Math Teaching Maven
About
Do you hate learning math? Do you have a student in your life who hates learning math? Bring them to me, and let's build confidence and skill in math together!
I'm a longtime teacher (8 years of experience with a variety of age groups) with special experience in teaching math to students who find themselves several grade levels behind in their achievement. I spent a full year developing this experience working with high needs students in small group and sometimes one-on-one settings to build confidence in their math skills, one piece at a time. I pride myself on rewarding small wins, building resilience, and constructing a skill set that will take my students to success not just in math but in other subjects as well.
I have 8 years of teaching experience in a variety of age groups, one intensive year of experience teaching middle school math in particular to high-needs students, and a B.S. degree in Ecology and Biodiversity which requires extensive math and statistical coursework.
I'm excellent at pattern recognition and creating plans of study on an individualized basis for students of all ages, and I will make the experience rewarding for you or your student!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In working with a new student, I'll start with a 20-30 minute consultation. This will involve discussing with the student their current perception of their achievement level in math, their experiences with math classes and content matter in the past, what math they are currently studying, as well as a brief survey of any relevant grades or test results. Test scores aren't the only things that matter in math by a long shot, but we do need to talk about them to ge a baseline!
Once we have a data baseline, we'll talk about overall attitudes towards math. Anything goes here! I want to hear from your student if they straight up hate math with a burning passion, if they're indifferent towards it, or if they love it, or anything in between. The attitude matters, and there is no right or wrong way to feel about math. Once I've gathered that information, then we'll move on to the next step.
If I feel the student and I are a good match to work together, we will discuss rates, scheduling, and I will leave time for the student and/or parents to ask any questions they would like about me.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.S. in Ecology and Biodiversity with University Honors, which gives me a very strong background in mathematics (as there is an extensive amount of math coursework required) and more importantly in pattern recognition. I'm quick to recognize patterns in my student's work which makes me good at intervening to correct non-constructive habits and build constructive ones.
I also have 8 years of teaching experience with a variety of different age groups, most recently with 6-8th graders. My middle school teaching experience was concentrated around math and especially filling in gaps in student's learning. This work was extremely data-driven so that we could bring student's math performance up to snuff with approaches that were individualized for them.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30 per hourlong lesson. I'm willing to prorate to shorter lessons of no less than 45 minutes for $25, and we can discuss longer lessons. An hour is a sweet spot, though--we can spend time going over and discussing confusing content, work through example problems together, and work on skill building that helps with broad math and academic success. This also leaves enough time for any homework help.
How did you get started teaching?
My parents owned a preschool and elementary school growing up. I started teaching as a volunteer assistant and then eventually was paid. I've had a lot of different jobs over the years in the education field, and have always found one-on-one student interaction to be the most fulfilling aspect of teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types! I've worked with kids as young as 6 weeks old and as old as 16 years. My experience is concentrated with elementary and middle schoolers, and I honestly do not have an age preference. I find it helps me stay nimble as an educator to work with a variety of age groups. I have also worked with students from a huge variety of cultural backgrounds and income levels, and am equally comfortable with all. I know when I'm out of my depth or don't know an answer to something, and will always say so.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently received an email from a former middle school student of mine asking me to be her recommender for her first ever waitressing job for the summer break. It was completely charming that she remembered me at all. She also gave me a note on the last day of school that said "Miss L, you don't suck! Hahaha jk but I love you for real Miss L!" I enjoy middle schoolers a lot.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I wouldn't just look for a degree in math. Many science degrees also require a strong math background and can be equally helpful to a student. I would also look for teachers with a wide variety of experience, because they are adept at changing lessons and plans to meet the needs of a variety of students, and they don't get bogged down with just one grade level.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. How do I learn best? Do I like seeing a problem written out step by step? Do I like hearing something explained? Do manipulatives (different handheld items like blocks or puzzle pieces) help me learn?
2. When do I get frustrated? How can I feel comfortable voicing my frustration to my teacher so she can help me work through it?
3. What is this teacher's overall approach to learning? Do I agree or disagree with it?
4. Do I think my personality jives enough with my teacher's personality for us to work together on a one-on-one basis?