About
I've been teaching on Long Island for about 15 years, and specialized in test prep for about 9. I did my graduate work in Applied Mathematics at Stony Brook University.
At the core of it, I'm an autodidact with a big brain who likes taking tests, and has always been good at them. I personally received perfect math scores on the SAT, ACT, and GRE when younger. Other tests, like the notorious LSAT, I was initially able to complete with only a few answers wrong, by virtue of natural ability, and from there developed my understanding of the test structure and teaching method, until I felt confident I was qualified to show other people how to conquer it as well.
On top of my ability, I've turned out to be a pretty darn good teacher as well. My general approach is to primarily consider that every student is different, has different needs, and responds slightly differently. If you have a rote technique for teaching people something, and that's all you know how to do, you won't be able to improvise in the moment, explain something 5 different ways, and work with the human being in front of you.
For those reasons, I am not a fan of large classes, and private classroom test-prep courses, and have refrained from expanding my own business beyond a one-on-one approach. Think about it: Your kids get enough of large classrooms in school, right? Even a great teacher simply cannot work on someone's individual issues with any real efficiency if they are one of many in a classroom, and if you're paying test-prerp rates, you should be getting that individual efficiency and instruction.
Specialties
Grade level
Type of math
Reviews
RITA R.
Carol N.
Navi A.
Lexi G.
Gorete F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually prefer to talk on the phone at least briefly to ask questions and get an understanding of how I can help. Some people prefer to remain in the realm of text messaging, which is fine as well, but I certainly want to be able to both address concerns, and give a more detailed picture of what service I will be able to provide.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My undergraduate degree, way back when, was in music. I was always a strong math student, but the music bug bit me, and I followed. I taught classical piano and guitar for a time, but then started helping out kids with their math on the side. Eventually, my student base became mostly math and SAT/ACT clients. I went back to school for Applied Math, and decided I enjoyed teaching, and being self-employed enough to not pursue other math-related areas.
As I mentioned in my opening, in addition to being a strong math student, I have always been an excellent test-taker. I got near-perfect overall scores on the SAT, ACT, and GRE. Help others with them? Sure, that's easy! After all, they're very easy tests! At least I thought so.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My typical pricing rates are $120/hour for SAT/ACT/GRE/LSAT prep, and $100/hour for high school/college math. However, those rates retain some flexibility. I offer discounts for multiple students in the same household, bulk purchaces of sessions, and client financial issues. Especially for something like a student how needs LOTS of help in math, over a long period of time, we can negotiate the prices.
Also, given that I'm new to tutors.com, I may consider dropping my rates to undercut some of the competition until my review base is built.
What types of students have you worked with?
Everything from ages 5 to 70. Elementary math to calculus. A frequent request is the adult student who is going back to school for an advanced degree in nursing/psychology, and has to take statistics for the first time ever.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Student jumping up from the table: "Hey mom, I just learned something really cool!"
Mom: "Really cool? In MATH!? Alright...wow."
Yes, it's true, math can be exciting...if you teach it right.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
As I said earlier, I'm not a fan of group test-prep courses. I also advise against some of the larger tutoring centers. One center that shall not be named I know for a fact recently hired out new college grads at $15/hour, while charging parents $80/hour. Anyone teacher who can, leaves that situation as soon as they can.
Beyond that, look for someone who knows what they're talking about. Bells and whistles and sales savvy come easy to some, and skill does not necessarily follow.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The biggest mistake made is only seeking out a tutor when a student is already deep in trouble. If your kid is failing and the final is next week...I will do EVERYTHING I can for you, but time is our enemy. Not only might it be good to hire me earlier in the year, but hiring me for the summer BEFORE the class starts is the really smart thing to do. I've had students who could crush the 9th grade math regents even before they set foot in 9th grade math, and that foundation carries them through the rest of their academic lives, as opposed to constantly trying to play catch-up.