Education Background
My work in education includes seven years of teaching at the high school level, and over ten years of tutoring at the 7th grade through college levels. I enjoy working with students at all ability levels, and can support students in all of the math subjects generally taught in grades 7 through 12 (Basic Math through Calculus I) as well as in SAT /ACT prep and high school Physics. I have worked with advanced and accelerated students as well as students with learning disabilities and math phobias. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and completed the Teacher Licensure Program at the University of New Mexico. I hold a Vermont teaching license with a secondary-level math endorsement (grades 7-12).
Tutoring Style
I believe that every student has unique educational needs. I have found that different things work for different learners and the best approach for a given student is one that is tailored to that student’s personality, learning style, confidence-level, interests, and prior experience. As such, I vary my methods to meet the individual needs of the student I’m tutoring.
I enjoy working with students at all ability levels. I am comfortable working with a confident student in an advanced math course as well as with a student who is struggling with basic math. I have tutored many students with learning disabilities. One of my goals with students with LDs is to help them identify their strengths and better understand themselves as learners. Acknowledging their strengths helps boost their confidence, and knowing how they learn allows them to develop learning strategies that work for them, and to advocate for their needs in subsequent courses. For those who need it, I include support with organization, prioritization, and study skills in my tutoring sessions.
With all my students, my goal is to be respectful and encouraging, to ask questions in a way that promotes thinking but is not intimidating, and to be clear and organized in my explanations. I gauge students’ understanding frequently by asking them questions, having them work problems, and helping them to summarize what they have learned. Frequently, I leave the student with notes, handouts, and/or graphic organizers for reference. Sometimes, I use manipulatives to teach concepts and games to practice skills.
Finding the “Best Fit”
Finding a tutor whose style and personality mesh well with your student is very important to the learning process. If it turns out my style doesn’t seem to be working with your student, I will completely support you in seeking another tutor. Tutoring is an investment, so it is worth shopping around to find the best fit.