Science And Tutoring Math
About
I have a bachelors degree in biology and a master's degree in secondary education. I am currently a middle school science teacher. I teach physical science and earth science, but I have also taught life science at the honors level. Overall, I have been tutoring, teaching, and substituting from 2012 to the present.
I have taught in middle school for the majority of my career but have tutored elementary students all of the way up to high school students preparing for their SATs.
Currently, I privately tutor an 8th grader and 10 grader, for pre-Algebra and physical science, and algebra 2 and chem/AP biology respectively.
I also spent some time tutoring at Huntington Learning Center where I tutored students for the SATs and tutored mathematics for all ages. I also tutored life science while I worked there.
www.linkedin.com/in/conrad-skuza-495ba610b
I love those "ah-ha" moments; the ones where students figure out a complex equation or draw strong conclusions about a set of data in a scientific paper. Seeing students getting excited about figuring out complex topics is a great perk of this job. Students often get overwhelmed by science and math, and when they can succeed in these topics often get a boost of self-confidence.
Students should never feel nervous or overwhelmed about science and math. I enjoy helping students discover their love for these subjects and how they can succeed easily.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to get to know new students. I am curious about their interests and what they like to do when they are not studying or at school. I think it is important to get to know students outside of their studies. Building a relationship with students enables you to gain their trust; they trust you to teach them and guide them in their academics. It's important for students to know that you see them as more than just a student, but a person.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have worked in education in various ways since 2012. While I was working toward my masters, I worked as a substitute teacher in all grades and I tutored at Huntington Learning Center. I also did a lot of in-serivice hours while completing my masters, including my student teaching. My student teaching saw me split time in a middle school and high school.
In 2014, I got my first teaching job in West Hempstead, New York. I taugh there for two years, teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I taught physical science and life science when I was there. I also tutored privately and for a company while I worked at West Hempstead.
I moved to Colorado Springs in 2016 and worked at Harrison District 2 at Carmel Middle School. I was the CLDE (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education) Science Teacher. I worked with students who spoke English as a second language. Students came from Mexico, Tanzania, Congo, Germany, and the Phillipines.
My next and current position is at American Academy Charter School in Castle Pines, CO. I took over the Middle School Instructor position there. I am currently a Mentor Teacher there, which is one step before being a Lead Teacher at American Academy. I've worked there since 2017, teaching 6th grade earth science and 8th grade physical science. I also tutor privately over the summer.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $50 an hour for tutoring services.
How did you get started teaching?
One of my roomates in college was studying to be a history teacher. He suggested I take a few classes to see if I would like it. I did so, and found I really enjoyed teaching!
Before and throughout college I also worked a summer job as an IT assistant at my local school district, dealing mostly with the hardware the district had. I worked during college breaks as well, and got to experience education in that way as well.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students as young as kindegarten and as old as high school seniors. I have taught students in many diverse areas and students of different backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Although the pandemic limited the celebration, I was very proud of the 8th grade graduating class at American Academy. I taught them in 6th grade, making them my first class at a new school. Having them in 8th grade and watching them graduate knowing I had a part in that was really amazing.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone with a lot experience. I think it's also important to look thoroughly at the candidate and see if they can work together. Some days will be difficult, but if the student trusts the teacher then that will alleviate much of the stress that can come from academics.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your methods for teaching?
Can you give an example of how you would explain that?