidence and pride in himself as a person who could tackle and master challenging work grew.
When he started with Mr. Brand, my son was feeling defeated, so much so that when new material was presented he basically stopped listening as he did not expect to understand.
Mr. Brand's support extended beyond the tutoring hour, supplying practice examples and instruction on how to strategically approach questions.
By the beginning of May, he was able to grapple with the AP practice tests as comfortably as he does when engaged in subjects in which he experiences himself as capable. When I asked how the exam went, he replied that he felt very well prepared. Parent of now confident AP student
Chemistry, Math Tutor(s) - BHS
Sep 2011
Hi, We are looking for a Chemistry and a Math tutor for our sophomore at Berkeley High - possibly the same person, doesn't have to be. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks so much. Concerned BHS Parents
Azul Lewis is a wonderful, kind, patient and effective tutor in maths and sciences. She worked with both of my teens in chemistry and advanced maths, including statistics, and was practically a member of our family for five years. She came every week, worked quietly at the kitchen table with our kids, gave them lots of confidence. Our son began math analysis with a ''D'' and ended up with ''B''s. Her email is azullewis [at] yahoo.com Good luck! kathe
My daughter had a wonderful experience at Classroom Matters in Berkeley. (http://www.classroommatters.com/) Meg, worked closely with my daughter and her teachers to make sure she understood the material, kept up on assignments, and was adequately prepared for tests. Without Meg and Classroom Matters, she would have had an enormous struggle to keep up in Chemistry and Geometry. I'd highly recommend them! Tanya
Check the post in the last edition of BPN. Misha went to BHS and knows the teachers and subject matter. I highly recommend him. Experienced math and science tutor available for 2011-2012 academic year. Alumnus of University of Pennsylvania engineering school. Over 7 years tutoring and childcare experience including program director at Camp Kee Tov. Tutoring subjects include all pre-high school math, physics, AP physics, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, AP calculus AB/BC, SAT, and SAT II. Call Misha Yerlick at (510) 295-3484 or email at myerlick [at] gmail.com satisfied parent
Chemistry and Geometry tutor needed
Feb 2010
Our Berkeley High sophomore is in need of tutoring in chemistry and geometry. We'd like her to have the support she needs in these areas as soon as possible before the semester is much further along. We're looking for tutors for each subject (unless we luck out and find one individual who can tutor in both areas). We're in North Berkeley (but can travel as needed) and she's available after school and on the weekends. Recommendations greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Two years ago my daughter used Rosie Ueng for Chemistry and Dominica Phetteplace for algebra 2 and was pleased with her results. Rosie is on Ellsworth, easily gotten to from BHS, at 510-649-3039. Dominica is on Piedmont near Julia Morgan Center, at 510-666-1088 or dominica [at] outersquare.com.
Jody
Tutor for AP Chemistry
Oct 2009
I am looking for a grad student or someone similar who can tutor my junior-in-high school son in AP Chemistry. Prefer experienced tutor with references. Oakland or Piedmont area a plus. Thank you. High Schooler's Mom
My son is also a high school junior taking AP Chem. He speaks very highly of his tutor, who also helped him w/ AP Bio last year. I know that she tutors many Berkeley High kids. She works from her home, in south Berkeley (Ellsworth Street, across from LeConte School). Her name is Rosie, telephone number 649-3039. anon
I highly recommend Amy Hansen, a BHS AP Chemistry teacher, as a tutor. She is enthusiastic, dedicated and hands-on. My twin sons had her as a teacher last year and not only did she spark their interest, but she gave them a great foundation on which to build. In addition, both boys performed well on the AP exam and SAT subject test. Her love of the subject and teacher skills make her a perfect tutor. You can contact Amy at hansena49 [at] gmail.com. Nancy
Sep 13 2009
I highly recommend Steve Brand. Steve tutored both of my children in AP Chemistry over the last several years with excellent results. He is a former BHS teacher who knows the curriculum and he was able to quickly see where my kids needed additional help. More importantly, as an experienced teacher, he knew how to approach the material in a way that was understandable and even interesting. He clearly knows and loves the subject matter and brings real enthusiasm to his teaching. He is also well organized and kind. He can be reached at stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com Margaret
July 2008
Chemistry tutor: I highly recommend Steve Brand. He is a retired Berkeley high chemistry teacher, so he knows the program and teachers there. We hired him for 5 sessions at the end of the year. He was excellent at helping our son look at his returned labs and tests to see how the answers could have been more complete. In covering upcoming materials for tests he would say ''this is what the teacher will be looking for in your answer''. He was patient and positive. His contact information is stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com, 415-456-4243. M
Nov 2007
Can anyone recommend a tutor for chemistry? My child is failing in her basic chem (not AP) class at BHS. Need someone ASAP at a reasonable rate if possible. Deborah
I would recommend Rosie Ueng at 649-3039 and Classroom Matters in Berkeley 540-8646. Karen
Oct 2006
My son is a junior at BHS and is struggling with chemistry. I am looking for a chem tutor who can help once a week. We live in Berkeley. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated
My son is being tutored by Steve Brand, a wonderful and well-known chemistry teacher who taught for many years at Berkeley High. He is not just a homework help kind of tutor (though he could do that, too), but a true teacher, filled with knowledge and enthusiasm. He can teach all kinds of students, either ones who are struggling or the AP variety. His number is 415-456-4243. He's here in the East Bay tutoring several times a week.
happy with tutor
Sept 2006
we are seeking a tutor in Chemistry to assist my son on a consistent basis per week during the BHS academic year
ematabele
If you are looking for a chemistry tutor, you ought to get in touch with Paul Osborne (Paul The Tutor). He does some really good work with a lot of students, and has a masters in education from Harvard. He has his website at www.paulthetutor.com and you can send him an email through the website. You can also reach him by phone at (510) 301- 5302. He is quite expensive, though I believe he has other tutors who work for him who are less expensive.
I was so impressed at this tutor's mastery of the subject of chemisty as well as her ability to relate to teenagers and to make the learning up-beat. She is a Cal graduate student and has worked for Ivy West. Her name is Lena and her number is 205-8675. She also tutors in math.
Mary
Aug 10 2006
I am highly recommending Andrew Gordon Kirsch, a current UCLA student, as an excellent Chemistry tutor. We hired him to help with summer Chem. He is practical and patient providing positive reinforcement all along the way. He is courteous and reliable. He motivates. My daughter passed the class with flying colors. He will be around until late Sept. before he leaves for school. You can reach Andrew at: AndrewTheTutor[at]yahoo.com 510-526-7371 Candi
Seeking Chemistry tutor for BHS student
March 2006
I am currently looking for a chemistry tutor for my 14 yr old son who is enrolled at BHS. He has fallen behind and we are looking for someone to help him catch-up and perhaps continue through out the balance of the school year. Denise
I highly recommend Paul D. Osborne. He can be reached at (510) 301-5302. His website is www.paulthetutor.com and his work email is paulthetutor[at]post.harvard.edu. anon
Feb 2006
Can anyone recommend a good Chemistry tutor for a BHS freshman who's in over his head with Advanced Chemistry? anon
Both of my kids took AP Chemistry at Berkeley High, and both eventually needed the assistance of a private tutor to get through the class. My son had a wonderful tutor last year named Steve Brand -- I believe Mr. Brand taught AP and Advanced Chemistry at BHS for years before he retired. His phone number is 415-819-4243 (cell). My daughter had a tutor named Rosie whom she loved, but unfortunately this was two years ago and I no longer have her phone number. Jessica Seaton
I am a teacher, and I have seen Paul Osborne, Paul The Tutor, do excellent work as a chemistry tutor. He helps students understand chemistry hollistically as opposed to giving them formulas to memorize. The students I have referred to him all say they understand more thanks to his help, and their grades go up accordingly. You can see more about what he does at his website, which is www.paulthetutor.com His phone number is (510) 301-5302 Good Luck Concerned Teacher
Jan 06 2006
Warner Freeman, former King Middle School Science Dept. Chair, was a fantastic tutor for my daughter in science and chemistry. He was able to get her excited about learning and to answer her questions by explaining them within a conceptual framework so that she retained the material because it became meaningful to her life. He gave her a strong foundaton. He is particularly interested in helping students overcome their own insecurities about their ability to master science and other subjects. He relates to young people in a way that makes them excited about learning. Reasonable rates. His phone is 524-0452. pauline
Feb. 2004
AP CHEMISTRY TUTOR STEVE BRAND
My daughter began AP Chemistry at El Cerrito High School this fall and it soon became apparent that she was not going to do well in this rigorous class without help. In my desperate search for a chemistry tutor, I found Steve Brand, in the Parents of Teen Newsletter. Steve Brand is a recently retired AP Chemistry teacher from Berkeley High School with 30 years of experience. He is an incredible tutor. With so much material to cover in ECHS's block schedule, it is almost too much to master for their weekly tests. Each week, Steve would meet with my daughter, he would answer all her questions and then point out the chapter's key concepts and help her understand how these concepts relate. Steve brought models to help explain some of the more difficult concepts. Even without models, Steve had the ability to make the subject concrete and accessible. Building confidence was an added benefit for which I am grateful. My daughter's success in AP Chemistry is largely due to Steve's help. Steve Brand can be reached at: stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com Irene
August 2003
Steve Brand is the most phenomenal teacher my son has ever experienced. Mr. Brand presents a difficult subject in an accessible and enjoyable (sometimes even hilarious) way. My son is not greatly interested in scientific matters, but talked frequently about topics presented in chemistry class during the year he took AP chem from Mr. Brand. He also got a 5 on the AP exam, something I'm sure wouldn't have happened without Mr. Brand's guidance and encouragement. I can't imagine a better chemistry tutor (or stand-up comedy coach, for that matter). I believe contact information is available from the archives. stephenbrand44 [at] gmail.com
impressed BHS parent
My son got some tutoring for AP Chem from Paul Osborne last year - (510) 301-5302. We started too late in the year (April) for it to make a huge difference, but it did help some, and they got along well. My son was feeling really overwhelmed--once you get a bit hehind, it gets harder and harder to catch up. The tutoring helped him understand some of the concepts he'd missed, so he could move on. I wished we'd started sooner. Linda (11/99)
This past spring we used a tutor named Paul Osborne to help our son with Chemistry. Our son (a sophomore) liked him quite a bit, and said he explained things well. I know he tutors math in addition to science, and he seems to work with quite an age range--elementary through high school. We pulled him in late in the year, when chemistry suddenly got MUCH harder; in retrospect, I wished I had heeded the trouble-signs earlier, and gotten him some help in February, instead of April! He came to our home. You can reach him at (510) 301-5302.
Linda (7/99)
Both of my non-STEM kids suffered through that class with the help of tutor Mark Piccillo. He’s a retired AP chem teacher and his schedule was really flexible. I think they saw him from 5-6pm once a week. Mark may have cut back on tutoring, but you can try him. My son passed the exam but my daughter didn’t (hers was the first online covid one when the world shut down in 2020).
Are you looking for in person or online?
Amy Hansen tutored my son at BHS last year in AP Chemistry. She is fantastic and he really liked working with her. I believe she will tutor two students together, but only if they have the same instructor. hansena49@gmail
Classroom Matters rocks. We used them when our son was in 11th and 12th grade and they were a life saver. They have tutors on every subject (STEM kid). We did it via zoom and it worked great. Our son had a terrible time with zoom during COVID but these tutors were super engaging and kind and the zoom worked really well and allowed for later tutoring hours. Good luck!
hey there!
I highly recommend Megan Tvedt! my daughter used her for both Math and Chemistry and it was a game changer. Not only is she a gifted tutor, she summarizes what they covered each session and emailed it to us both! above and beyond! good luck!!
megan.tvedt [at] gmail.com (megan[dot]tvedt[at]gmail[dot]com)
510.463.4850
My son, a Berkeley High Junior, has been receiving tutoring through Classroom Matters on Sacramento Street since freshman year and the tutors there have been excellent. He has a wonderful tutor who tutored him in chemistry in 10th grade and is now tutoring him in AP biology for 11th grade. He goes on Tuesday evenings, and I'm sure they would have someone there who is available to work with your schedule. What I really appreciate about Classroom Matters is that the co-directors, Tatiana and Lisa, take the time to get to know your kid and personally "match" them with a tutor who will be a good fit for their personality and learning style. They really "get" my son and matched him with tutors that he enjoys working with. Their website is: https://www.classroommatters.com/