About Us
Our Philosophy
At Paul the Tutor's Education Center, we are committed to helping students develop core cognitive skills such as problem solving and critical reasoning. Our approach is based on Paul's Logical Learning System™, a method that uses academics as a launching pad to teach students how to read, write, and reason better. We believe that better thinking leads to better grades and better test scores, and that the skills we teach will help students succeed in academics and beyond.
Paul the Tutor
Paul the Tutor (aka Paul D. Osborne Ed.M.) suffered from dyslexia and visual memory issues until he
discovered
that his brain had strengths: logical problem solving, event memory and emotional awareness. By using
these strengths to overcome his weaknesses, Paul ended up graduating from UC Santa Barbara and then the
Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Curriculam Vitae
- Tutor - 1991 to present
- M.Ed. Harvard - 2005
- Author - LD SAT Study Guide
- Speaker
- Published Epidemiology Researcher
Our Tutors
Thomas Centineo
I have been tutoring as my main profession for over the past 16 years, not too long after earning perfect scores on the math sections of the SAT and ACT. Helping over 800 students of all skill levels for various courses and standardized tests has continued to remain an exciting and enjoyable journey. Seeing my students exceed all expectations with fundamentals, logic, and structure, has made it most memorable. My background in mechanical engineering has trained me to focus on approaching things in a simple and logical manner. Having the student understand the "why" and the "how", rather than memorizing the "what", establishes a strong foundation from which they can build their knowledge with ease and confidence. I am in the final editing stages of my SAT math prep book, which I plan to self-publish soon. My main hobbies include archery, chess, and carpentry, and I thoroughly enjoy discovering the logic and mathematical details in each.
Subjects: Algebra (Pre,1, 2), Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus (1, 2, AP, IB), Physics (including AP), Statistics. Math/Quantitative Sections: ACT, HSPT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, and SSAT. Establishing a solid routine with study skills (while monitoring homework and extra practice).
Vivek Narayan
I graduated with a B.A. Integrative Biology and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at UC Berkeley. I have over 10 years of tutoring experience at both the high school and college levels, and I love sharing my enthusiasm for science with my students. I believe in the importance of understanding each student's individual needs and learning styles, and working with students on study habits and test-taking strategies that will help each student reach their full potential.
Subjects: Chemistry (HS and College) Organic Chemistry, all Math through Calculus, Biology, English, Physics, Stats, ACT & SAT Prep.
Andrew Goddard
I'm a UC Santa Cruz graduate holding a bachelor's degree in biological sciences with a passion for tutoring. As a tutor, I've offered private lessons for clients in the immediate Bay Area and beyond for close to 5 years. And I continue to do so today! From day one, my students notice an improvement in their abilities and overall comprehension. Every student learns differently, so I find out how they learn best and adapt accordingly.
Subjects: Algebra (pre/I/II), Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, English (essay writing help), overall organizational tips (planners, task management, prioritization, etc.)
Our Staff
Leslie Holtzclaw
Leslie has worked for Paul the Tutor's since 2017 as Paul's Assistant and the scheduling coordinator. Leslie attended the University of Oklahoma for several years and graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a degree in Organizational Leadership. A favorite part of Leslie's job is making Paul the Tutor's parents and students lives easier by providing excellent customer service. When she's not working, Leslie loves spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, and working in her organic garden.