About
Hi! My name is Sophia. I am a Physics and Public Policy undergrad at Stanford University. I have years of tutoring experience and have helped students ages 6 to 26 succeed in math and physics. I am a former NASA intern, scored an 790 on the SAT math section, and am ready to tutor you!
Math/Physics: In highschool, I finished our core math curriculum, took AP Statistics (4 on the exam), AP Calc AB and BC (5 on the exam), and commuted to a college one hour away to take Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. I also took Physics, AP Physics (5 on the exam), and college level Physics: Heat and Light and Modern Physics. I scored a 790 on the SAT math section. I was a math instructor at Mathnasium for over two years and taught everything from arithmetic to calculus and beyond. I have taken numerous Physics and Mathematics classes in college as part of my major.
Economics: In highschool, I took AP Economics (did not take exam). In college, I have taken Economic Analysis and Applied Econometrics courses as part of my Public Policy minor.
College Advising: I was the first person from my high school to attend Stanford. I was involved in numerous extracurriculars but did not have straight A's. I am ready to advise students on navigating the complex college admissions system and telling their story in the best way possible.
Teaching and helping others brings me so much joy. I am excited and equipped to help you with your needs, improve your grades, practice for that big exam, and prepare you for the next steps in your academic journey.
I love seeing students improve grades, scores, and comfort in the classroom! Working with those who need help in school is a passion of mine. I am progress driven and care about my students as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My first step is to ask about their experience with the subject and what they feel they are comfortable with. This helps me to understand a good starting point for learning as well as helps them reflect on their own comfort levels.
I am big on check in's during learning. For example, I will give a similar problem to double check the student is confident with a step before moving on. I also like to challenge them after they are more comfortable with a subject to ensure they have mastered the topic.
I am good with coming up with questions and problems on the fly, and am quick to change teaching style/approach when I see fit.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was a math instructor Mathnasium Learning Center for a little over two years before moving to California for school. I did training there involving teaching strategies that covered a handful of ways to teach the topics that frustrate students the most. My repository of teaching approaches makes me a good fit to continue to help kids because it allows them to feel like I am not repeating the same explanation in hopes that they will finally understand.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge more for higher level math levels/high school test prep. My prices are negotiable depending on the childs needs and my availability.
How did you get started teaching?
I started peers tutoring after school and realized I love doing it. I seeked a job tutoring right away because I wanted to become better at it and teach a variety of math subjects. I have loved working with kids and seeing them become better at topics they once thought they would never understand.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with ages 6-20, but work primarily with middle and high school students. I have experience with learning disabilities such as autism, dislexia, and ADHD as well. Some of my students were very behind their grade level in math, while others needed advanced enrichment. I have also taught SAT/ACT prep and have materials to help with advanced prep as well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am fond of the experience I had when teaching a student how to order fractions with unlike denominators. The student had failed the quiz for this topic four or five times, and we were working on this specific idea for months. I felt like I had tried every approach to teaching it, but I kept pushing to come up with more. Eventually, I realized that his problem was with the fundamental understanding of what a fraction is, dispite being a middle school student. After explaining the concept of a fraction in a new way, ordering them clicked, and he scores a 92% on the exam! His mother and I were so excited that he finally understood it, and I was reminded how rewarding tutoring is.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to pick someone who will adapt the best to your student. Though many people have strong backgrounds in math, they may lack the personal skills to help your child feel like they are recieving help that is unique to their understanding. Most of the talking should come from the student. I believe it's important to take a socratic approach and allow the student to master the topic through practice. I reccomend looking for someone who will help your student a lot in the process at first, and slowly back off one step at a time until the topic is mastered and your student can do it individually.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you like about how your teacher teaches math? What don't you like?
Do you like pictures when you learn math?
What are your goals for this school year? What are your goals for tutoring?