About
Hello, my name is Andy Nguyen and I'm currently a High School math teacher. I've been teaching for 6 years and plan to continue doing so. I've taught Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 for regular students as well as Pre-AP/GT students. I have not yet taught Pre-Calculus but I am comfortable with that subject. I teach how to do math in a step-by-step and logical procedure. Once the student understands the solving process, I then use real-life scenarios and problems to show applications and relevance. This approach gets to really understand what they are doing and see the value in it. I also do homework help and test prep if needed.
I believe math is a very necessary subject in today's world. I know not everything we teach is used after high school, but the critical thinking, the problem solving, the step by step (following directions) process are all life skills you practice and refine. You could not perform a job if you couldn't do the three things I just listed above. In addition, there is basic financial/everyday math needed when shopping quotes, comparing prices, or even paying bills. When a student understands what they're doing for the first time, they brighten up their smiles with a truly spectacular ah-ha moment. I love seeing that joy in their eyes and it lets me know that they start liking math a little more at a time.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I meet a new student, they have two options they can usually choose from:
1) Get right to it, where they take out their current school mathwork and I just work with the student on that
or
2) I give a small diagnostic to see the student's math strengths and weaknesses, where we can then work on fixing any gaps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm a Texas certified math teacher who has taught for 8 years in High School. I've taught regular students as well as honors students (Pre-AP/GT). The course I've taught are Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard rates are:
Single hour: $50 per hour
Multiple hours same day: $40 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
Growing up, I've always loved school and was a straight A student, extremely gifted in math. I tutored many friends and classmates, and even taught a few lessons at the board. In college, I pursued a pure math degree with a teaching add on where I got to teach elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students. I found I liked high school students best so I became a high school math teacher.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a public school teacher, I've pretty much worked with them all.
-Students far behind grade level in math
-Students at the appropriate grade level in math
-Students at a higher grade level in math
I can work with each type and have appropriate techniques and strategies. For example, I am very knowledgeable in calculator tricks that some students will need to catch up, while for advanced students I would work on the pure non-calculator math ideology.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Some advice I would give to students looking for math help would be to keep trying and never give up. A lot of students complain math is hard, but in reality everything is hard if you don't understand it. But once you do, it will seem easy and second nature. You learned to walk, but it was probably one of the hardest things to do when you were a baby. You probably failed (fell down) so many times, but you kept trying and eventually figured it out. Math is just like that and I am confident I can get you to understand math and like it more.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
One of the biggest things holding back students is actually themselves, or more specifically their attitude/mentality. Ask yourself, are you struggling/failing in math because you aren't paying attention to the teacher or not trying in class? Many kids will have their headphones in, sleep, or stare into space and not care at all. Those students need to change their mindset before a tutor because if the students ignores the tutor just like their teacher, then this won't help. Now there are other students who are trying, and paying attention, and doing their work but they just don't get it or can't remember it. In this case, maybe the teacher has a harder/more difficult explanation where a tutor can help out. If you're in this second category, then I can definitely help you out.