All of
Mike’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Mike’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT Math
As a high school teacher I worked with students to improve their ACT scores. As this test allows only 60 minutes, test taking strategies to manage time becomes imperative.
Algebra 1
As a 9th grade teacher for 5 years, teaching algebra 1 was my major focus. This is where I discovered being good in mathematics does not always mean you are a good teacher. You need to listen to students, provide "the" easiest and most direct means to solve problems. I know that I am a better college teacher as a result of teaching at a high school.
Algebra 2
I currently hold a Colorado certification in secondary education to teach mathematics. Additionally, I am currently employed as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Front Range Community College.
The vast majority of classes that I have taught both at high school and college is algebra 2. I have a thorough understanding of this course content and what it takes to be successful in this classes and future math classes.
Calculus
I have taken three semester of Calculus via my engineering degree. As an Electrical Engineer, circuit design required the use routine use of Calculus I have also taken a Calculus Refresher class while teaching high school. I have successfully tutored many students in this content area.
Electrical Engineering
I worked as an Electrical Engineer for 30 years. I am very knowlegable in digital design and assembly level programming. Iam considered as a expert in the field of digital design and boolean algebra. I hold several patents in this area. I am an expert in the design of Solid State devices. This is the result of working with Storage Technology Corp. and IBM for 25 plus years. I have also worked with the head of the Electrcal Enineering department of the University fo Colorado to do process delvelopment in microcode processes.
Geometry
I currently hold a Colorado certification in secondary education to teach mathematics. Additionally, I am currently employed as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Front Range Community College.
Geometry is certainly a different kind of math. It seemingly has an endless amount of theorems and postulates to remember. My approach is to focus of a few basic ideas that can be use universally and then build from there. Geometry is an important area of mathematics as it represents one of the most commonly used (real world) applications.
Logic
I have my BS degree is in Electrical Engineering. This undergraduate work require classes in logic design. I also took a couple of graduate level classes in logic and switching theory from the University of Minnesota. More importantly, I worked as a digital logic designer for over ten years.
As such I am extremely knowledgeable in Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps and state machines, and assembly level programming. These skill were required in early 70's as the use of higher level languages had not yet been developed. I have thirty years of experience working in the computer equipment industry prior to becoming a teacher.
Physics
I have taught physics at the high school level. In college, I haven taken two semester of calculus based physics, two semester of Thermodynamics, a semester of Statics and a semester of Dynamics.
Per the States guidelines, I am considered to be highly qualified to teach both math and science at the high school level. Having this math background is beneficial when assisting students with this very math based science.
Prealgebra
I currently hold a Colorado certification in secondary education to teach mathematics. Additionally, I am currently employed as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Front Range Community College.
I am currently teaching this level of mathematics. I listen and watch for students misunderstandings and work to provide easy and understandable approaches to solve mathematical problems.
Precalculus
I currently hold a Colorado certification in seconndary education to teach mathematics. Additionally, I am currently employed as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Front Range Community College.
Precalculus is a combination of Algebra 2 and trigonometry. I have taught both of these content areas at the high school and college level.
SAT Math
As a high school teacher I worked with students to improve their SAT scores. As this test penalizes a person for guessing and is timed,test taking strategies becomes an imperative.
Trigonometry
I have taught trigonometry at both the high school and college level. This can be a tough topic to learn if for no other reason than the sheer quantity of identities that are involved. However there are a few strategies that can help a student be successful in this endeavor.