North Seattle Science
About
I graduated with Honors from Harvard College where I majored in Biology. I am retired now but taught 30+ years at Mountlake Terrace High in the Edmonds school district. I am a national board certified teacher. I mostly taught physics and chemistry but through the years I have taught every science at one time or another. I was teacher of the year at MTHS two years (voted by students) so I get along with kids well.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Laura K.
Tricia T.
John T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With a new student I concentrate on a method for solving problems that will work across all topics. Solving problems is a creative process. Write down what you know and what you want to find. Look at the equations that pertain to the topic you are studying. Usually the equation to use will be obvious or an idea will come about what way to approach the problem so you can adapt one of the equations to use.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Harvard with honors, have a master's in education curriculum and instruction, and am a board-certified science teacher. The biggest thing I have is 38 years teaching science in high school. I don't think there is a better way to learn science than to try answering the questions students think up every day. When I think I have heard them all, I get a new one or two. There is no better preparation for teaching science.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30/hr for a session which is assumed to be about an hour but if it's a bit over that, no problem.
How did you get started teaching?
When I started teaching middle school as a substitute I loved it. OK I loved it most days. Middle schoolers can by trying at times. Since then with high school students there have been a lot less trying days and lot more where I feel I connected with students and they learned how science explains the universe.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have been lucky to work my whole career with junior and senior honor students- kids who are smart, inquisitive, funny, and motivated. Kids who take AP Physics tend to be exceptional and I'm guessing if you signed up for that class you are too.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I taught bridge and astronomy at the Lifetime Learning Center (old fogey enrichment school). It was fun teaching people who were my own age for a change. They were suitably amazed when they found out how weird and different science says our everyday world is from the way they thought it was.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a tutor that wants you to learn rather than to show how smart he/she is. Unfortunately there are too many of those in science. You need someone who can explain things in your language and tranlate the jargon of science to that.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kinds of things give you the most problems? Is it working math problems, understanding concepts being explained, work in labs doesn't make much sense? Have a good idea of what you want and need and where you are weak.