Duke Math Grad with 4 years of tutoring experience

Stavan J.

I graduated from Duke University in the Fall with majors in Mathematics and Computer Science and I am starting a PhD at UW Madison this fall. At Duke, I have TAd several classes, including Discrete Mathematics and Probability and have received positive reviews. My responsibilities involved holding Office Hours to answer any questions students may have and hosting recitation sessions (problem-solving sessions with my support). During my final year, I co-taught a college course in the Math department for ~11 students on Proof Assistants with 2 other students and a professor. I've also been tutoring 1-1 for about 4 years for high school students. I've taught high-school topics such as Algebra 1 2, Trignometry, and introductory Calculus.
My primary motivation and goal while teaching is to cultivate a love for learning in my students. I try to explain everything from first principles (as opposed to rules to memorize), try to provide historical context to motivate ideas, and offer pathways for exploration. My intention is not to improve test scores, though, in my experience, that has always followed from a cultivation of appreciation and curiosity for the subject. I love to provide tips and strategies for independent studying and exploration and offer encouragement when students make progress.