About Me

Introduction

Hello, my name is Joseph Torres. I am a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, with a B.A. in journalism, attempting to enter the field of education. I have been a tutor based in Southern California for 10 years, working privately on multiple subjects for 5 years. I am an advocate for spreading awareness for mental health conditions and disabilities. I have expansive knowledge and passion for sports, having followed the NBA, NFL, and MLB for 22 years. I strive to go about my work with the utmost honesty and accuracy.

Work History

Private Tutor
Self-Employed
(Mar 2019 – Present)

Tutor 22 students from grades 1 to 12 in math, English/language arts, Spanish 1, elementary/middle school science, elementary/middle school social studies, and/or beginner’s C++ and HTML coding
Assist students with the brainstorming, writing, proofreading, and editing processes of applications, essays, and biographies for college applications, academic competitions, camps, awards, and achievements
Prepare students for job, college, and event interviews
Increase students’ grades by an average of two letter grades after one full semester of tutoring
Supply materials and design custom-built curricula on a student-by-student basis when necessary
Assess and diagnose each student’s academic needs prior to sessions and individually design appropriate curricula and practice problems to achieve maximum results
Instruct lessons through interactive activities with struggling students to promote self-learning, communication, and critical thinking
Promote healthy communication, mental health awareness, and the safety and wellbeing of children with students, parents, and educators
Provide a safe space and a welcoming environment for students who need somebody to talk to
Offer flexibility with in-person or online teaching via Zoom for one to three hours per week with each student both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic shelter-at-home regulations

Writer
California State University, Long Beach
DIG MAG
(Jan 2021 – May 2021)

Solely composed six articles for DIG Magazine surrounding topics of college athletes during lockdown, pandemic sportswriting, approaching online therapy, improving online presentation skills, a notable professor, and escape room attractions
Contributed to each story pitch cycle by offering four story ideas every month with varying topics and formats
Conducted preliminary research for at least two days prior to starting an article
Reached out to at least five experts per topic per article via email
Interviewed at least three experts per topic per article via Zoom or phone call

Production Intern – Remote
Kids Sports News Network (KSNN)
(May 2020 – Dec 2020)

Wrote and edited profiles of former KSNN news anchors to promote KSNN as a steppingstone to earning a job in the industry
Wrote and edited an informative article to educate youth athletes, parents, and coach on how to be proactive and reactive to sports injuries
Submitted a comprehensive re-design concept for the company website

Mathematics Instructor & Manager’s Assistant
Mathnasium of Downtown Torrance
(Oct 2014 – Mar 2019)

Instructed over 200 math students from Kindergarten through 9^th grade geometry, guiding students in a variety of communication styles to meet each individual’s needs
Improved the grading and correcting system to maximize speed, efficiency, and accuracy, saving an hour per workday
Revitalized and implemented a new initiative for monitoring the attendance of over 100 students
Managed and organized 7 employee work schedules and displayed them clearly in the front and back of the center for parents, students, and staff to see for two years
Communicated clear, honest, and detailed feedback to parents about their student’s progress, work ethic, behavior, and overall learning through annual pre- and post-test reports and weekly check-ins

Youth Basketball Referee
City of Torrance Parks and Recreation
(Jan 2015 – Apr 2016)

Refereed 5-10 basketball games for K/1 each week for one full season
Refereed 5-10 basketball games for 2nd-6th grade each week for one full season

Educational History

California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts: Journalism (May 2021)
Kappa Tau Alpha – Top 10% of journalism graduates