About
MIT grad, self-taught since 12 y.o., now a professional Software Engineer with teaching experience in introductory programming classes and SAT/AP coaching.
I love trying to understand how other people think because it also expands the way I think. In turn, this gives me insight into how students think, what they are struggling with, and why.
I'm also passionate about programming, so I like sharing that passion by finding projects students would like to work on!
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Alex G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I want to understand the goal the student would like to achieve through our work. Be it a fun side project, a skill they think would help them in the future, or prep for a serious test would help me structure it in a way to not only be useful but also engaging and motivating.
Next, I try to understand the student's prior experience to not only know what I can skip, but also see where potential gaps might be.
Finally, I make a plan and share it with the student to make it the most productive experience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Computer Science and Electrical engineering degree from MIT. In High school, I got a perfect score (800) on the SAT math section and SAT Subject test Math 2. I also had a 5 on my Calculus BC exam.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is negotiable, but it's not inexpensive.
How did you get started teaching?
My High school did not have appropriate resources to teach students college-level courses, so I was tutoring other students on the side. I also started a programming club to teach coding to other students.
In college, I've been assisting multiple introductory and mid-level programming classes over multiple years. I've seen students from different backgrounds and different ages, and I like to believe that every single one had benefited from me.
I also have a 10-year-old little sister than I, who I try to share my passion with.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with my peers both in college and high school, I've helped people as old as 60 to learn to program, and I've also got my little sister into robotics when she was 6!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Even though I've already graduated from college, I decided to pick a difficult higher math topic, which I was avoiding my entire time at college. It feels very good to prove that you can learn anything you want, as long as you put the work.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are many smart people who know science subjects, but there are fewer people who are smart and have useful people-skills to be great teachers. Look for passionate and empathetic people who not only know how things work but also know why things work that way.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
For small problems, the student should asses their struggle - ask themselves basic questions about understanding the problem, what they have tried, and why it failed. Taking a step back often brings a solution, and if not, the answers to these questions would help the teacher understand the student's struggle.
For long-term help, the student should think about why they want to learn or master the subject, and what they want to get out from this new student-teacher relationship. They also should think about their past experiences and share with the teacher what has worked and what hasn't.