About
Grade Up In One Marking Period.
"I don't like math.", "Math is boring.", "Math is stupid.", "I'm never going to use this." are more common than you think. And it's not you, it's the way you have been taught.
As a Middle School Tutor I help you find how you best learn. I help you discover how to exploit your strengths. I help you navigate the path you were meant to travel to success.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. ” - Albert Einstein
Fifth Grade Math is the corner stone for skills you will need to do well, and maybe even enjoy, Middle School Math. Middle School Math is the frame work for High School Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and more.
When you get Fifth Grade and Middle School Math down, your setting yourself up for success in High School.
But first, let's work together, one marking period at a time.
I've had many kids come to me with a face full of frustration saying, “I don't understand this.” We talk over the math problem, usually having something to do with fractions, and see where the misunderstanding is. Then the light goes on, their face becomes full of pride and celebration with a, “I did it. That's not so hard.” They see what I see. They're really smarter than what they've been lead to believe they are. They just needed to look at the problem from a different perspective.
Everybody visualizes situations and problems differently.
Homework is just practice for what you learned in class. If you didn't understand it in class you'll struggle with the homework. It's not your teacher's fault. They have a limited time to teach a curriculum to 25 or so students at a time. Your teacher is teaching the best way for the most students to visualize and understand the problems.
It's not your fault. You just learn a little differently than some people do. This is why I enjoy working 1:1 tutoring students. I can help you discover how you visualize problems. I can take the time to teach you the way you best learn.
As a substitute teacher I teach all subjects to a wide variety of grades. From K to 12th grade. But I love math. Math is not subjective, it's not a mater of opinion. Math is just numbers.
Math is everywhere. It's in science, art, and nature. An understanding of math helps us to understand and appreciate more fully our surroundings.
Why 5th to 9th grades? This is the dawn of our maturity. This is when we start forming opinions about how we think other people see us. I would like to make this a positive awakening to as many people as I possible can.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'd like to have a 25 minute introductory session with you to find out what your pain points are. Where are you struggling? What are your goals?
Homework is a review of the lesson in the classroom. If you didn't get it in the classroom, homework won't help. I help you understand what the lession is in a way that makes sense to you.
Everyone learns a little differently. Your teacher has a limited time to teach 25 to 30 students at a time. Teaching you 1:1 I can take the time to help you discover your learning strengths and how to take advantage of them. Then we can map out a course to excell.
I find it best to block out one marking period. Meet twice a week for one hour each session. Look at homework you have to do to see if you understand it. Look at tests you have taken and review where you may have had trouble. If you need more time or less time we can modify your schedule to meet your needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
For most of my adult life, I worked for engineering companies like Invisible Fence, Lutron, and GAI-Tronics using algebra and geometry on a daily basis.
As I grew older I found I had a way of explaining math that most people could understand.
Now that I'm a Substitute Teacher, I've found that I work best with Middle School Students. I can explain in terms they understand how them can understand math.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I like to have one free evaluation session to see if your Middle School student can work with me and vice versa.
After that, I prefer to do sessions in blocks that are the same as their semester. Each block usually runs for 1 hour per week for six weeks. Each block costs $210.
How did you get started teaching?
As I said before, I previously was in engineering. My friends said I worked well with middle and high school kids when I was running high adventure trips. They suggested I try teaching.
They were right and I haven't looked back.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a Substitute Teacher, I've worked with all grades. I have found that I enjoy Middle School the most. Something about this stage in life where you can make a real difference in how a child perceives things.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was Subbing in a 7th grade Math Class. One student was staring at her worksheet. She hadn't done any of the problems. I asked if she would like some help. She said she had no idea what to do with it. I started explaining how I would do the problems. By the fifth problem, she could do them on her own. She finished the whole sheet before the end of class. She seemed pleased with herself.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Knowing how to do Math and knowing how to explain Math are two different talents. Not everyone is a good teacher. Find someone who inspires. Find someone who makes you feel good about yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It's good to know what areas in math you are struggling with. Sometimes you don't know what those areas are or why you struggle. A good tutor will help you find your strengths and weaknesses.
As far as a question to ask, just ask for help on a problem you struggle with. See how the tutor interacts with you and how you feel at the end of the session.