About
Sarah has worked as teachers in independent schools with brilliant students bound for ivy league universities as well as students with significant learning differences who have struggled to get the support they need to achieve up to their potential.
Sarah has 12 years high school mathematics teaching and tutoring experience (Algebra 1&2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, AP and IB included). 5 years as mathematics department chair. She earned a Master's in Education from Harvard University. (Sarah’s LinkedIn)
I am enthusiastic about Mathematics and getting to know each student. I enjoy the puzzle of figuring out how each individual student best understands the topic. I also feel strongly that every student is capable of understanding high level mathematics, but many have been soured to it by past experiences. I try to help students by building their facility with material so they can do well in their classes, but also improve their understandi
Photos and videos
Reviews
Sydney K.
Tiffany W.
Nancy Z.
Kors L.
Jasmine L.
Emerald P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
There are three key pieces to the puzzle to get started on the path to success. Once we have this information we can create a path to meet or exceed your goals which is tailored to your individual learning style and takes into account your learning differences and the state of your personal life.
1. What are your goals? We must start with the end in mind. Is the goal to pass the class so you can move on to what you would rather do, or do you want to excel to be more competitive in college applications? Do you care mostly about the grade, or is this about being well-prepared for what comes next?
2. What is working and what is not working right now? We must understand the current context in order to tailor our approach to best meet your needs. Are there any techniques you have been using that have helped you learn and succeed? Is there something about the class or your teacher that is making it difficult for you to learn? How do you think you learn best? What get's you excited about learning?
3. What is your background? We must understand the foundation you bring to the table before we can build on it. Is the challenge of this subject this year a change from how it has been? What has worked or not worked for you in the past? Are there any gaps in your background from switching schools, a medical leave of absence, or any number of other reasons? Are there any issues in your life that you would like to discuss so that we might better understand you as a person and a learner?
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Jacob: I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rice University with a B.S. in Physics with an option in biophysics. I earned a Master's of Science in Health Science and Technology from the Massachussetts Institute of Technology. I have taken graduate courses in chemistry, molecular biology, and medicine. I am a trained AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C Mechanics teacher. I am an alumnus of the NOLS Outdoor Educator program which teaches experiential education.
Sarah: I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Mathematics. I earned my Masters in Education in Human Developemnt and Psychology from Harvard University. I have completed advanced coursework in Mathematics, Psychology, and Education. I am trained to teach AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics, and IB Mathematics.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
One-on-one:
Homework Help, K-12 (no prep required): $50/hour
9-12 Individualized Tutoring/Instruction or Test Prep: $75/hour
AP, IB,College Coursework or Test Prep: $90/hour
Reduced rates available for regular weekly clients, multiple students in one household, or small group tutoring.
How did you get started teaching?
Sarah: I have always enjoyed teaching. As young as 11, I enjoyed teaching beginners to ride horses. In high School, I was a peer tutor and in Undergrad, I regularly tutored peers informally. Teaching high school was a good fit right after college, and I fell in love with the classroom.
Jacob: I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in 5th grade. Even then, I loved to help my peers understand new topics and earn success in school. My first job was as an assistant tennis pro while I was in high school. I had such fun seeing the 8 year-olds learn to swing and actually hit the ball in! I was very successful as a science student, so my teachers encouraged me to pursue research instead of teaching. However, research was too lonely for me and I was not having the impact that I knew I could have as a teacher. I returned to teaching after graduate school and have not looked back.
What types of students have you worked with?
Jacob: I have worked with middle school, high school, and college students as a teacher and tutor. I have taught optics to 6th graders and tutored college students in organic chemistry. I have taught an AP Physics and research physics combined course to a student who went on to earn a scholarship at MIT. I have taught algebra to a student who had already failed the course twice (he passed). I have thoroughly enjoyed the individual challenges that each student has presented.
Sarah: I have worked with a wide range of students. I tutored students as young as 5th grade and as advanced as Multi-Variable Calculus. I have worked individually and in the classroom with students who had significant trouble with Math and also with those embracing advanced coursework. My preference it to work with a mix of student levels.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Sarah: Look for a teacher who will help you understand the underlying concepts, not someone who will teach you a list of steps. If you try to learn math by memorizing a list of steps for every type of problem, you will ultimately create more work for yourself.
Jacob: Science, like most subjects, is about understanding the underlying principles and laws so that you can use them to make sense of the world, solve problems, and make meaningful predictions. Look for a teacher who gets you more excited about science than you are now, and when you finish a session the world around you makes a little more sense than it did before.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to get out of tutoring?
Why do you think it has been difficult to accomplish your goals without tutoring?
Think of a few learning experiences that have been really fun for you (could be academic, but do not need to be). Can you identify what made them fun?
Are there any negative learning experiences that have stuck with you?
Would you like to share any learning differences or educational testing that might help us understand you better as a learner?