Science And Math Specialist
About
I enjoy helping students in science and math because I had my own struggles with classroom learning in math and science! I can understand your frustrations with a teacher who seems annoyed by your questions or only teaches through lecture. I can help you if math and science feel intimidating! Remote learning makes hard subjects even harder. I have a lot of experience making models and developing activities so that words on a blackboard become real and tangible!
I really enjoy injecting fun and active learning back into STEM education. I love helping people remember why they were excited about science and math when they were younger. I am all about applied math and science and want to make the topics that feel unreal or hard to grasp into something that makes physical sense.
Details
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Type of math
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start by asking them a few key questions:
1. Where do you feel like you are struggling right now? Is it one subject, general concepts, a teaching method?
2. What helps you learn and what are barriers to your understanding?
We can work together to make a plan not only for our tutoring sessions but strategies for you as you work on your own.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Geology which included extensive mathematics and a Master's degree in Earth and Planetary Science
I have a lot of experience teaching in formal and informal environments. I have been a TA in both Physics and Geology. I have also worked in museums and observatories teaching people of all ages and levels of understanding about space, the earth and the mathematical and scientific concepts behind it all!
Classes I have taken include:
- Calc A, B and Multivariate Calculus (Calc C), Linear Algebra, Differential Equations
- Mathematical Physics, Thermal Physics, Analytical Mechanics, Cosmology, Electricity and Magnetism
- Earth Materials, Paleontology, Geochemistry, Structural Geology & Tectonics, Earth Surface Processes, Hydrology
Academic Teaching and Tutoring Experience:
- Science Teacher, Middle and High School Students for New England Innovation Academy
- STEM Curriculum Specialist for BASEC afterschool enrichment program
- Introductory Physics TA, Earth Surface Processes TA, Earth and the Environment TA, and Astronomy Tutor
Informal Teaching Experience:
- Volunteer Educator at Litszinger Road Ecology Center
- Planetary Science Outreach - I gave talks and developed hands on activities about lunar science and space research from August 2017 - December 2019.
- Tour Guide at the VLA Radio Telescope
- Developer of Open Observation Nights at Earlham College Observatory - Created star talks and activities for college students and residents of Wayne County, IN.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Depending on complexity of subject matter I have a sliding scale of $40-60 per hour. I am more than happy to work out a pricing plan with you.
How did you get started teaching?
Through my interest in informal education, I took a few museum classes as an early college student and really enjoyed giving tours of the museum and finding ways to meet people where they were in terms of science. This lead into a classroom teaching position in a school that focuses on student-focused, project-based experiential learning!
As someone who has had struggles and triumphs in education I enjoy teaching because I want to restore excitement that might have been crushed by pure lecturing, unexcited or discouraging teachers or the huge difficulties with remote learning.
What types of students have you worked with?
My professional teaching experience ranges from K-5 in an after school enrichment program to 6-12th graders for an innovative private school.
My academic teaching experience is primarily with college students both as a teacher and a tutor.
My informal teaching experience has included adults with a variety of backgrounds, elementary and middle school kids, and a summer program for gifted high school students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am deeply excited for the release of the James Webb Space Telescope images!!
The high resolution images we now have from Pluto and all of the excitement around that! I love discussing the worlds in our solar system and the future of space science.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would say the most important thing is to find a person who fits you and will understand the struggles you are facing right now. A person who has never struggled in math, even with a lot of teaching experience might have a hard time if math intimidates or confuses you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Are you struggling temporarily with one topic or do you have persistent struggles with a larger concept or teaching method?
2. What helps you learn or stay focused? What gets you excited in class?
Each person has a different learning style. Do you like to work in groups or by yourself? Do you understand images better or words? Does touching things or making models help?
3. How are your "soft skills" like writing, studying, verbal communication and time management? Sometimes working on these skills can drastically help when you run into difficulties.