About
Fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Whether your student will be on campus or working online, learning doesn't have to be a drag! I work hard to make each session a pleasant, positive and rewarding experience. After decades of promoting children's TV shows as a publicity agent, I've transitioned my joy of working with children to helping them learn. From appearing as Transformer's Optimus Prime at public events to handling publicity and promotion for such iconic properties as Pac-Man, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, My Little Pony, Jem & The Holograms, Transfromers, G.I. Joe and many others, I have worked in the kids' business for more than 20 years. In the education field, I served as a publicist for Carson-Dellosa Publishing, the leading provider of supplemental curriculum solutions in the U.S. I brought my skills to the classroom in 2008 when I joined Mad Science Los Angeles. As "Jupiter John," I taught science to grades K-6 as part of an after-school program in schools throughout the Los Angeles area for the next 5 years. In 2013, I joined Club Z Tutoring where I have tutored students in grades 2-8 in most subject areas. I have particular expertise in math because I find it fun to manipulate numbers and I enjoy showing students how to visualize them. I also work with college students, especially older students attending college later in life, who need help sharpening the math skills they learned in high school. I can quickly identify your problem areas and help you build a foundation of skills that will enable you to progress through your college math courses including finite math, business math, algebra, geometry and statistics. I volunteered at Helmers Elementary School in Santa Clarita while my son was attending. I was an art instructor for grades 1, 2 and 4 and a computer keyboard instructor for grade 2. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing and Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated at the top of my class and earned the year's class award for the highest GPA among any student with a double major. My approach to learning is to help students "figure it out" so they can master the skills and apply them when working independently. I strive to build an amicable relationship with students and parents quickly, and then show kids how to navigate the material best to discover what they need to apply to complete the lesson successfully. I have worked with CA 504 students and children with ADHD. I am familiar with the California Common Core Curriculum. * DOJ Live Scan Registered - Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District * Virtus Training - Blessed Kateri Takewitha Catholic Church, Saugus, CA. Let's explore your tutoring needs and discover how I can help your student improve their grades. References are available upon request.
I have worked with students in grades 1-10 and college freshmen. Some of the students I worked with have been diagnosed with ADHD. Others just needed a patient guide to show them the way, steer them in the right direction and give them the confidence to figure things out on their own.
Specialties
Grade level
Type of math
Reviews
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mamun R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to have a phone conversation with parents to hear their concerns and identify what they see as problem areas and what might be causing the problems. I ask for report cards and teacher comments along with any school work or tests a parent can share. At my first session I review the student's recent school work and ask them where they think they could use the most help. What are their strengths and what are their weaknesses? What frustrates them and what parts of math do they find easy? I like to begin working with students on current class work or homework assignments to immediately help them build confidence. In subsequent sessions I focus on showing a student the skills he or she needs to master in order to be proficient and show them how to figure out problems on their own. I believe confidence sparks a student's willingness to put forth the effort to master the skills needed to figure out the problems. Finding the correct answer and getting good grades are the ultimate rewards.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated at the top of my class from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and received the class award for achieving the highest GPA among students with a double major. I taught science for 5 years at elementary schools throughout Los Angeles as an instructor for the Mad Science after-school enrichment program. I have tutored K-9 students in Los Angeles for the past 4 years as a tutor with Club Z tutoring. When my son was in elementary school, I volunteered as art instructor for a few years and taught computer keyboarding to his 2nd grade class. During my full-time career as a publicist, I have been involved with many children's television shows, books and products.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$45/hr. Minimum 1 hour per week.
How did you get started teaching?
After 16 years of running a high-profile entertainment publicity firm, I decided to work as an independent publicist, from my home office in order to spend more time with my son. Working at home allowed me to walk him to school and participate in classroom activities including instructing his class in art and keyboarding. With the new found freedom that comes with working from a home office, I decided to look for some work at jobs that I considered to be more rewarding than the high pressure and often thankless environment of the entertainment publicity rat race. I still do publicity but I am very selective about the kind of clients I am willing to work with. And, I thoroughly enjoy working with students who need help. To me, there's no better reward than seeing the delight on a child's face when they finally "get it!"
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students in grades 1-10 and college freshmen. Some of the students I worked with have been diagnosed with ADHD. Others just needed a patient guide to show them the way, steer them in the right direction and give them the confidence to figure things out on their own.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In addition to a firm grasp of the curriculum, the most important consideration is finding a good personality fit with your child and the tutor. Look for someone who can bring a firm approach that is delivered with a light touch and plenty of encouragement.