Here to Help You
Do you need some help with philosophy, religion, web development, or computer programming? If so, I'm here to help you find encouragement, understanding, and success through live, online tutoring.
How can I help?
Primary Tutoring Topics
Computer Programming Fundamentals
- Python
- Java
- C++
"Full Stack" Web Development
- JavaScript6
- PHP
- HTML5
- CSS3
- SQL-DB integration
Philosophy
- Classical Logic
- Symbolic Logic (Propositional, Predicate, and First Order)
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics, Aesthetics and Existentialism
- Ethics and Politics
Religion and Theology
- Christianity and Church History
- Christian Scriptures (Bible)
- World Religions
Other Topics
I have also taught algebra, trigonometry, statistics, calculus, physics, physical and earth science, ancient Greek history, and writing.
If you seek help with topics not listed, please see Wyzant.com (you'll get a $40 credit toward your first tutoring session by using this link).
Tutoring Rates
If you are in college, how much are you paying per class? Probably thousands of dollars. How much would it be worth to improve your understanding of the material in an effort to get a higher grade, get or maintain a scholarship or financial aid, or to simply pass the course?
If you are in a career or looking to change it, how much is it worth to improve your understanding and skills so that you can get that raise, get the promotion, get the new job, or even keep your present one in a competitive industry where new people are always coming in to displace or replace you?
I have a tutoring base rate of $64 per hour. This is discounted for longer sessions, and a little higher for short ones.
Tutors with similar experience and credentials charge up to three times as much! I charge this little because I want quality tutoring to be affordable.
Availability
I tutor most weekdays after 9 AM Pacific and on Sunday evenings. I am usually booked several days in advance.
I strongly recommend that you share the details of your needs with me prior to scheduling an appointment, but you can see my latest availability schedule (and reserve a time) here:
Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with me through Wyzant.
Relevant Experience & Qualifications
- ~40 years of experience in computer programming including data analysis, commercial ecommerce websites, games, and more
- Bachelor of Science in Physics and Engineering
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Arts in Philosophy
- 5-star rating among WYZANT tutors, with over 1400 hours of tutoring on record
- PhD work in Physics, Christian Counseling, and Humanities (Literature) / Philosophy
- Certifications in Online Educational Design and Philosophical Counseling
- Advanced Certified Trainer and Manufacturing Technician for Intel Corporation
- Published author
- Decades of experience as a college professor, high school teacher, tutor, pastor, and coach
Common Questions
- Do you offer any courses?
- I presently have a 12-week college-level introduction to philosophy course available, and am working on a project-based Python course. Contact me for details.
- What ages do you work with?
- I work best with adult and young adult learners.
- What if I need more time?
- If I do not have another session scheduled immediately after yours, we can often go a little longer. The fee is pro-rated based on the additional time used.
- When do you offer tutoring?
- I tutor on most weekdays after 9AM Pacific and on Sunday evenings.
- How is payment handled?
- If you are with WYZANT, then payment is generally collected by credit card after our session is completed. Otherwise, payment is collected when you schedule the appointment.
- Can I set up weekly meetings?
- Absolutely. Just send me a message with the day and time you'd like to reserve. I will set it up in the calendar. You will be eligible for discounted monthly billing.
- Why don't you show any openings in the next few days?
- I am usually booked pretty solid at least 1-2 days out. Many of my learners schedule their appointments several days -- sometimes weeks -- in advance.
- How is the tutoring conducted, and do I need any special equipment or software?
- You will need a modern web browser. Chrome or Firefox are preferred. You will also need a computer that has a working microphone and speakers. If you have a headset, that is even better. A video-camera is also helpful, but not necessary.
- What system or platform is used for the meetings?
- We typically use Google Meet or similar. For programming we also often use Repl.it, and for writing work we often use Google Docs.
- Will you read the 20-30 pages of information I send you in advance and perform research so that we can be efficient in our meeting?
- I generally skim materials and details you provide and make an initial assessment regarding whether I am a good match for your needs. I can do special research prior to our meetings if needed, but would charge for that time.
- Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
- Absolutely! However, cancellations or re-schedules with less than 24 hours notice (and no-shows) are charged at the full rate. Exceptions can be made for special circumstances.
- What if I am unhappy with the tutoring?
- If I am unable to help you, then I generally do not charge for the session.
- What if we finish early?
- I reserve the time exclusively for you, so if we finish early, we can spend the remainder of the time working on other projects if you wish. We can also 'credit' the time toward a future meeting.
- Can you guarantee that I'll get improved grades, the promotion, the job, or pass the test?
- Many students that I tutor do report back that their grades improved, they passed a difficult test, got a promotion, or similar. However, I cannot and do not guarantee these things. My emphasis is upon your understanding. Test performance is a related-but-different matter.
- Will you write my paper, do my homework, or take my test for me?
- No.
Recommended Resources
Computer Programming
- Code Wars: Daily programming exercises in many different languages.
- W3 Schools: Excellent resource for programming fundamentals.
- REPL: Great online, collaborative programming system.
- Visual Studio Code: This is the preferred IDE for any projects that cannot be tutored via REPL.IT. Please also install the Live Share extension.
Philosophy
- Philosophy Basics: High school-level (and often over-simplified) articles on philosophy fundamentals.
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Undergraduate-level articles.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Graduate-level articles.
- The Book of Bad Arguments: A clever book listing common thinking errors.
Other Topics
- Advice on writing papers in college.
- Misc. question I've answered at my Q&A section at Wyzant.
Feedback from Some Learners
Dedicated and Genuine
Seth helped me with my assignment when no one could. The language my professor used was abstract to most. When I met with Seth online, we both were a bit confused with the terminology and Seth suggested to end the session and do his own research and figure it out. And he did! We had a second session and he explained everything so perfectly. He genuinely cared to help me and for that I am very grateful. Thank you Seth!!!
Friendly and nice!
Seth is a very caring and fair person. I have only done one session with him so far but he gave me several useful suggestions to in my pursuit of learning AppleScript. In addition, he did some research on his own after our session to clarify a concept that he needed to look up and promptly got back to me on the issue via message. I highly recommend him!
Knowledgeable and patient!
I learned a lot in less than an hour. Seth clarified a lot of concepts that confused me and that I couldn't interrupt my teacher to ask about. That was awesome.
About Your Tutor
Seth got started in computer programming in 1981, and has been teaching, tutoring, and coaching since about 1990. He has taught for multiple high school academies, colleges, businesses (e.g., Intel), and churches (Protestant Evangelical and Roman Catholic).
Seth has been married for almost 30 years to a wonderful woman, and has seven children. He holds degrees in physics, engineering, theology, and philosophy. He is a life-long martial artist, certified philosophical counselor, and a priest in the Old Catholic Communion of North America.