KB Math Tutoring
About
My motto for academia was, is, and will forever be: "if you can not teach the subject, you never did truly understood it".
Not only do I have the test scores (1470/1600 composite SAT and a 32/36 composite ACT) and the academic accolades (high school Valedictorian with an exclusively AP + college-level courseload and honor rolls + full ride scholarships at Carleton College, one of the most selective liberal art colleges in the U.S.) to vouch for myself, I also know how to show others to get there because I did not get here through sheer talents alone.
Over the years, I've developed good methodology and study habits that have allowed me to excell academically even if I didn't possess the "knack" for the subjects at hand. Instead of trying to teach students how to memorize, I actively explore alternative teaching methods to help them retain information even after a pesky test.
I have been an educator / mentor for the past 3+ years working with both middle and high school students, thus being in a mentorship/tutoring role is not something new to me.
In addition, I was a varsity swimer in high school, an avid biker, and is now actively trying to re-learn the piano. So, believe me when I say that I am more than just a stereotypical math geek! (although that is most definitely true as I'm currently pursuing a Mathematic + Computer Science double major AND I cofounded my high school's math club... :D).
I would love to have a moment to talk with you and see if I would be a good fit as your tutor, a 10-15 minutes Zoom session is all I ask of you!
You can reach me directly at [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thien-bui-37b470183
Growing up in a low-income, immigrant household, I have been very fortunate to come across many great mentors that have propelled me toward a promising academic career. It would not be an understatement at all to say that these people have shaped me into who I am today. Not only did they taught me English, math, and science, they taught me the values of happiness, of learning, and most of all they taught me to always pay it forward.
For the past couple of years, I've mentored with multiple non-profit programs ranging from the local (Link Crew, Project Friendship) to even the national level (Hispanic Scholarship Fund's YLS program) and find the work extremely enjoyable. Not only am I able to be like those that have helped me in the past, I'm able to refine my knowledge of core academic disciplines through teaching as well. This summer, I was offered a position teaching in California with a program called BreakThrough: a non profit dedicated to providing low-income students with the neccessary resources to excel in school and eventually college if that is what their students wishes. Unfortunately, due to some ties up and Covid 19, I had to passed up the opportunity.
I genuinely find teaching very fulfilling, so please if money is a concern for you, just go ahead and reach out anyway. We will be able to figure something out!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically like to exchange some of my personal hobbies and encourages students to do the same before lessons actually starts. For students, it is much easier to learn with someone you've acquainted yourself with. For myself, it is much easier to create programs tailored to a student's individual needs if I know who they are as a person! Everybody learn differently!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a prospective Computer Science + Mathematics double major in College and is confident in teaching up to the Algebra 2, basic Calculus level. Though I've taken far more math than that (through AP and college courses: marks of A and above only), I am only absolutely certain that I have mastered up to basic Calculus and is comfortable teaching up to then. I am more than happy to discuss alongside students about more advanced topics though!
As in regard to actual experience, I've co-taught a high school level engineering course in high school for upcoming student (alongside a professional staff) and have had plenty of experiences tutoring peers / mentees in various school subjects.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge 30-35 dollar an hour depending on how much travelling there is (though this is not reccomended since we're in the midst of a pandemic, I am willing to travel out if neccessary given that all parties involved maintain standard safety procedures!). However, this price range is definitely not a hard limit, if this is a problem for you, please contact me and we can absolutely work something out (remember, I am only where I am today because of the generosity of others...mainly scholarships :D )!!.
How did you get started teaching?
I started by working with classmates / peers to help them stay caught-up in classes. Being in the bottom-middle of the pack kid when high school started, I've developed plenty of systems to help me stay afloat and get ahead in class. It started with just sharing what I did and eventually turned into full on tutoring when I started working as a mentor for younger students.
What types of students have you worked with?
Short answer, yes. Long answer, I don't actually think you'd want to read that much in a Q&A session. Reach out to me through my personal email ([email protected]) and I'll be able to answer in much more details through a remote call!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently was able to finish my first 5k after sustaining a hamstring injury in my last year of high school. Felt good!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask. All. The. Questions. You. May. Have. Don't be embarrassed, we're here to help you. Also, don't think that your tutor will judge you for hobbies you enjoy, we have weird hobbies too, and you'd be surprised how similar our hobbies can be to you guys!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. How urgent is this: if it's urgent, don't wait for a response and bug the teacher or other authoritative body until they response. If it's not urgent, go ahead and think about what you've tried before letting us know. Knowing what solutions you've tried before help us quickly determines how to help you!