About
Would you like to have at least one letter grade higher than your current average? Would you like to feel more confident doing homework, taking tests, and discussing your work in class and at home? For everything from middle school math to Pre-Calculus, I can help! As a member of the math team since 6th Grade, a 3 time National Math Team Champion for Mu Alpha Theta (1996-1998) from Vestavia Hills, AL, and a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a degree in Mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College (2002), my math ability skills are excellent. Excelling math is not what makes someone a great tutor though. It's one thing to know how to do something, it's a whole different ball game to be able to explain how to do that same thing to someone else. What makes me a wonderful tutor is my ability to watch a person solve problems and identify the gaps in their knowlege or the specific points that are tripping them up. Many times my clients just need something explained a different way or need a little extra practice on a few key concepts. Teachers only have a short amount of time to convey complex topics to a diverse group of students. Often students will feel they have a "bad teacher" when really it's just that the teacher doesn't have the luxury to spend the individual time with each student and to cater to their specific learning style. By clarifying these small pieces of information, they feel drastically more confident while also improving their grades and test scores.
My achievements:
- Tutored dozens of students over the last 15 years in everything from Geometry to Pre-Calculus
- All tutoring students have improved by at least one letter grade
- Test writer for 9 different tests for the National Mu Alpha Theta Convention since 2011
- Daughter of a recently retired 42 year High School Math teacher so if ever stumped by a problem (rarely) I have the resources to solve it
Please contact me for direct references to former students and parents I have worked with.
I love helping students find or renew their enjoyment of Math! It truly makes my day. We really do use math everyday, even just for general problem solving. Feeling confident in Math gives students such improved views of themselves and their abilities and it is my honor to be a small part in making that happen!
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Jan E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First we'll get to know each other - what you're looking for out of tutoring and what you're history has been with math. We'll then set a game plan for the best approach for you to be most successful! We'll look at whether you need just a few sessions to get through a tricky area, do you need several sessions more often as we get started to catch up, or can you go straight to regular weekly sessions. It's different for everyone so I tailor our work together specifically for each student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 15 years as a tutor in mulitple levels of Math.
B.S. in Mathematics with Summa Cum Laude honors
Back to Back Math Team National Championships - 3 years in a row
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Sessions are $25/half hour and $45/hour. If at the end of our first session together we find we aren't a good fit then there is no charge.
How did you get started teaching?
After graduating college I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in TV and Film. As that career ebbs and flows with income, I made use of my Math degree to tutor and provide supplemental income (and keep my brain sharp ;) ).
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with a wide variety of students but a large number of them were High School girls who although capable, did not feel confident in their Math abilities. Most of my students were making As/Bs or Bs/Cs but wanted consistent As and/or Bs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My husband and I were married this April in my hometown of Birmingham, AL. We were so fortunate to be able to share the day with so many of our friends and had a spectacular time celebrating!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
To have the most success with your tutoring, it's best to have a clear vision as to what you're looking for from your tutor and are you willing to work for it? This can't be the parent's goal. The student HAS to be dedicated to working and improving. Having a clear goal and the dedication to put in the work to achieve it helps everyone involved be more successful!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you can identify specifically where you're having trouble that will help your teachers steer you in the right direction. Just a general "I don't get it." Is time consuming and frustrating for everyone. Look at what you do understand (it's probably more than you realize) and then see where you get tripped up. Usually students can start problems but then there's a point where things get fuzzy. Talk as specifically as you can about where you get tripped up.