Chemistry And Math Success
About
Tutoring isn't about helping pass the assignment or the exam; it's about helping to change perceptions, provide new perspectives, and guiding learners to the knowledge and success that they are looking for.
I've been a life-long learner and teacher; from teaching chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to English in rural, northernwestern China to math and engineering in central Wisconsin, I have the experience and passion to help every student succeed.
I've received American Chemical Society Awards in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, an undergraduate's physics excellence award, and was awarded the Theodore Herfurth Comprehensive Undergraduate Excellence Award.
Please feel free to check me out and add me on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-mades
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I like to find out the strengths of the student, and to build on those. I love to work to motivate the students, and find what they are interested in, and relate that back to the work we are completing together. Building relationships and connections with the material and interested in life are crucial to learning new material.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've worked in education for many years - tutoring when I was in high school and college, teaching chemistry at the University, teaching English in China for two years, and teaching math and engineering at high school in Wisconsin. Years of experience, and fundamental training in multiple countries, I am excited to share this with new students!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I don't have a standard pricing system at the moment, and I am willing to work with students on a case-by-case basis. For simple tutoring, I have often charged $15 for half an hour, or $20 for a full hour; extra services such as lesson preparation, or personalized prep plans/homework would increase the price, but are definitely available.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching because I love sharing and working with others - there's an immense satisfaction in helping and seeing others achieve, and that is what drove me to continue teaching year after year, class after class, and student after student!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students - those with a lot of experience and knowledge, and those with only a little; I've worked with English-speaking students, Spanish-speaking students, and Chinese-speaking students! Every experience is different, and every experience is meaningful when we reach success together.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I'm fond of working in my garden these last few weeks, planting vegetables, flowers and succulents ... a mission in the morning, and a reward in the fall, and experiences that never stop teaching me new things about life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I'd tell that student: don't look for a teacher that will give you the answers, but look for a teacher that listens to you, understands your thought procesess, and works to guide you to not only the answers, but also the strategies, you need in your educational journey.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think students should think about: what do I know? What do I need to learn? What should I learn? These are basic questions that help form a powerful education foundation.
More important questions, though, are: how does this knowledge connect to my life? How can I use this? Where have I learned/seen this already?
Finally - my favorite question for my teacher: what are you still learning about this topic? As it proves to all of us that none of us know everything, and that we are all learning and growing together. Lack of knowledge is not a problem, but an opportunity!