Contact Dustin
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Rate
$75 per hour
Services
- One-to-one tuition
- Group tuition
- Teaching studio
- Phone help
- Online help
- In person
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About
OVER 4 YEARS OF ENGLISH & HUMANITIES TUTORING EXPERIENCE | Founder of Mind Your English Solutions - English & Humanities Tutoring | Proven track-record success | 98+ ATAR | Fifth year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Political Economics) graduate from USYD
Lesson price includes extensive lesson planning, band 6 resources, support from myself and other former students, detailed study resources, email and phone questions, and weekly marking.
| Online/In-person tutoring (at my teaching studio) |
Why choose me?
Hi my name is Dustin, and I am a qualified English and Humanities tutor with 4 years teaching experience. I am a deeply passionate tutor who seeks to empower and educate students to maximise their performance. I have a proven track record of helping students overcome their weaknesses to achieve their academic goals. I have taught numerous students struggling in HSC English, Modern History, Economics, Business Studies, and Legal Studies, achieving at least band five and six results, with over 15% improvements on average.
I ensure all my students receive significant support by providing free out-of-class feedback, regular communication and offering mock examinations with extensive feedback to prepare for exam conditions across a range of subjects.
Please feel free to inquire for time availabilities. Minimal availabilities left.
Outside of my university studies and teaching, I work as a paralegal at a leading national law firm and at the NSW Parliament for various members of Parliament.
Here is my story!
Since the end of Year 9, I consistently achieved 100% or 95% for every single English Assessment. I ranked 1st or 2nd in Year 10 English, Year 11 and Year 12 Advanced and Extension English. However, in years 7-9, English was by far my weakest subject. A few years later, and I smashed high school English and gained entry into my dream course at Sydney Law school. Ultimately, my academic achievements landed me a place in the Epping Boys High School Honour Book. I also received the Principal Achievement Award across year 10 to 12 for consistent academic success and the High Achievers Award, whereby I received a top 5 ATAR in the 2021 EBHS cohort.
Now I want to help as many people as I can!
I hope I can pass on the valuable skills that I have learnt, which enabled me to achieve academic success in English and my HSC. Whether a student requires assistance academically, seeking a mentor, or both, I believe I am a strong candidate for anyone who requires motivation to achieve their academic goals. My tutoring approach is personalised to every student's academic abilities and I am committed to helping you understand the material thoroughly. As an experienced tutor, I will provide all students with my resources from years 11 & 12. This includes high Band 6 responses, practice questions and more. I also maintain very consistent communication with my students and provide assessment help/draft review sessions beyond classes (free of charge) to ensure they achieve their academic goals.
Regardless of what texts my students learn, I have developed extensive experience tailoring my lessons to meet students' needs. I have taught over 30 students in all levels of English, whereby I realign my teaching style according to each student's needs.
My students come from various comprehensive, selective and private schools. Some of my current and previous students are from Baulkham Hills High School, Hurlstone Agricultural High School, Northern Beaches Secondary College (Manly), St George Girls High School, MLC School, Epping Boys High School, North Sydney Girls High School, Cerdon College, Canley Vale High School and countless more! I have taught such a rich diversity of students which enables me to readapt to unique student abilities.
Some examples of my student achievements (currently and previous)
- Current Year 12 Student from Hurlstone Agricultural Selective High School with top rankings (90% average in Preliminary English Advanced and Economics, Extension 1 English)
- Current Year 12 Student from Epping Boys High School with top 10 rankings in English Advanced and Extension 1 (previously only allowed to do English Standard)
- Current Year 12 Student from Canley Vale High School, who was accepted to study Extension II English after high rankings in English Advanced and Extension 1
- Current Year 12 Student from Freeman Catholic College with top rank in English Standard preliminary exams after a few lessons
- Top 3 at St George Girls Selective High School (Band 6 in English Advanced and E4 in Extension 1 and 2 English)
- Student from St Patrick’s College Marist Dundas (from last place in task 1 in Year 12 Extension English to E4 (Band 6 in Extension 1 and 2 English)
- Student from Canley Vale High School (1st place in English Standard and Business Studies) - 96 in Business Studies (95+ ATAR), and unconditional offers from USYD and UNSW Commerce / Law.
- Student from Carlingford High School (C range marks to 85 in English EAL&D and Economics) - 95+ ATAR
- 2025 Year 12 Patrician Brothers High School Student from previous 50% mark assessment to top 5 in English Advanced Trials - 84 final HSC mark
- 2025 Year 12 Cerdon College High School Student (below 50% average from Task 1 to 3, but with assistance for trials and HSC secured a 77 final HSC mark
- Several historic students with band 6 results from elite selective and private schools (From 2021 to 2024)
- Lowest grades across all courses from EAL&D, English Std, English Advanced, English Extension 1 & 2 (77%)
📕PERSONAL RESULTS YR 12 📕
🥇English Extension II: 44/50 - 1st at EBHS (90% for internal assessments)
🥇English Extension I: 49/50 (State rank equivalent) - Tied 1st at EBHS
🥈English Advanced: 95/100 - Rank 2/94 at EBHS
🏅Modern History: 94/100 (97 externals) - 1st in HSC Exam / Overall 3/51
🏅Business Studies: 92/100 (93 externals) - Rank 5/65 at EBHS / Top 3 in HSC Exam.
🏅Economics: 89/100 (90 externals) - Rank 9/58 at EBHS.
🏅FULL MARKS for short answer and essay responses for English Advanced and Extension I available!
- Multiple scholarship offers to study law from multiple universities UTS, MQ, USYD, UNSW and 99.5 estimated ATAR/unconditional entry into ANU law/commerce.
Pricing
- $60 dollars for 1 on 1 tutoring (K-10)
- $75 dollars for 1 on 1 tutoring (Year 11 - HSC)
- Significant discounts for group tutoring
- 2+ students - $40 per person
- 3+ students - $30 per person
Exemplar essays also are for sale (message me for more details) and essay marking services of $30 per essay and $50 if two essays are given at once.
Year 12 HSC English Advanced texts
- Common Module: 1984
- Module A: King Richard/Looking for Richard
- Module B: T.S Eliot's poetry
- Module C: Love and Honour By Nam Le and That Crafty Feeling by Zadie Smith.
Year 12 HSC English Extension 1 texts (Worlds of upheaval specialisation)
- Frankenstein
- Metropolis
- Heaney's Opened Ground Oeuvre
Year 12 HSC Modern History
- Power & Authority (CORE), USA 1919-1941, Conflict in Europe and Apartheid.
Achievements
- 95/100 in HSC English Advanced
- 49/50 in HSC English Extension I
- EBHS HSC Honour Book Recipient for all round excellence in academia, leadership and community service at EBHS (2021)
- EBHS Prefect (2021)
- EBHS High Achievers Award (Top 5 ATAR at EBHS) (2021)
- SRC Executive - Vice President (2020)
Education
Year 12 completed in 2021.
Mark achieved: 98.50 (verified).
Currently studying Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at The University of Sydney.
Interests
- Networking
- Anime
- Politics
Reviews
I started with Dustin Dao back in June and before meeting him, I was struggling in English Advanced. When I first joined, I definitely felt nervous but I was warmly invited and brought into a greater vision through Dustin. His work, dedication and concise feedback and assistance helped me so much that in the trials I ended up being 4th when I use to hang in the middle of the class. I couldn't thank Dustin enough for his motivation every early morning to truly push me towards greater results in English. A great teacher, a funny friend, and an even better mentor.
Bryan Pham on 29th October 2025
I started off my senior years with failing marks to every English paper and barely passing business due to my lack of motivation for my most hated subjects. I dreaded every English period during school and treated every business period as a free period, partly due to my teachers...lack of teaching. However, learning with Dustin at the start of my year 12, had proven to be worthwhile as my marks had improved, before, I was unaware of how I could analyse texts and integrate them smoothly into my essay or write a cohesive storyline that didn't sound like year 7 storytelling, now, I could recite my entire common module essay while integrating the question under timed conditions which Dustin's mock exam co-ordinations had assisted in additionally, my module c has improved the most out of all the modules, I had even come to enjoy writing stories. With business studies, Dustin had thoughtfully allowed me to borrow his study materials to assist me further in my studies, he again, co-ordinated a mock exam before my HSC which had helped me realise what I needed to work on before the exam, his detailed feedback throughout the year has allowed me to improve further upon my studies and become more confident in my performance during the exams. My time with Dustin didn't make me dread English as much anymore, and I had even come to enjoy my time with him. Overall, Dustin enjoys teaching students, which us seen less in school teachers, his positive and encouraging attitude towards every student really makes a seemingly boring subject into one that can be thoroughly enjoyed during your last years in highschool.
Michelle on 29th October 2025
Dustin helped me in business, economics and English eald. I would not be able to go through my Eng hsc without his assistance. He was also very helpful in business studies and economics with many useful resources and key techniques in those subjects. it was also very helpful that he gave me a mock hsc exam for economics (the questions in the mock exam turns out being quite similar as the one in the hsc which was quite impressive ngl). He also has very good response time, still don’t know how he replies that quick. Anyway very good tutor, saved my ass for my hsc.
Julian chan on 29th October 2025
Dustin is the BEST ENGLISH TUTOR I ever had!! His dedication to students is next level; he's not just about the lessons, but genuinely cares for our success and keeps us motivated to do our best. No matter how busy he gets, Dustin always prioritises his students first, which shows how much he's COMMITTED. He was also a huge game-changer for my English HSC scores, turning them from average scores to TOP 10 in my cohort. Learning with Dustin is SUPER ENGAGING AND FUN, especially when tackling the tough bits of English I was struggling with, like essay writing and analysing texts. He understands exactly what I need and explains concepts in a way that resonates well with me. I'm extremely grateful for his support and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an English tutor.
- By Fiona on 21st March 2024
Fiona Pham on 22nd March 2024
Dustin is a FANTASTIC tutor! Not only is he passionate about his job but he comes to every class with a positive mindset, allowing students to feel safe and determined to learn. Before Dustin, I was barely passing my English classes and was struggling with my assessments. Dustin taught me how to combat the world of English and helped me achieve astonishing marks on all assessments. Dustin applies his knowledge and understanding of the English subject in helping his students achieve high marks. He does this through extensively assisting his students with in-school assessment whilst also conducting 'mock exams' of his own to prepare his students for big exam days. Dustin is determined to help students achieve their goals whilst also providing a safe and nurturing environment where he encourages his students to try their best. Dustin is not only a great tutor but also an amazing friend, thank you Dustin Dao for helping me achieve a fantastic ATAR and helped me go to my DREAM UNIVERSITY!
Emily on 14th February 2024
Dustin’s extreme passion for his studies is effectively displayed through his style of tutoring. His interactive style of teaching focuses on providing incredibly useful feedback which strengthens and prepares his students for their upcoming HSC exams. The motivating and productive atmosphere he has created has enabled me to go from a bottom ranking student in English to a student who ranks within the upper quartile of the cohort. Tmon
Jacky on 3rd February 2024
Dustin is a very professional tutor, shown by tutoring many students before I had began my studies with him, as well as during. As my English tutor, he taught me extremely well by naturally creating a safe study environment with jokes and good conversation, all the while without deviating from the work. Further, his methods of teaching prove to be efficient as I was able to significantly improve my English Advanced essay writing, going from a low band 4 student to a high band 5 student. Dustin is very passionate for his students and will ensure to put in his all, providing his own material previously used by himself to achieve high marks, as well as holding a strong conviction to ensure his students strive to achieve.
Gio Kwak on 13th January 2024
Honestly, Dustin's English tutoring is truly a game-changer. Before I started with Dustin, I scored average results. However, this was with the simultaneous help of another tutor (D.A). I understand that every tutor has a unique style of teaching, but something about Dustin's approach made me develop and improve my results in English. This prompted a question about how Dustin's tutoring technique stands out from other tutors. I initially found it challenging to keep up with Dustin's teaching method and considered returning to my previous tutor. Dustin's teaching style was very interactive compared to my old tutor, who was more passive. However, I gave Dustin a chance and he has significantly improved my skills in this subject. I highly recommend Dustin's tutoring sessions to anyone who wants to identify and improve their weaknesses in English and have a positive/engaging learning experience that leads to improvements in results.
Minh Vuong on 13th January 2024
Before meeting Dustin, my English marks were very poor with me scoring a 50% in my first ever year 12 English task. After a couple of weeks with Dustin I managed to quickly grasp essay writing due to his teaching capabilities and his profound understanding in English. With this, Dustin helped me tremendously throughout my year 12 journey as he managed to help my mark go from a 50% to an 80% in English standard. Not only that, he also helped me tremendously with business studies essays/reports as I went from 70% to high 90%. Highly recommended Dustin to anyone studying English as he’s not only extremely knowledgeable but his lessons are also very engaging.
Colby on 8th January 2024
I had the pleasure of working with the incredibly dedicated tutor, Dustin Dao, for 2 years. The experience of being taught by Dao is indescribably positive. Not only that he is able to make learning English skills fun and intriguing through his passion and approach to teaching. From the outset, Dustin Dao exudes an unparalleled passion for teaching and sets clear visions for his pupils' futures. His primary goal is to see students graduate at the top of their school. Dao's enthusiasm creates a motivating environment. What sets him apart is his exceptional ability to tailor his teaching style to each student's needs, fostering a personal connection. Whether you're a beginner grappling with short answer questions or a senior refining narrative skills, Dao will efficiently adapts to your proficiency level. In conclusion, Dustin Dao is a gem of a tutor for extension level english. His traits unmatched and are what set him apart as an exceptional educator. So if you're seeking a tutor you have found the right one.
Harry Au Duong on 8th January 2024
Character references
Dustin is an amazing tutor. I came to Dustin the night before my second exam for English Extension 1, having barely remained at a C for the entirety of the preliminary course, and ending up in last place for the first assessment of year 12. With Dustin’s help, by Trials I was able to get FULL MARKS for my comparative essay! I was finally able to understand the core teachings of the subject, making my essays clearer, and my actual understanding of the texts MUCH more coherent and involved. Dustin has a genuine appreciation for the English texts and is willing to discuss them in a manner I found endlessly helpful and clear. Finding someone actually willing to talk out their arguments, who has personal reasons for their interpretations of the text is so fantastic. Dustin has really helped me return to the joy and rigour for English subjects I had in earlier years. Dustin is unparalleled in his practice, and his genuine appreciation for English makes him a person you will be so grateful to have in your corner!
By Athens S. on 14th November 2025
I was a student of student’s from 2024-2025 for advanced English to extension 2. Thanks to Dustin’s critique and advice on my major work and essays, I’ve learnt how to more critically evaluate texts, refine my line of argumentation and consider concepts and philosophies relevant to the contexts of my study. Dustin’s a really good teacher and has a comfortable and easy going personality that makes him more approachable when asking questions. Overall he is a good teacher that improves not only one’s skills but understanding of literature.
By Madeleine Carter on 26th September 2025
We have been incredibly fortunate to have Dustin as our son’s English tutor for the past two years. He is always punctual and comes well prepared for every session. His strong grasp of the NSW Year 7–12 English curriculum allows him to explain complex concepts clearly so our son can easily understand and apply them. Dustin gives honest, constructive feedback, identifying areas for improvement and offering practical strategies to progress. His calm, patient, and encouraging manner creates a safe space for questions and builds confidence. Our son feels highly supported and plans to continue with him through to the HSC. More than a tutor, Dustin is a mentor who genuinely cares about his students’ academic and personal growth. He is flexible, approachable, available even at short notice, and responds to queries professionally. His post-class feedback keeps us informed and engaged. We highly recommend him to any student/parent seeking an inspiring English tutor.
By KS on 9th August 2025
Dustin's tutoring saved my HSC for english, I got him during a particularly low point of my academic career and with his careful guidance and constant feedback as well as help whenever I asked for it he helped me achieve my first band 5 results in English whereas without him I was barely maintaining band 3s and 4s. He helped me get through 4 unit english where he gave me multiple resources as well as tips and tricks into getting high marks in english ext 1 and he is one of the few tutors with first hand expereince of ext 2 English which was immensely helpful as he mentored me throughout the creation of my major work as well as the assignments leading up to the submission of it. Overall I would highly recommend Dustins tutoring as he explains and simplifies the most complex ideas and is constantly available to help with exemplar materials and he exposes english and shows how it's really isn't a difficult subject as many believe it is.
By Nehal on 10th November 2024
In my two years knowing Dustin, I personally seen that he is a great role model to a diverse range of high school students. His easygoing yet disciplined nature enables him to connect on an interpersonal level with students and assist them to achieve, or even exceed, their HSC goals. As a HSC tutor myself, I can personally vouch his strong passion and drive for sharing valuable knowledge and assisting young people to reach their academic visions. He is by far one of the most dedicated people I know and I would strongly recommend him as a private tutor for any HSC student.
By Michelle Ung on 9th January 2024