Bess
About
I am an ecologist based in Santa Cruz with a few months left until I complete my bachelor's in science, and a 3.7 GPA. I have three years of tutoring experience and 2 years experience working in classrooms. Currently, I teach a course to middle schoolers and high schoolers helping them to get pre-college research under their belt.
I always try my hardest to listen to my student and explain math and science concepts in an easy, digestible way. I strive to explain things in a way that will create a foundation of knowledge for my students that will help them in higher math/science classes. I have found that math is really just lots of different pieces of a large puzzle, and understanding how the pieces connect makes higher math easier, more enjoyable, and less confusing. An important skill I have developed in math is knowing when to just memorize the equations, and knowing when to dig deeper and understand how it works. This skill makes me a better teacher, because I am aware of how much needs to be explained or left unsaid.
I love helping out younger kids and teenagers in subjects they need help in, because having access to free tutors at my high school pretty much SAVED my life in Precalculus! I think having a tutor can be a really helpful thing, and it gives me a lot of joy to help others in the way that I have been helped.
Highlights
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Type of math
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Reviews
Chris F.
Millie W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have my student send me their material 24 hours in advance so I can review their work before our session. Then I start by asking what questions they have and what they need clarified. If they don't have any questions or just need to go over everything, I do some review work. Throughout the session I do practice problems and check ins.
when working on a hard topic, I can also provide the student with typed notes reviewing what we went over for reference.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally I do $50 per hour, but this is negotiable depending on the circumstances and the nature of the work I will be doing with your kids.
How did you get started teaching?
What types of students have you worked with?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What have other teachers done that has helped you in the past? What specific part of the assignment or unit is confusing you? Are you struggling with a concept, competency, or skill? (A skill is more specific, a concept is more vague) Have you struggled with similar subjects in the past? What do I need to succeed in this class? And, if you're not sure what you need, start by asking yourself what is stopping you from succeeding?