Diana L Green
About
Teaching is a second career for me - my first career was in business and I bring those real world experiences to my lessons to help connect the concept with life. I have taught 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade during my 13 years of teaching, with the last 9 years being in middle school math. I use a variety of teaching methods such as visuals, videos, games, and problem based learning. I believe that if you can relate the concept to something you are familiar with, it is easier to learn. I have a bachelors and masters in business and a masters in elementary education.
Watching a student who has always struggled in math finally gain confidence in his/her abilities. It is the best feeling to know that I was able to help someone who believed that they would never be good at math feel successful. I struggled with math for years before I finally had that one special teacher who was able to explain things in a way that made sense. Afterwards, it all seemed so easy! I keep that in mind when working with my students so that I listen very carefully to what their responses are to see where they are missing that one key piece that will make everything make sense.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I talk to the student to find out what their comfort level with math is and what types of concepts give them trouble. I also find out what their interests are so that when I am teaching them a concept, I can relate everything to their interests which helps to make the math real to them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to my MBA and MAEd in Elementary Education, I also have been teaching middle school math for over 8 years (my prior years of teaching were in lower grades) and I was an instructional coach for math at my last district. I have attended multiple math conferences (National Coucil Teachers of Math, Arizona Association Teachers of Math, Middle School Math Mentors Program, etc).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
In general, I charge $15 for 30 minutes of tutoring. Depending on the circumstances, I can increase or decrease the time and that would increase or decrease the rate. I also can negotiate a rate for a regular, multiple days a week schedule.
How did you get started teaching?
My mother's side of the family was heavy into education. My grandfather started as a math and history teacher at a school that now bears his name in Illinois (he eventually became principal) and multiple aunts and uncles became teachers and principals. I moved out of business into teaching about 15 years ago because I wanted to motivate kids about how much you can accomplish in life if you can think for yourself and that starts with your education.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students of all ages from first grade through eighth grade, those who have IEPs to those who are gifted, and multiple different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Going to the MLB playoff game with my 7 year old daughter. The whole experience of riding the light rail, mixing in with the crowds, the excitement of every hit and every out, made it stand out as a special memory (even if we lost).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone that you feel comfortable with. You need to be able to trust them to tell them what you don't understand and that they will not judge you poorly for a "stupid" question. When you feel comfortable with each other, you will communicate better which leads to you both hearing what the other is saying even if the words aren't spoken.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The most important question to me would be - "How do you really feel about math?" If your answer is, "I hate it.", then my follow-up would be, "Why?" That's where we both start to understand what hurdles you might face during tutoring. If you answer, "I love it.", I'm still going to follow-up with, "Why?" and that will help me understand what motivates you.