A bit about me
Hi - I'm Sara Hamer.
I am a tutor and learning advisor, and have been teaching adults for 20 years. I have a passion for helping new learners discover the joy of learning.
If you are an older learner returning to education, an international student struggling with New Zealand teaching styles and with the English language, or a school leaver moving from secondary to tertiary education, I can help you.
I am also a proof reader and editor, so if you want your written work looking polished and professional, contact me to discuss your needs.
My services
Maths and science tutoring
Writing tutoring
Proof reading and editing
Maths is a subject many people find tricky but it is an important subject to master for a whole range of subjects.
I specialise in helping students with the maths needed for trades and vocational courses (for example, carpentry; fitting, welding and machining; or nursing).
I can also help students with demystifying science subjects, including biology and biochemisty.
Studying at university or polytech requires particular reading and writing skills. Academic writing does not come naturally or easily. We rarely encounter it in everyday life, so reading it, and especially writing it can be challenging and frustrating.
I can help you to become confident in planning and writing your assignments so your study is less stressful and more successful.
Writing tutoring is very helpful for students transitioning from secondary to tertiary education, for learners returning to education or for international students new to New Zealand studying styles.
Proof reading and editing can make all the difference to your success if you:
- struggle with spelling, grammar, language consistency or clarity in your documents
- are consistently marked down in your work for poor spelling, grammar or lack of clarity in your ideas
- want to polish your writing before submitting it to ensure the best possible results.
I offer a range of approaches to proof reading and editing, from simply correcting spelling and grammatical errors, to full edits If you prefer, I can give detailed feedback so you can make your own changes with confidence.
Testimonials
“I have been so grateful to have a tutor like her... She is incredibly knowledgeable, and shares this knowledge with us in such a user friendly, down to earth and easy to understand way - even "not so knowledgeable" ones of us are finding ourselves passing exams and unit modules.
She has a student orientated approach with constant feedback and encouragement for us all." N. Jansen
"I have been highly motivated to achieve well and have been expertly taught and coached by Sara Hamer to be able to achieve this. " S. Tetley
"Within the first day of Sara's class, not only was I beginning to understand the basics, but I was also enjoying learning chemistry. By the end of the course had a new found passion that I never knew I had. I found myself very excited about science and with a desire to learn more. This is something no teacher has been able to achieve in this particular area for me and has left a lasting impression. I will continue my journey of learning with this foundation of knowledge that I can build upon.“ E. Neill
"Sara Hamer is an ingenious and resourceful teacher, with plenty of humour thrown into it as well." H. Brice-Ytsma
Costs
Many learners find a weekly hour-long session is most effective, but this does not work for everyone and I am happy to discuss a schedule to suit you.
Tutoring: $60 per hour.
A 10-session block paid in advance is $500.
Proof reading and editing: The cost depends on the scope of work. As a guide:
Proof read only - correct spelling, punctuation and grammar - from $40 (per 2000 words, about five A4 pages)
Standard edit - rewrite awkward expressions, correct errors and proof read - from $60 (per 1000 words, about three A4 pages)
Full edit - restructure document, establish internal consistency, liaise with you, edit, proof read - from $100 (per 1000 words, about three A4 pages)
I will be able to give you a firm price when I have a sample of your work and we have discussed what you require.
​Location: Tutoring sessons are held in the Te Takere in Levin or Palmerston North Library.
Alternative locations (e.g. student's home) are by arrangement and travel costs may apply. A further option for casual or international students is online tutoring using SKYPE, chat and email.
​Proof reading and editing are generally done via email.
I want to hear from you
When you're in need of expert private tutoring or proof reading, don’t hesitate. Contact Success Tutoring today.
Levin, New Zealand
021 064 6197