RKOG Math Tutoring
About
I hold a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and spent years as a bookkeeper. I homeschooled my child through highschool (precalculus). I appreciate the struggle for math proficiency from the parents' perspective as well as that of the child.
I simply always have loved mathematics. I like the objective nature of the subject, that the answers are not dependent on someone else's opinions. I love to watch kids grow confident in their belief that they can solve all problems. Math is the basis for so many other subjects: science, computers, engineering. Giving a child a strong mathematical background opens so many doors for them.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I request the name of the textbook the student most currently use(s/d) as well as a sample of homework. This allows me to determine at what level the teacher expects the student to be. I also check to make sure the student knows the basics required before this level is taught; math problems often occur because the student struggles with an earlier concept.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a bachelor degree in applied mathematics, area of application computer science. I taught as an adjunct professor at Trident Technical College in the 90s. While I have professionally taught only adults, I have been a Sunday school teacher. I also homeschooled my youngest child, who graduated early and is now in college.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Younger children should not spend more than 30 minutes in a lesson. For classes below pre-Algebra, I charge $15/30 minutes. For pre-Algebra and above, I charge $20/30 minutes. If an older child needs more than 30 minutes for a particular reason (major exam), special arrangements can be made for a longer lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I considered going back to school to get my doctorate so I could teach at the university level as a full professor. However, I started my family and that plan was put aside. I taught my own kids and often helped their friends with work. Now that my children are grown, I have decided to revise my ambitions and teach younger students instead.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught adults at the college level as an adjunct. I have also worked with children as young as two, who are stubborn, as well as teenagers, who are even more stubborn. Most of the kids with whom I have dealt are average, but I have had some really brilliant kids as well as some who have suffered from learning disabilities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I attended my son's last cello recital as a student a couple of weeks ago. I love music, and there is a tremendous sense of pride when your child has stuck with an activity for over ten years to become quite proficient. It was a fun time. The teacher had students at all levels, and he kept the recital at ninety minutes so there was not time for boredom. Plus, there were snacks!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the teacher is willing to go over a concept as many times as is needed for the student to grasp it fully. The teacher should be the student's advocate, intervening if parental expectations are too strenuous or if the student needs accomodations from the school teacher. The reality of tutoring is that the student needs help in accomplishing a measured goal, like passing a class. The student needs to feel comfortable enough with the teacher to admit areas in which they need help. A tutor should relieve scholastic stress, not add to it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Did I understand the math class I took before this one? Are there things I never fully understood before that are causing confusion now? How much time can I really devote to this every evening? Is there some other activity, like a sport, which is important to me, and how do I integrate other activites when I need help with my math class?