I have worked with students from Kindy to Yr 13 as a Social Studies, Sociology, History, Mathematics, Outdoor Education and sports coach for a little over 20 years. With a current Full NZ Teacher Registration, I have
taught at Mount Maunganui College, Otumoetai College, Hanna High School (Sonoma County , CA) and as a Relief Teacher for many Primary, Intermediate and High Schools in Sonoma County California.

My teaching philosophy is Ako Torowhanui, where learning is holistic and in a working relationship between student and teacher. I believe in listening to my learner’s needs and also apply a fatherly approach to my instruction, where my students understand that I care for their learning and earn their respect and I expect to receive the same in return. Having fun with learning is important, so is laughter, and to not take life too seriously, but seriously enough to grow academically.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a focus on juvenile deliquency from California State University Sacramento. My Graduate Diploma in Teaching was awarded through Waikato University in 1999. I began
classroom teaching in 2000 at Mount Maunganui College.

My Mathematics teaching experience began in 2003-2009 at Hanna High School, where I started teaching General Math topics and Pre Algebra. I was granted a Maths
teacher position in 2013 at Otumoetai College where I grew as a Year 11 Statistics teacher and also taught Geometry, Algebra, Measurement and Statistics to Yr 9-10 students up to 2021.

Distance Learning was applied during Covid and I have learned to deliver curriculum through ZOOM calls using Google Classroom, Power Point and video as useful tools to teach students. This method can be applied to tutor your son or daughter if it is required OR one on one at their school or at home.

Please Call or Email James to further discuss your child’s learning and how I can help reach their academic goals.

Please see Testimonials from school administrators on my teaching practice.

Pricing: $50 per hour depending on the year level of the student.