Dear parents and students,
You can read my testimonials and read about my background - and soon you'll be convinced that I have the math and science knowledge, and teaching skills necessary to help you - then it comes down to cost, schedule and location.
I have a very flexible schedule because in addition to tutoring I have my own small business – both are run from a high quality office, attached to my home with separate private entrance.
If you drive to me and are a repeat client, I will also give you preferential scheduling and pricing. Bottom line, if you live in Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside or Encinitas, then you are very close to a very good tutor.
To cater to parents who I prefer be present while tutoring, I offer a comfortable environment with wireless internet access, so that a parent can relax and get caught up on e-mail, etc., while also listening to the lesson. The office is accessible so parents can come and go during the tutoring.
My background: I was the top math student in my high school and started college as a Math Major before switching to Mechanical Engineering. I completed all math through differential equations, as well as science and engineering courses like chemistry, physics and much more with mostly "A" grades. I also hold a M.S.in Engineering Management which included more math courses.
I've informally tutored all along. I took paying clients starting 7 years ago - a high school algebra II student. I have tutored for local math learning centers and tutoring clubs.
Since college, I've completed courses that have kept my math skills fresh. I studied to become a six sigma black belt at Motorola and took a week long "Design of Experiments" course. When I decided to start my own investment advisory firm with just 10 hours study, I took the three hour Series 65 exam and passed it easily in less than 2 hours. I passed 6 WyzAnt certification tests in about 90 minutes with no preparation. The next morning I did the same with 5 more of their tests, including chemistry.
I tutored my own "math reluctant" daughter through 4 years of high school math. She's a senior in high school as of March 2012. My favorite student, of course.
Every student thinks differently. I give students options of how to understand and solve a problem. Here are two ways to look at this problem, which approach works best for you?
I teach students to become better math students. I teach them how to check their own work for “silly mistakes” - critical for exams and ACT/SAT. If they develop the skill to check their work, it can result in one full grade difference. I teach them how to work most effectively with their teacher. I teach them how to use their books and other resources (including their tutor) most effectively, etc.
As opportunities arise I will take a few moments to teach "number sense" skills to the student that will help them in life and in all future math classes. I also teach how math links to related topics - sciences like chemistry and physics.
To the extent that a parent wants to get involved - I am willing to "teach" the parent to "be the math tutor" when I am not there, particularly for younger students. I help the student need a math tutor less. Between books, notes, teacher, parents, other students and finding explanations on-line - the student can do quite a bit on their own. This helps them be a better, more resourceful and independent college student.
I am sensitive to the cost of a tutor and will help you use my time most effectively to give you the biggest bang for your buck. I discourage my time being used to be present while doing homework. It's best if the student has made a good attempt at the homework first and brings their specific questions forward.
I do my best to make math and science fun and add a little dose of math humor. We're all working hard and a smile now and then helps keep us all moving forward.
Finally, some students may currently lack motivation. I can certainly understand their frustration. It's a horrible feeling to not understand math - and a great feeling when you conquer it. I will do everything possible to produce a good attitude in a student. There may be situations where a turnaround is not possible. I deplore giving up and will communicate and work closely with student and parent to produce results.
back to top