The Great Divide Math Tutoring
About
In 2014 I began teaching High School students after obtaining an MA in Special Education. I have been specifically teaching mathematics at Thornton High School since 2016.
I also have a BA in Psychology and understand that all students learn and think about math in many different ways. I believe in order to be successful, it's important for people to know the way in which they learn best. In my classroom, I make sure to teach concepts in multiple ways to allow my students to think about it the way that they need to.
My first year teaching math, my students' test scores on the math SAT raised in my school by 20%. I have participated in professional learning throughout the years to learn how to best help my students. I have also created a team to help modify and develop new curriculum in the Adams 12 Five Star school district to aid in effective student learning across the board.
When I was younger, I never saw myself as a teacher- especially not a math teacher, mainly because I was not very good at it. Life ended up taking me this way and I could not be happier. I feel like I can personally understand students who just don't get it and find ways to scaffold big problems into much smaller, easier to understand chunks.
All the time I see students in high school automatically write off math because they were not good at math calculation, even though it's more about problem solving! I love watching my students change their own self-perception of their math abilities from "I'm not good at math," to "I can actually do this!"
Although I love teaching in my classroom, I get particularly special joy out of helping students one on one who are struggling to learn. That "ah-ha" moment where the lightbulb goes off is what keeps me motivated to continue the work that I do.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Psychology from The State University of New York at Oswego, and an MA in Special Education from The Metropolitan State University of Denver.
I've worked as a teacher since 2014, specalizing in math since 2016.
I have been to many trainings on math specific student engagement, raised SAT math test scores in my school by 20%, and am currently re-creating the math curriculum for my district.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
This is dependent on the student level of math need, how far I would need to drive, and how often we would meet.
How did you get started teaching?
After completing my Bachelor degree in Psychology I began working at a residential treatment facility for teenagers in hopes of becoming a counselor. I ended up picking up a few shifts in their school and found I enjoyed teaching. I then switched my life path and got my Master degree in Special Education. I worked for two years at the residential facility teaching Life Skills/Effective Education before moving to public school and working as a math Learning Specalist. I quickly learned that I enjoyed teaching high-level math to students who did not understand it and since then I have continued on this path of learning and teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a Special Education Teacher, I work with students who typically struggle in math and have problems with memory, focus, and retention.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be open to learning about math- it's hard for everyone in the beginning and most of the time you won't get it right away. Learning is a process!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What has helped you understand new concepts in the past (any concept, does not need to be math related)?
What is your mental attitude towards learning math?