The biggest compliment I receive as a teacher and tutor does not come from the administration or other teachers, but from the students and their parents who are always gracious with their gratitude that I was able to for clear things up, or simplify a difficult concept, or take the time to love a child enough to know that math isn't their biggest problem in life and that they just need a caring support partner in their learning process. I have seen a child go from lacking confidence and being self defeating in math class to a child who knows he can succeed because he has succeeded! I find that very rewarding. Most of my students are most grateful that I have the ability to take math concepts and describe the concepts and procedures in a way they can understand and remember.
After having been in the field of education for more than 20 years, I believe that the schools and the instruction received in school have their place, but I also know that as a child gets older and into middle school and definitely into high school, more and more of the learning does not happen in the classroom but rather in the homework and studying times, where a tutor can work one on one. Tutoring is a valuable resource that helps kids get ahead and stay ahead.
I have been a middle school math teacher for 5 years (pre-algebra Algebra 1, and Honors Geometry); a high school math teacher for 10 years (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus); and a college teacher and administrator for 5 years. I have also trained teachers and taught math internationally. My ten years teaching high school was at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland, consistently in the top 100 public High Schools in the US and winner of both the State and National Blue Ribbon Awards which celebrates their excellence in education. I was proud to play a significant role in that accomplishment by leading in the Maryland Algebra High School Assessment scores, which was a major criterion for the awards. I was also once honored as Coach of the Year for leading my high school girls swim team to a county championship and placing in the Metro meet. When my students win, I win.
Some day I would like to start my own homeschooling center where all students can work at a pace that is comfortable for them and where the content is mastered before moving forward, where every student gets significant one on one time with his or her teacher every day. Until that time, I want to continue tutoring and helping students the best way I know how and even incorporate more and more online tutoring and lessons for students who learn better that way. Tutoring allows flexibility, and a relationship where students are not afraid to ask questions or receive help. I hope you will give me a chance to help you.
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