Message from the Director of TPS
2014
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2025
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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
The following page is a message from the Director of TPS
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Our Mission: Quality Home & Online Tutoring
TPS began in 2014 from a simple realization: conventional test preparation was failing students when they needed it most. Too many capable English learners were being undervalued by systems that prioritized shortcuts over real understanding. At TPS, we believe every hour invested in learning deserves respect. Our purpose is to give students three irreplaceable gifts: Clarity - so they truly comprehend what each test demands Confidence - so they walk into exam rooms prepared, not anxious Capability - so their English skills shine through fairly When a student completes our program, they shouldn’t just know how to take a test—they should understand why they succeeded. That’s the difference between checking boxes and changing trajectories. This isn’t just tutoring. It’s making sure hard work gets the recognition it deserves.
Background:
Nevin Blumer has spent his career solving one problem: how to make standardized English tests fair and approachable for dedicated learners. Since 1998, he’s evolved from teaching SAT and TOEFL to mastering every major exam format—not just as an instructor, but as a published author, examiner, and curriculum designer.
His journey began in 1998 with SAT and TOEFL instruction, eventually expanding to mastery of every major standardized English exam, including IELTS, CELPIP, SSAT, and iBT TOEFL. As both a practitioner and thought leader, Nevin has:
* Authored 14 IELTS preparation books covering reading, listening, and speaking
* Developed business English textbooks for TOPES certification
* Served as an IELTS examiner and instructor
His international teaching career spans:
* Nine years in China (including faculty positions at New Oriental School and Shenzhen University)
* Six years in Singapore
* One year in Japan
Beyond the classroom, Nevin has held academic leadership roles as Director of Studies at three institutions across China and Singapore. Since 2014, he has combined teaching with managing TPS, implementing his vision for personalized test preparation.
Credentials:
* MA in Applied Linguistics (National University of Singapore)
* B.Ed (University of Victoria) with BC College of Teachers certification
* TESOL Diploma (Languages Canada accredited)
* Business Degree (University of Lethbridge)
* Specialized certifications in TOEFL, IELTS, and English tutoring methodologies.
Message from the Director
A Personal Note from Nevin
Let’s be honest—while anyone can call themselves a tutor, true teaching is an art. My commitment to you is simple: excellence in one-on-one tutoring, delivered where you learn best—in your own home.
I understand how frustrating these tests can feel. Why should your future depend on an English exam when language is really about connection? But here’s how I’ve come to see it: this isn’t just a language test. It’s a test of determination. Your success won’t come from tricks or luck, but from the strength of your focus and your willingness to keep going when it gets tough.
At TPS, you’ll never hear empty promises about instant results. What we do offer is something far more valuable: a clear path forward, with a tutor who knows exactly how to focus your efforts where they matter most. The work will be yours—but the guidance, the expertise, and the commitment to your success will be ours.
Let’s be honest—while anyone can call themselves a tutor, true teaching is an art. My commitment to you is simple: excellence in one-on-one tutoring, delivered where you learn best—in your own home.
I understand how frustrating these tests can feel. Why should your future depend on an English exam when language is really about connection? But here’s how I’ve come to see it: this isn’t just a language test. It’s a test of determination. Your success won’t come from tricks or luck, but from the strength of your focus and your willingness to keep going when it gets tough.
At TPS, you’ll never hear empty promises about instant results. What we do offer is something far more valuable: a clear path forward, with a tutor who knows exactly how to focus your efforts where they matter most. The work will be yours—but the guidance, the expertise, and the commitment to your success will be ours.