My students call me Mr Russell. I am a calm and patient teacher who takes the mystery out of math. I am certified to teach middle school math and qualified to teach (prealgebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and trigonometry), all elementary education subjects, special needs education and psychology. I have been tutoring math ever since elementary school, when I taught fellow students. My main goals are to help my students feel confident that they can master math, grow excited about their ability to excel on tests, and have fun in the process. My students are preparing for the ACT, PSAT, SAT, ASVAB, Praxis or GED tests, or they need help while taking general math courses.
With an MBA in finance and a minor in marketing/product management, I also tutor some business subjects. I worked for large and small public companies and have traveled through much of Asia as a purchasing manager.
One of my specialties is working with students who have special needs. I have a BA in psychology and have worked with students with special needs for the last 5 years. Most of my students have experienced that when you replace the depressing feelings associated with failure with the joyful feelings associated with success, learning is fun. My students experience success while having fun!
I understand that the learning process is difficult for many students, especially when the subject is math and that students learn in different ways. I start teaching at a slow pace and build up until I find a comfortable level for the student. The key to successful learning is repetition and practice. When I teach a new concept, I teach it three times; then I check with the student to see if he/she understands it. I will then review the material again if necessary. I use real-world examples in order to teach the student why what he or she is learning is important in daily life. The next step is for the student to practice what she/he has learned until it is finally understood.
I am married and have two grown children. I live in north central New Jersey with my wife, Ann, and our dog, Gizmo.
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