We are proud to offer individual and small group tutoring services for elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Our tutors are certified, award-winning teachers who are passionate about helping students further develop the skills they need to meet their goals. We offer both face-to-face and online tutoring options.
We offer ACT and SAT Test Preparation coaching sessions for individuals, small groups, and classes for students to develop the specific skills necessary to achieve high scores, to learn vital test-taking strategies, and to practice through sample tests and writing exercises.
We offer AP English Test Preparationcoaching sessions for individuals, small groups, and classes in the following courses:
We offer direct support and guidance for students and families who are applying to private schools, universities, and specific programs through a comprehensive, collaborative approach that increases confidence while reducing stress. We offer a full suite of services to meet any and all of your needs through this vitally important process.
We offer academic coaching services for elementary, middle, and high school students to improve their reading comprehension and writing skills in the context of their English class work. We also focus on vocabulary development and the proper use of English grammatical conventions.
We offer academic coaching services for undergraduate and graduate students to improve their ability to analyze literature and other complex texts while also increasing their writing proficiency and vocabulary in the context of their college course work.
I have 18 years of experience in education, serving as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, and educational consultant. My Bachelor's degree is in English Language and Literature for secondary education, my Master's degree is in literature, and my Education Specialist degree and Ph.D. are both in educational leadership. I hold an active teaching certificate in both English and psychology for grades 6-12, my administrative certificate spans grades K-12, and I also hold a central office administration certification.
I have assisted elementary school, middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students for many years in English, specifically writing, reading, and grammar; test preparation for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, and SSAT; and editing/revising essays. I am passionate about education, and I love working directly with students to help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in school and in life. I relate well to students of all ages, and I focus on making sessions engaging and fun, while helping students better understand and apply relevant concepts according to their needs and goals. I particularly enjoy seeing students become more capable and confident as their performance improves, which is why working with students is so rewarding.
In addition, I stay in close communication with parents of school-age students as the partnership between the student, parents, and myself is crucial to accelerating student learning. I use an academic coaching approach in which I meet with the student and his or her family in order to better understand each individual and to mutually determine ambitious goals. From there, we collaboratively develop a plan to meet or exceed these goals. I believe all students can learn and achieve at high levels with the proper support, and I look forward to the opportunity to helping students make their best even better.
In terms of my teaching background, I taught a variety of English classes at the high school level, including AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, Honors English, American Literature, and World Literature, and I also ran a writing lab for students. I have served as a national reader for the AP Language and Composition exam for the College Board, and I have done considerable work with teachers to help them apply best practices in instruction. Throughout my career, I have worked with students of all ability types, including gifted students and students with special needs.
Although I am driven purely by student success rather than personal distinction, I have been honored and humbled by a number of awards over the years. I was Teacher of the Year at North Farmington High School, I was the only K-12 educator selected to the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2016, I was selected as Eastern Michigan University’s Scholar of Excellence (two times) and their Exceptional Educator, I have been listed on "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," and the Pittman-McLean Leadership Award at Forest Hills Central High School is (partially) named after me.
I place great value on the partnerships created around common goals, and I am committed to ensuring student success. Please contact me to set up a session today!
Phillip Pittman is an overall excellent instructor that met and went beyond our expectations. He always came well prepared and ready for each lesson with not a minute wasted. I was impressed from day one and my daughters became excited and motivated to learn from that onset. He planned all his lessons on his own time prior to each meeting with prepared copies of instructional work for each of my daughters. I'm sure he spent hours in preparation and a considerable expenditure of money for the materials he provided, yet he only charged for the time he spent tutoring. Phillip is highly knowledgeable in his area of expertise with a passion to pass it on and educate others. With each session my daughters came home with a wealth of knowledge and comprehension of English skills, language, vocabulary, mechanics, and the list goes on. Throughout the tutoring experience my daughters were placed at ease and comfort to ask any type of question or assistance. He was quick to meet their needs and gear his instruction to best fit each of my daughters. He always sent me a detailed summary of each tutoring meeting and suggestions for what to work on and what to expect at the following the session. Phillip was easily reached through text messages and quickly responded with any changes or adjustments I needed to make. He was extremely flexible and understanding to any of our needs and schedules. Not only is Phillip a very intelligent man; he is personable, approachable, and awfully humble. I am so grateful to have had my daughters meet and work with Phillip. They have become motivated and confident individuals as a result of Phillip's influence and role modeling. Thank you so much Phillip Pitman!
-Souha, parent
Phillip has been tutoring both my high school sons for the last year and a half. They are each different writers so I can write from the perspective of two different types of tutoring that Phillip provides. For my older son, he is able to help in fine tuning and teaching the more nuanced touches of a finished paper. For my younger son, he helped greatly with organization and structuring his papers. After just a few lessons, my younger son has improved 10 fold. He is more confident and earning As in English! Phillip is always incredibly responsive and accommodating with online appointment times. He always gives a thoughtful and detailed update after each lesson. Probably the best compliment though is that both my boys think he is the best tutor they have ever had. According to them, he is the GOAT!
-Deborah, parent
I really enjoyed Mrs. Pittman's class. When I started, I felt like I was way in over my head, but she pushed me to work harder and eventually improve. She was able to teach me to the point of getting credit for the AP exam, which I thought was a completely unattainable goal. From being patient in teaching me how to compose myself in essay writing to helping me write my college essay, I want to thank her for being a great teacher.
-Andrew, high school student
Phil, I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for meeting with me yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with you, and I appreciate the time you spent ensuring all of my questions were answered. I was impressed by your friendly and professional staff, and the obvious level of dedication to student success that your organization exemplifies.
-Melissa, parent
Dr. Pittman, my sister and I always bring up you and your wife and talk about how amazing you both are. You’re an amazing role model to every person you’ve ever come across.. you’re a leader and a great father.
-Danny, former student
I thought to myself, there is a small list of people I believe were such positive and great influencers in my life. You have never been forgotten and everytime I hear your name around, so much joy fills the heart. Although, I didn’t follow the path of language and literature, your personality and the way you connect with students is inspiring. I hope you and the family are doing well and I hope you are achieving all of the academic goals you deserve!
-Selwan, former student
Hi Dr. P! Happy New Year! I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted into Brown University. Thank you for all of your help with AP Lit and SAT Prep, as well as my college essay writing. You have really helped me a lot! I am planning on majoring in the humanities, which you have served as inspiration to me as well. Thank you again!
-Gabi, student
Dr. Pittman! You were a great influence on my kids, and we wish you all the best!
-Rola, parent
Hello, Dr. Phillip. I just wanted to let you know that I scored a 5 on AP Language and Composition. I want to thank you for all your help. You have been a great teacher, and I could not have done this well without you.
-Michael, high school student
Dr. Pittman, thank you for all your help with our daughter. We appreciate you taking the time to listen and to remedy the challenges. Our family is so fortunate to be able to work with you.
-Terrance and Elizabeth, parents
Hi, Dr. Phillip. I just wanted to let you know that I got two 5s on my AP English tests and will be headed to Scotland in the fall. Thank you so much for all your help. I really couldn’t have done it without you!
-Emilia, high school student
Just wanted to thank you for all the effort you put into communications and keeping us parents informed. I know not all people do this, and we would be lost without it. You are the best!
-Janelle, parent
Dr. Pittman, as graduation approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the time you spent with our son. We know it was an experience unlike any other. We appreciate the effort you made and are grateful for the impact you had on our son. Again, thank you for all that you did.
-John and Lori, parents
I'd like to thank you for helping my son with his project and for guiding him down he path of self development and success. We were able to see him achieve another milestone with the completion of his Eagle project. As you may have heard, the project went off without a hitch. The planning was evident and certainly influenced the success of the project. He showed true leadership and we were able to complete the project in 3 hours! I had planned on 5 hours. We appreciate your time, advice and efforts to see him get one step closer to his Eagle rank! My son also commented that your recent session helped him tackle his new writing project. He seemed confident with the assignment and overall had a good attitude about working on it. I hope he's able to apply the skills / tips you reviewed going forward. I look forward to seeing his evolution. I know he's on the right track with your mentoring and it's much appreciated! BTW... he seems to be using his planner, so that's a good sign.
-Miros, parent
Thank you so much for your help, Dr. Pittman. Samitha decided to stay local and go to Rice and pursue pre-med. She was deciding between UPenn, Duke, and Rice up until the last minute and felt that staying local had its advantages. Thank you so much for coaching her through her AP English courses.
-Tej, parent
YOU ARE REALLY MY LUCKY PERSON, DR. P! A 5 ON AP LIT!!!! WE DID IT!!! I couldn't have done this without all your practice tests, and somehow with your magical aura or teaching or whatever magic thing you do, you always allow me to get the best results with the least amount of practice tests.
-Amphitrite, student
One of the greatest, nicest, honest, coolest, teachers I ever had. You made high school safe for us. God bless you.
-Drake, former student
One of the most powerful teachers I’ve ever had! Kudos!
-Nick, former student
Dr. Pittman, thank you for being the best teacher in our son’s life. Your encouragement made his English studies so much more fun and enjoyable.
-Limta and Helen, parents
Dr. Pittman, I just want to thank you for all the support you have given me over these past two years. I would not be where I am today without your guidance. I really appreciate the time you dedicated to help me improve my SAT scores and my essays. I am also committed to going to The University of Michigan this fall.
-Alex, graduating high school student
Dr. Pittman, thank you for supporting us during this challenging time for our family. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
-Vicky, parent
Dr. Pittman, high school would not have been the same without your entertaining stories, and my future would be completely different without your assistance on the college application process. I’ll use what you taught me at MIT. Continue to do such great teaching and good luck with everything!
-Yue, high school student
Phillip is extremely adept in helping both of my high school children in English essay writing. He helps them organize the essays into well structured pieces with excellent flow and syntax.
-Lenore, Parent
Dear Dr. Phillip,
Thank you so much for all your support this past year! I wanted to let you know that I got a 5 in AP Lang, and there is no way I could have done it without your help! Thanks again, and looking forward to seeing you in August!
-Marc, high school student
Pittman, thank you for being so patient with me this year. I loved your class. I have learned so much, and I’m sure it will help me tons when I write my college apps. I really appreciate all that you have done.
-DaShawn, high school student
I’m excited to tell you that I got a 5 on AP Lit! Thank you for your help and guidance throughout the course!
-Krishna, high school student
Dr. Pittman, I wanted to let you know I did a lot better on the AP exam than I had expected. I really thought it was hard, but to my surprise, I got a four! I must therefore thank you for everything you inscripted into my head during the year because without that, I surely would not have been as successful as I was.
-Horia, high school student
Dear Dr. Philip,
Amphitrite got a 5 for her AP English literature Exam. Really thank you for your professional guidance and great help. Wish you have a wonderful summer time! Thanks and best regards!
-Angela, parent
Dr. Pittman, I just wanted to say thank you so much for being my teacher. I have loved having you, and you are one of the best teachers I have ever had.
-Shelby, high school student
Hi there, Dr. Pittman. I just wanted to let you know that our daughter qualified as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Thank you for all of your help as we truly appreciate you so much.
-Sandy, parent
Dr. Pittman, I suggested that our son continue with you through the end of the school year, and he’s happy about that. I feel that there has been an invaluable progression (thank you!) that really started to show up in recent weeks, and I would like to keep that going. Another reason I call on you is because my words are just noise (though little bits do penetrate) and yours are...golden.
-Susan, parent
Dr. Pittman, I know it’s been awhile, but you’re still the best English teacher I’ve ever had. Thank you for helping me get a job as my cover letters kick butt (or so I’ve been told, haha).
-Catherine, strategy and operations manager
Great ACT Instructor
From session # 1, my daughter felt much more comfortable about how to approach the ACT test. Phillip offered her instruction but also helpful hints on how to approach each section of the test. She was so much more confident after just one session. Highly recommend Phillip.
-Michele, parent
Amazing writing teacher (with extensive knowledge of the AP Lang test)!
I came to Phillip with only a week left before the AP Lang exam. I had not taken the corresponding AP course, so I really did not know anything about the exam format/grading/timing/etc. Not only did Phillip provide me with helpful exam resources and thoughtful analysis of my essays, he also gave me lots of needed encouragement! The fact that he has read thousands of AP Lang exam essays as an AP grader really made his tutoring excellent. After only two lessons, I felt very well prepared for the exam. Anyone who needs help with AP Lang exam prep should come to Phillip.
-Lynn, high school student
I am really pleased with how my daughter is progressing with Phillip. I'd like her to be a good writer who is able to reflect her thoughts clearly in her writing. I can see that Phillip is working on her analytic skills as well for the purpose of organizing her thoughts. I read a short essay she wrote about what she plans to be in the future. It was the best writing I've seen from her as of yet. Thank you!
-Wendy, parent
Patient, Detailed, and Effective
After a couple of tutoring sessions for AP English Language and Composition, Phillip has really improved my confidence for the demanding essays on the test. Having someone who knows exactly what the AP graders are looking for has been a tremendous help.
-Jenny, high school student
Phillip is great teacher! He knows the subject and knows how to teach. His sessions are packed with valuable information. We enjoy each and every lesson with Phillip as he has so much to offer. Can't ask for more!
-Lily, Parent
Very personable & we can tell he cares about kids!
My son actually enjoyed his time with Phillip because he helped him get started on his outline & added bullet points. I feel my son felt more confident after 1 session.
-Holly, parent
Highly professional, yet still relates to teens
Phillip is not only highly qualified but very in touch with teenagers. He is definitely committed to their success and willing to work to determine their areas of greatest need. He also takes time to touch base with parents and is receptive to their input.
-Susan, parent
Dr. Pittman, I just wanted you to make sure you know how much I enjoyed your class this year. I remember at first when I told you I’ve never liked English, so I think it’s safe to say you were the first English teacher who really let me explore the language and find what it has to offer. I feel like I’ve grown this year because you challenged the way I thought about love, life, and faith. I learned so much from our discussions, and thank you for making me laugh. As a teacher, I’m sure you hope to be able to affect a student in a positive way, and I want you to know that you have—for all of us. I’m really glad I had a chance to learn from you.
-Catherine, high school student
Phillip tutored my son for one of his history papers. Phillip was not given the topic until the last minute, yet he offered great comments and stimulated thoughts for my son to go to the next step. Phillip was very patient and has really mastered the skill of effective communication.
-Sophie, parent
Dr. Pittman, as the school year comes to a close, and I head off to school in the fall, I wanted to share this note of appreciation. I entered junior year with a not-so-open mind and an anti-political attitude that turned out to be somewhat destructive. With AP courses, ACTs, SATs, pressure from parents, and too much importance placed on letter grades, I chose to say “screw it” instead of playing the game. So, instead of just writing the paper or doing the assignment, I had to find purpose and meaning first, and if I couldn;t find one, the work didn’t get done. Assignments were handed in late and grades fell, but there was something different about your class. At the beginning of the year, you assigned a comparison-contrast essay between two non-fiction pieces. The comments proved only to be the beginning. For the first time in my life, I had someone believe in me as a writer and had someone encourage me to want to write, and that someone was you. But, you didn’t stop there. You continued to dole out writing assignments that could be reinterpreted and gave me a newfound love for reading and writing, letting me express myself through words instead of just art, clothes, and hair color. For this, I am truly grateful. You have given me the strength and courage to write and to want to be read, while putting up with my antics the whole way through. In all honesty, you and your class were possibly one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me. So, I thank you again for giving of yourself to us as your students, for sharing your passion for the English language, literature, and writing, and for believing in me.
-Sari, high school student
Dr. Pittman, thank you for being such an inspirational and motivational teacher! I learned how to really improve my writing skills, and the writing techniques you taught will really help me at the university level and beyond.
-Ahimsa, high school student
Sir, you are a great teacher and our son truly enjoys your meetings. Your continued support and teaching while promoting perseverance will help him gain confidence to achieve a perfect score. We are very thankful to you. Plus, with your kind blessings and mentoring, today our son was announced as a US Presidential Scholar. We will be grateful to you forever!!
-Jatin, parent
Dr. Pittman, I just wanted to thank you for being such an extraordinary and influential teacher to me. I always had such a wonderful time in your class, and I learned so much at the same time.
-Erica, high school student
To Dr. Pittman:
...but Life...wrapped around alleys
and in holes of their serrated ground-stones.
around wrists of skin. of child-people.
amidst it,
possibilities arise,
(within corroding creases of Untouchable time)
for stagnation of Life-Living.
...then
alongside sills,
Might and Might-Not appear.
(clinging Not.s. At the end
Had ToBe,
For Might to retain simplicity.)
while ledge-leaning,
Hopes were glimpsed performing downward trickles
(as hardened hailstones did)
it became Common-Knowledge:
they pierced just as profoundly.
but pain provokes pleasure
because sensation is tugged.
and one lives. As one feels.
...and… at a certain point,
one lives,
Because
one feels.
Thanks so much for the lessons, Phillip. My son is very grateful for your help. You go above and beyond for all your lessons, and Alex always leaves with such a good understanding of the topic. We really appreciate your help, and Alex would love to continue working with you in order to strengthen his writing skills.
-Valerie, parent
Yes, I learned a lot in your class, many things for the first time. Thank you for your patience as we all learned. It was a wonderful experience.
-Zehra, high school student
Kristina Pittman was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! I would honestly take her class all over again now because of how useful it was. She helped me develop as a writer more than anyone else ever has.
-Raquel, former high school student
Dr. Pittman, if there is one thing you can be proud of, it’s that you genuinely connected with our class, both as a teacher and as a person. You are the person I would go to if tomorrow my world fell apart. Engaging discussion is an often overlooked aspect of education, but there were several times when I had to look deeply into myself in regards to my thoughts on what we were learning, especially when it came to the more philosophical topics. I hope we can continue the teacher-student friendship we have built. Thank you.
-Julie, high school student
Dr. Pittman does a very good job teaching the SAT Class. You learn a lot, including tips and tricks about how to take the SAT test. Dr. Pittman makes the class fun and worth it. In this class you will stay well-organized, which is great (check your binder). You can do the extra packets at home (check the extra packets and answers). You learn extra techniques for answering questions and taking the test. It is a very good class. I highly recommend it!
-Chloe, high school student
As the SAT classes went along, they got more helpful, and I'm really glad I took the class! I like the teacher and my classmates.
-Mary, high school student
After working with Phillip online for two months, our 9th grade daughter scored a 700 on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT! We are so thankful for Phillip's work with her.
-Vladimir and Elena
In the SAT class, I enjoyed going over the answers, and I enjoyed the practice tests we did, especially the smaller ones. I like when we talk about answers because it helps me realize the thinking behind the answer.
-Tessa, high school student
Dr. Pittman made each SAT Prep session fun and enjoyable. Our daughter gained confidence and skill, and she looked forward to going to SAT class each week.
-Elaine, parent
Just wanted to say how very much I appreciated the time and effort you shared with my classes. I appreciate you and so do they. Many of the tips and strategies will help me to also effectively teach my junior level classes.
-Shauna, teacher
Thanks again for working with my students. I have many of the same juniors for TOK, and they mentioned their gratitude for helpful SAT strategies and dedicated practice time. Thank you!
-Erin, IB teacher
Informative, experienced instruction
I took away tools for annotating first thing. Made great suggestion for future reads to inform my writing. Examined past writing and gave feedback. I will use Phillip again.
-Elliot, high school student
Dear Dr. Phillip,
Thank you for all that you have done for me. I am really sad that our sessions are ending, but that just means you did an amazing job of teaching me writing. I am so excited to read you the final product of my mystery story, and I hope you absolutely love it! Without you, what I am reading right now would look a lot different (and not in a good way). You have made my writing stand out amongst others and most importantly, you have made me grow a love for writing because I really enjoy doing it now!
Thank you,
Hudson (6th grade student)
Our family is very happy! You’re awesome and my kids (and their friends) love you!
-Matt, parent
Copyright © 2024 Continuous Improvement Solutions, LLC - Todos los derechos reservados.
Con tecnología de GoDaddy