Ascent Tutoring

Typically I ask to know which class and unit the student would like help with ahead of time, so I can prepare materials to help.

During the first session I like to have a conversation with the student and/or parents about what their goals are and how I can best help them meet those goals. I also check if there's anything important I should know about tutoring this student.

In my degree (Civil Engineering) I'm finished with all Calculus classes, and only have one more math class left (Differential Equations). I frequently use concepts from all math classes (from Algebra to Multivariable Calculus) in each of my classes as a Junior.

After each tutoring session with a student, I review the session with my mother. She tells me how well I did and what I could improve for the next session, based on her experience as a teacher.

I typically charge $25 per hour, but am open to discussion on price. 

I only charge for the time when I'm specifically tutoring a subject. If a student or parent has questions about my service, important information I might find helpful while tutoring, or if something else unrelated to tutoring ends up taking time, I don't charge for that.

My English professor at Normandale Community College recommended me to tutor English, because he thought I was good at explaining things to my classmate (he grew up in Russia and didn't speak English very well yet). I transferred out after that semester to a four-year college, so I couldn't take him up on the offer. That college requires tutors to be enrolled students.

After that I had the idea to offer tutoring for local students in my neighborhood. I quickly found it was the most rewarding job I've ever had and stuck with it. My mother, with her teaching experience, has been a huge help in this.

I've worked with eight students so far, four boys and four girls.

Two of them got ill and needed someone to teach them the units they missed.

Two of them were confused by the lessons their teachers gave them and asked me to explain the topic and answer their questions.

Three of the them needed someone to guide them during homework assignments.

One of them asked for help with organizational skills and study habits. 

My last student had gotten ill and missed class, so he was behind on his studying and overwhelmed. I was asked to help him with Algebra 2, specifically logarithms. I realized pretty quickly that this student had a passion for math, so after I caught him up I offered to give him a preview of Calculus. I've never seen someone so excited about math. Seeing a student's passion for any topic and being able to help it grow is the most rewarding feeling as a tutor.

Firstly, know that tutoring can be useful even if you're doing well in a class. I find many students think it's only for students who are struggling, but that's not necessarily the case.

Secondly, I would make sure you have a clear idea of why you're seeking help from a tutor. The better idea you have, the better I can help you.

If you just feel totally lost in a class, I can give you a place to start.

I can explain any topic like a teacher would to the class.

I can help you prepare for an upcoming quiz or test.

I can create additional practice problems if you need just a little more practice.

I can explain why you're learning a topic and where you'll find it useful later in life when you're done with the class.

I can teach you organizational skills, study habbits, and test taking skills. Generally the stuff students should know to succeed.

I can even help guide you through homework assignments, and check your work to see if you're understanding.

What I can't do is do your work for you. My job is to help people learn, not to rob you of the chance to learn.