Melanie Mackay - Private Tutor

While I have a bachelor's degree in math, and a master's degree in teaching, math wasn't always easy for me. In fact I had to really struggle through it in my early years, so I am an empathetic tutor--not like some of those "geniuses" out there who never had to work to understand it. This long effort has equipped me to be EXCELLENT at explaining difficult concepts in many different ways. I'm highly relational, and I make students feel safe to ask questions!

I have a responsive style of teaching and coaching--meaning I first determine what you are struggling with and where the confusion is stemming from. I design a learning plan for you based on the ways you learn best. Having taught students for years, I know how to adjust and shift methods for approaching the content based off of what is (or is not!) working for you. I also make it fun along the way...I promise!

I can tutor any level of math (elementary through calculus). I utilize visuals, color coding, models, step by steps, multiple strategies, and helpful tricks to remember things!

I've taught at both a traditional school, as well as a project based learning school. I've tutored in the private context, as well as offered 1:1 office hours for students. I was a summer camp director for years, so I know how to make things creative and interesting.

But ultimately, the proof is in the pudding! So here's a true story for you: This past year I inherited the class of students who essentially “missed” pre-algebra while online during the pandemic. Understandably, about 60% of the grade could not do two step algebra. So, I designed an intensive re-teaching curriculum, created tiered breakouts, and met with students one on one to bring the entire grade (100% of students) to passing on this skill. I had a student tell me, “you’re the first teacher who actually cared enough to make us learn.”