David Roytman

I initially became interested in education through experiences as a volunteer tutor in general chemistry and peer writing. Working with students, listening to their backgrounds and struggles, and witnessing their academic growth sparked my passion for helping others reach their potential.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and pursued my college education at the University of San Francisco, where I earned a degree in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. After USF, I pursued a post-bachelor’s certificate in advanced core health sciences at Temple University in Philadelphia, where I took courses in immunology, microbiology, and cell and cancer biology. My academic journey instilled in me a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are invaluable skills in teaching and tutoring. 

I cultivated my passion for biology, chemistry, and physics due to personal curiosity and the passionate teachers and enthusiastic professors I had the opportunity to learn from. I find these topics to be especially relevant in a multitude of fields, whether it be in scientific exploration or personal growth. I find it fascinating to observe students’ initial curiosity and how they gradually develop a deeper understanding through interactive learning. Furthermore, having worked a number of research and healthcare jobs throughout my career, I enjoy sharing my practical experiences with my students.

My experience as an educator includes formal tutoring roles as well as instances of informal counseling. At my local community college, where I accumulated college credits to graduate high school and college earlier, I volunteered as a peer tutor for general chemistry and calculus, and as a peer editor for English compositions. At USF, I often assisted my academic peers with class material, and at Temple University, I taught methods to retain the wide breadth of information that accompanies scientific learning. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles, tailoring my approach to meet their individual needs. Each experience has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability in fostering student success. 

My tutoring approach centers on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that is founded on trust and reliability. I strive to utilize personalized lesson plans, interactive activities, and frequent assessments to track progress and address areas of improvement. Common tools I employ include visual aids, practice worksheets, and online resources. I address students’ conceptual challenges, build their confidence, and promote independent learning skills in a low pressure environment to facilitate active learning.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to museums, attending live and immersive artistic performances, and exploring the nature California has to offer.