Hello!
My name is Daniel and I’ve been tutoring and teaching math and other subjects for twelve years. I earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in math from the University of Chicago and a master’s in math from MIT before changing fields entirely and getting an MFA from Columbia College Chicago in artist's books. I worked as a teaching assistant for undergraduate classes and for a mathematics enrichment program at the University of Chicago. In addition, I’ve worked for many years as a private tutor and for the Academic Approach, a boutique tutoring firm here in Chicago. Recently, I taught two semesters of letterpress printing at Columbia – a subject that shares with mathematics the necessity of being careful, systematic, and analytical.
I’m an engaging and fun tutor and my deep knowledge of the subject allows me to make what can be a dry and difficult subject enjoyable, interesting, and clear. I love to tie in what my students are learning to topics like the giant sloths at the Museum of Science and Industry, how to drive a car without sudden jerks, and the surprising connections between algebra and geometry. My substantial background in math lets me clarify for them what can be a bewildering mix of mathematical necessities, pedagogical rules, and seemingly arbitrary topics.
I follow a student-centered approach; helping students work through problems allows them to gain a mastery of the material that lecturing and demonstration cannot. I have developed the skill in knowing how to make the material easy enough so my students aren’t frustrated but also just hard enough to give them a truly meaningful learning experience.
Although my primary tutoring focus is in mathematics, I also tutor in physics and basic chemistry.
back to top