Executive Function Coach & Tutor · For students & families · Bay Area & Remote

Helping students become the MVP of their own learning.

Parents: a coach who listens first and builds a plan around your child. Students: practical skills in time management, focus and organization that build confidence and independence in school and beyond.

10,000+ hours helping students
Middle school → adult neurodivergent & neurotypical learners
My game plan Math problem set Essay outline Lab report draft Study for quiz 25:00 Focus sprint
Ed Stern
Ed Stern Executive function coach
Who I work with

Coaching for students, built in partnership with families.

For parents

A partner in your child's progress.

I start by listening to you and your student, then tailor coaching to their goals and challenges, at home, at school or online.

Book a free consultation
For students

Skills that make school feel manageable.

Learn to plan your week, get started on tasks, stay focused and keep track of homework, with strategies that fit how your mind works.

See the six focus areas

Neurodivergent & neurotypical learners

Strategies are tailored to how each student's mind works, so every learner gets a plan that actually fits.

Middle school through adulthood

Experience across secondary and higher education, including time at Stanford, UCLA and Johns Hopkins.

Student athletes

Significant experience with high school athletes, many of whom went on to thrive as students and athletes at D1 schools.

Focus areas

Six skills that turn effort into results.

Time management

Prioritize tasks and manage schedules effectively to make the most of each day and stay ahead in academics.

Concentration strategies

Learn to focus better and minimize distractions, turning study time into productive, uninterrupted sessions.

Homework tracking

Stay on top of assignments with practical tools and techniques so nothing falls through the cracks.

Goal setting

Set clear, achievable objectives and map out the actionable steps that turn aspirations into measurable success.

Planning & organization

Develop structured approaches to organizing tasks and materials, making every project manageable and stress-free.

Study skills

Boost learning efficiency with proven techniques for note-taking, memorization and test preparation.

How it works

A collaborative partnership, built around your student.

My mission is to help your child become the MVP of their academic journey: listening carefully, understanding their unique needs, and tailoring strategies to their goals and challenges.

01

Listen & understand

I start with a free consultation to understand the student's strengths, challenges and goals.

02

Tailor the strategy

Coaching and tutoring are customized to align with each student's individual goals and challenges.

03

Build independence

Students practice the skills until confidence and independence take over, for long-term success.

Meeting options

Sessions that meet you where you are.

Online

Remote sessions available from anywhere, including outside the Bay Area.

At home

In-person sessions at the student's home, in a space where they're comfortable.

At school

Sessions can also take place at the student's school.

Serving the Bay Area: San Francisco San Mateo Palo Alto San Jose Remote anywhere
Ed Stern, executive function coach and tutor
Ed Stern
Executive Function Coach & Tutor · San Jose, CA
About me

Hi, I'm Ed Stern.

I'm a private tutor based in San Jose, specializing in executive function. I've worked in secondary and higher education, including at Stanford, UCLA and Johns Hopkins, and have more than 10,000 hours of experience helping students reach their potential.

I work with neurodivergent and neurotypical learners from middle school to adulthood, and I have significant experience with student athletes, many of whom went on to D1 schools where they're thriving.

Credentials

  • Online certificate in Assistive Technology, CSU Northridge
  • Master's in Secondary Education, Mount Saint Mary College
  • Bachelor's in History, Hobart College
  • Permanently certified teacher in New York State

Professional development

  • Academic Strategies and Executive Function Support for Students with LD, ADHD and Autism (Landmark College)
  • Online, Blended and Classroom Technologies for Diverse Learners (Landmark College)
  • Landmark College Summer Institute on Executive Function with Dr. Rick Bryck
  • Demystifying Executive Functions workshop (Children's Health Council)
  • International Conference on ADHD (CHADD)
Kind words

What families and colleagues say.

Ed supported our daughter through high school, helping her navigate dyslexia, ADHD, and other challenges with humor and empathy. He uses the latest motivational methods while empowering students to make their own choices, keeping parents informed with regular updates. Ed's genuine care extends beyond his students, building strong connections with entire families. We can't recommend him highly enough.

Petra, parent

Ed is positive, friendly, and very good at what he does. He helped our student develop the tools to get organized, and stay organized, throughout the tough high school years.

Tom, parent

I had the privilege of working with Ed for several years at Mid-Peninsula High School. A knowledgeable and dedicated educator, Ed was a strong advocate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), consistently integrating research-based strategies to benefit both students and colleagues. His communication was reliable, thorough, and timely, and his work always focused on empowering students, helping them build self-advocacy skills and strengthen their executive functioning.

Ethan, former colleague

If your student struggles to balance school and extracurriculars, I highly recommend Ed. His executive function coaching helped our oldest thrive in high school, equipping him with strategies and confidence to manage his workload. Now excelling in college and accepted into a top graduate program, he's handling everything independently. When our younger son felt overwhelmed, Ed's guidance allowed him to succeed academically without giving up his passions.

Lynda, parent

I had the pleasure of working with Ed at Mid-Peninsula High School, where he served as an executive coach for my students. He consistently supported students struggling with organization or course material, going above and beyond to help them succeed. Ed's genuine care and passion allowed him to build strong relationships, making him an invaluable resource for their growth as learners.

David, former colleague

There really is a difference between subject matter tutoring and executive function coaching, and Ed helped us realize that. If your student needs help with planning, organization, concentration skills, and focus, Ed can really help. His patience and thorough, detail-oriented approach is highly effective in teaching students the skills they need to organize themselves and plan better. A worthwhile investment!

Parents of a current 7th grade client

I worked with Ed Stern for several years. He is dedicated to getting students organized and is exceedingly patient. Ed developed strong relationships with the students he worked with, and it was obvious that they benefited from his experience. I knew I could always send a student to Ed and they would get back on track and that they would improve!

Alan, former colleague

Our daughter is bright and motivated, but she takes on a lot, and that tips into overachiever overwhelm fast. Ed helps her prioritize between school, homework, extracurriculars, and everything else she's interested in, and figure out what order to do things in. She looks forward to their time together.

Parents of a high school student

Ed is an expert in helping students master executive function and organization. With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, he empowers learners to overcome challenges with clarity, confidence, and ease, benefiting both students and their families.

Randy, Director of Admissions
Always learning

Recent professional development

Conferences and trainings in neurodiversity, executive function and student support that keep my coaching current.

  • Stanford Neurodiversity Summit
  • Silicon Valley Tutoring PD Conference
  • Supporting Students with OCD: Bridging Clinical Insight and Classroom Strategies
Get in touch

Let's build a game plan.

Reach out for a free consultation. Parents and students are both welcome to get in touch. Tell me a little about the student and I'll find the best way to start.

Prefer to talk? Call (415) 915-9545.