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Our Tutors
DW Tuition team of tutors has a diverse academic background and experiences. This along with their passion to teach adds and enriches the tutoring experiences for our students at DW Tuition. All our tutors hold Working with Children Check and/or are VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching) registered.
The advantage of using DW Tuition tutors is that it takes the guess work out of finding an excellent tutor yourself. All tutors undergo an elaborate screening and interview process. Those in our team are very knowledgeable and competent in what they do.
Director/Principal Tutor: David Wu
David graduated from Melbourne High School in 1998. He went on to complete a double degree in Science and Engineering from the University of Melbourne graduating in 2004.
David started tutoring in 1999 when he joined a local homework help program in Springvale, volunteering his time to tutor students from underprivileged and low socio economic backgrounds. Since 1999, David has had experience delivering quality tutoring to students from as young as grade prep through to year 12 in subjects including English, Physics and Mathematics.
David has tutored VCE Maths Methods every single year from 1999 to present. Consequently, David is very familiar with the VCE Maths Methods program and considers this to be his flagship subject. David has also been the manager and director of a tutoring centre operating under a Multi-National franchise between 2008 and 2010 in Blackburn. He now leads a team of dedicated, passionate and competent tutors at DW Tuition. He hopes that his enthusiasm, passion, skills, expertise and experience as an educator will be fully utilized by the local community.
David Wu : Director & Principal Tutor
I began tutoring in 1999 as part of a homework help program for underprivileged students in Springvale. During this volunteer experience, I discovered my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge.
Since then, I have provided high-quality tutoring to students from Prep to Year 12 across subjects including English, Physics, and Mathematics. I have been continuously tutoring the VCE Maths Methods course since 1999, making me highly familiar with the program—Maths Methods remains my flagship subject.
From 2008 to 2010, I managed and directed a tutoring centre in Blackburn under a multinational franchise. In 2011, my partner, Vivien, and I moved to Rowville and founded DW Tuition.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy playing chess and going on hikes with my family.
Rachel Saltum
My name is Rachel. I’ve been tutoring with DW Tuition since 2020 covering Maths in Primary, Secondary and VCE levels. My favourite subject to tutor is Biology.
I have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and am currently studying Master of Biostatistics at University of Melbourne.
I would like to think that my teaching style is quite laid back. I very much believe that stress can negatively impact the academic performance of even the most knowledgeable students, and I like to make sure that my lessons aren’t an additional source of stress to their lives! I also think I’m quite flexible, as I’m always willing to be led or directed by the students and/or their parents and work on topics that they want to focus on.
I would say that I most enjoy finding ways for students to understand topics/concepts in ways that make sense to them, especially if it’s something that they haven’t been able to understand in class/previous years. I find it very rewarding to see any amount of progress, because I know that progress means different things for everyone. I also find it extremely rewarding to see students celebrating their own achievements and being proud of their hard work regardless of the grade or score they got on an assessment
I have been a volunteer Puppy Carer for Seeing Eye Dogs for the past 5 years. In that time, I have cared for and trained 6 different puppies who accompany me throughout my daily activities including work and university for 12 months at a time. Being able to look after them and teach them the skills that they require to be a working dog brings so much joy and purpose to my life and I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon!!
Nathan Kouris
My name is Nathan Kouris, and I’m currently in my fifth and final year of formal study at Monash University after graduating from St Joseph’s College FTG in 2020.
I’ve been a tutor at DW tuition across the past four years where I’ve tutored a variety of subjects including chemistry, maths and English, across many year levels. I’ve always had an interest in teaching and helping others succeed. Every student is different and often require different approaches to learning and teaching.
Outside of tutoring I enjoy sports, particularly cricket, music and hiking.
Joel Koay
Hello! I’m Joel, one of the tutors here at DW Tuition. This year marks my third year with DW Tuition, where I primarily teach VCE Maths Methods as well as Primary and Secondary School Maths.
I graduated from Nossal High School in 2022 with an ATAR of 92.1 and am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree. In addition to academic tutoring, I have over five years of experience as a guitar teacher, working with students of all ages. This has given me valuable insights into teaching, helping me develop strategies to cater to students at different skill levels and with varying learning goals.
I would describe my teaching style as ‘modern yet traditional,’ drawing from both approaches to create a well-rounded and effective learning experience. My focus is on adapting to each student’s needs, ensuring they build confidence and reach their full potential all while enjoying the process.
Chloe Ng
My name is Chloe Ng and I am a Prep – Yr10 Maths and English and VCE English Language tutor at DW Tuition.
I graduated in 2022 from The MacRobertson Girls’ High School and am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Biomedical Science at Monash University.
I started tutoring when I was in Year 10, but have been doing it more seriously since graduating High School. I became a tutor because I love working with kids, and I have a passion for teaching. I would describe my teaching style as adaptable to what your child needs. I like to connect with my students by discussing common interests and hobbies. I believe that developing rapport with students is crucial in creating a comfortable environment where I can push them to succeed academically.
What I find the most rewarding about tutoring is when my students feel more confident in themselves and their abilities.
Outside of tutoring, I love to travel, play sports and volunteer. A fun fact about me is that I love hiking and camping.
Madeleine Palivos
Hi, I’m Madeleine Palivos and I specialise in tutoring primary school students and have experience tutoring Year 7 Maths and English. I’m currently studying a Bachelor Degree of Education (Primary) at Deakin University and graduated with an Associate Degree of Education in 2024. With two years of tutoring experience, I love helping students build confidence, develop a love for learning, and reach their full potential.
I believe that every child learns differently, so I take a flexible and adaptable approach to tutoring. Having worked with a wide range of students through both tutoring and my university degree, I tailor each session to suit individual learning styles. My goal is to create a supportive and encouraging space where students feel comfortable asking questions and challenging themselves.
A fun fact about me is that I used to be a student at DW Tuition and have now returned as a tutor to inspire and give students the same confidence that my tutor gave me!
Swathi Tharmaseelan
My name is Swathi Tharmaseelan. I completed VCE in 2023 with an ATAR of 95.7 and am currently studying Architecture at the University of Melbourne.
I became a tutor to support students who may struggle with or not enjoy maths, offering an understanding and personalized approach to help them develop a more positive attitude towards a subject that can sometimes not be that enjoyable. My lessons are designed to reduce test pressure, make learning fun, and cater to each student’s needs. I also provide additional support through pop quizzes and fun revision games. I tutor both primary and secondary students, including VCE General Maths.
Outside of tutoring, I’m an avid Percy Jackson fan and Hawks supporter.
Joey Bulakh
Hello! My name is Joey, and I specialise in VCE General Mathematics.
I finished VCE in 2023 where I achieved a raw score of 43 in General Maths. I am currently studying the Bachelors of Biomedical Science at Monash University, aiming to study the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine.
I have been tutoring for over 1 year and I enjoy it very much. I also tutor Maths and English for year levels 3-10. My teaching style is progressive as I like to focus on harder questions after absorbing the content. This allows students to not only learn the content but also apply it to a high standard.
I enjoy playing basketball outside of tutoring once a week for my team. It’s a hobby that I picked up 11 years ago, and it still resonates with me deeply!
Ryan Jiang
My name is Ryan Jiang and I specialise in tutoring junior to senior level mathematics.
I graduated in 2024 and am currently studying a Bachelor in Law (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce double degree.
I became a tutor because I wanted to make a significant difference in students’ lives by helping them understand mathematical concepts that may seem difficult or abstract and helping students succeed within their mathematical endeavours brings me great satisfaction and fulfilment.
I adopt a pragmatic teaching style by utilising various approaches to math problems, creating simple solutions to better help students understand otherwise difficult mathematical concepts. I tutor mainly secondary year levels including: General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths.
A fun fact about me is that I was the president of the Student Representative Council at school and I enjoy playing the violin and piano during my spare time, achieving both AMusA and LMusA diplomas with distinction in violin.
Charlie Watt
Hi, I’m Charlie Watt, a passionate tutor specializing in Biology, Physical Education, General Mathematics, Psychology, and Health and Human Development. Currently studying Law and Science at Monash University. I bring a strong academic foundation to my sessions.
I completed my VCE with an ATAR of 95.2 in 2024, achieving top marks in my subjects. My recent VCE experience helps me connect with students, offering relevant guidance to achieve their goals while making learning engaging.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy sports and am an avid Carlton Football Club supporter.
