Tutor Spotlight: Patrick Miller

Meet Patrick.

As a credentialed educator with extensive experience teaching AP subjects in the classroom and leading speech and debate teams, Patrick specializes in test preparation. His innovative teaching methods and commitment to academic excellence have consistently fostered high achievement, making him a trusted mentor to scores of high-performing students.

What's one thing you love about tutoring?  

I love both tutoring and teaching. I recently spent five years teaching Honors English, AVID, and Debate at the same high school in California and have held various education-related roles throughout my life. My mother had a long and wonderful career teaching second grade, so teaching is in my blood. What I love most is discovering new things alongside my students. Seeing these amazing, curious, and creative young minds light up when they learn something new is incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about learning and consider myself a lifelong learner. Sharing that love of learning with others and advancing understanding is truly one of my greatest joys.

How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?

During online tutoring sessions, I bring a high level of energy to keep students engaged. Online learning can be just as effective as in-person sessions, but it requires both sides of the screen to be fully present, interested, and committed. I foster this readiness by asking engaging questions, varying instructional methods, and incorporating high-interest lessons, slides, and activities. Having managed online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have developed a range of strategies to maintain focus and ensure everyone stays on the same page. I feel equally comfortable in both online and in-person settings.

What's one study tip every student should know? 

Every student should be familiar with the Pomodoro Technique. This method involves studying for a set period, typically 25 minutes, followed by a mandatory 5-minute break when the timer goes off. After 3-4 sessions, you take a longer break of about 20 minutes. I love this technique because it benefits both students who struggle with consistent studying and those who tend to study for too long without breaks. Another essential tip is to use a planner—knowing when to complete tasks is key to leading an organized and successful life.

What was your favorite class in high school and why? 

My favorite classes in high school were my Honors and AP English courses, from freshman through senior year. I was fortunate to have four incredible teachers for these classes, and I remember them fondly to this day. They cultivated my love of reading and writing, were supportive and kind, and always held me to high standards of excellence. Their influence played a significant role in my decision to major in English Literature in college and later become an English teacher. I’m still an avid reader today, and I encourage others to embrace reading, just as those teachers encouraged me. Competitive Speech and Debate also had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to later become a debate coach.

share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals. 

I have many examples from my tutoring and teaching career, but one stands out from my test preparation experience. I worked with a young woman who was determined to raise her ACT score. After several months of productive and focused sessions, she took the official ACT and scored a 35, nearly a perfect score. I was incredibly proud of her hard work and the progress we made together. As a high school teacher, I’ve also had students gain admission to prestigious universities like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. Celebrating their successes was a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to continue supporting Portland students in reaching their own goals.

What do you admire about your students? 

I admire many things about my students! I’m constantly amazed by their ability to manage incredibly busy schedules. Many of the students I work with juggle school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Despite their packed agendas, they remain cheerful, engaged, and diligent. I’m also impressed by their focus during extended sessions, some lasting several hours, as they stay deeply connected to the material and maintain their concentration throughout. There are countless qualities I admire in my students, and I wish them all the best in their endeavors.