About
"I HATE MATH!"
I’ve heard kids say this countless times. What I've found is what they really hate is being confused and frustrated. They hate feeling like everyone else in their class can do what they find difficult. Staring at a page of math problems you don't understand is not fun. I help kids overcome these obstacles every day. Students look forward to working with me because I do not judge them or label them and because we have fun.
Children need foundational skills such as number sense and basic facts before they can tackle more advanced math topics. They have to understand what a word problem is asking before they can figure out how to solve the problem.
I use a variety of teaching techniques to meet different learning styles. But the most important thing I teach students are strategies they can use when they are stumped. I want them to have confidence in their abilities and know what to do when they are working on their own in the classroom or at home.
I love it when a student who is "not a math person" realizes that he or she CAN do math.
Details
Grade level
Type of math
Reviews
Kim H.
Lori T.
Lori T.
Kim H.
Cassandra S.
Stephanie O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student I conduct a full assessment of math skills. I also have a discussion with a parent and the student to find out what s/he thinks are strengths and weaknesses.
Then I put together a plan to close those skill gaps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Before becoming a full time tutor, I worked as a school intervention specialist for more than 10 years helping elementary and middle school students with math and reading.
I stay up to date with the latest research on best practices for teaching strugglig students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My fee is $65 per hour.
If a lesson is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, the student will be charged the full hourly fee.
No shows are charged at the full hourly rate.
How did you get started teaching?
As a child I struggled with math. In 5th grade, I had a teacher who knew how to explain math in a way that made sense to me.
I started volunteering at an elementary school and immediately saw myself in so many of the kids struggling with math. I decided I wanted to be a tutor that could explain math so that kids could understand it.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with K-8 students who are several years behind in reading and math, students who are looking for enrichment, students with attention and focus problems, and students with learning differences.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I started working with a 4th grade student last year who was failing math. She lacked fluency with basic facts and did not understand how to answer word problems. She was convinced that she "was not a math person". After working together for a few months, she had brought her grade up to a B. Although math still wasn't her favorite subject, she felt more confident and there were no more tears when it came time to do her homework.
I am currently working with a 2nd grader who has struggled with reading. Her mom says that her ability to read and her confidencr in her skills have greatly improved. She enjoys reading and no longer complains when it's time to read at night.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who you feel comfortable telling you don't understand an explanation.
Find someone who can explain math to you different ways if you don't understand it the first time.
Find someone who is patient and kind.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my strengths?
When did math start to become hard?
What kind of learner am I?
Will you start with hands on materials before we start answering questions with pencil and paper?