Mary S.
Mesa, AZ
Latin, Greek, German, English, Math
Dr. Martin Luther College
Education, HistoryUniversity of Arizona
Master'sAbout Mary
I am a youthful retired teacher with over 40 years of successful classroom experience. My educational philosophy is that learning is fun, or should be. My experience includes Middle School, High School, and College. My specialty is education in the classics: Latin, Classical and Biblical Greek, and the history and literature of the period. Another
Policies
Cancellation
3 hours notice requiredTravel Radius
Travels within 20 miles of Mesa, AZ 85213Mary offers online lessons
Mary is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Mary to get started.
"Wonderful Tutor"
- Patti, Chandler, AZ on 5/23/14Mary is a wonderful Latin tutor. She is extremely competent, patient, and knowledgeable. She helped my daughter greatly. She was dependable and flexible when our schedule changed and we had to move our regular lesson to another day or time. I highly recommend Mary!
"Patient and Experienced Tutor"
- Matt, Chandler, AZ on 8/26/17very patient, very nice. I highly recommend Mary as a tutor. I just cant say enough positive things about her tutoring style.
"Mary is an enthusiastic tutor!"
- Jennifer, Phoenix, AZ on 8/21/17Mary loves what she does and made Latin interesting for my during his first lesson. This was a great achievement and I truly appreciate her diligence and enthusiasm. We look forward to more lessons.
"Amazing!! - Patient, Flexible. Amazing!"
- Barbara, Morristown, NY on 6/14/17Mary is very patient and knowledgeable. Her knowledge of German and Latin was very helpful! As a parent I truly value Mary's professional manner and thoughtful approach!
"Knowledgeable and Helpful"
- Pete, Ladera Ranch, CA on 5/28/17Mary has been extremely helpful understanding Latin. She is thoroughly knowledgeable and capable of making the most difficult aspects understandable. Could not make it through the Latin course without her! Thanks Mary!
"Knowledgeable and patient"
- Julie, Monaca, PA on 1/16/17Mary is very patient and knowledgeable when she is helping me translate sentences. She has a phenomenal understanding of the subject. She is also very accomodating with my busy schedule. I look forward to working with her again.
"Knowledgeable and patient tutor"
- Thomas, Paradise Valley, AZ on 12/21/16Mary teaches our two German boys 11 and 15 in Latin and they love her. She speaks German as well, which makes it very convenience if she can explain it in German for them.
"Knowledgeable and patient tutor and very kind."
- Elena, Mesa, AZ on 12/9/16Mary helps me understand my math topics and is very patient and shows my step by step processes in math. Also, she is very kind and gives good studying advice. Mary is very wise and a really good tutor! I would highly recommend her to other students!
"Knowledgeable teacher with clear instructions"
- Sravan, Basking Ridge, NJ on 12/3/16My daughter really liked the clarity and ease with which Mary breaks down the complexity into simple clear instructions. She greatly enjoyed and looking forward for another session in very near future.
"We love Mary!"
- Melissa, Mesa, AZ on 9/30/16My son grades quickly dropped in honor's geometry and Mary saved the day. She was quick to respond to us and worked with my son over the weekend to get him somewhat back on track. She comes to our home once a week. Her tutoring has helped my son receive an 87% on his test! Mary also helps with my son's English. We trust having Mary in our home and we are grateful for her help.
"Excellent Latin Tutor!"
- Carol, Phoenix, AZ on 9/26/16Miss Mary taught me everything I didn't understand in my Latin class. Now, I have a much better understanding of the concepts! She worked with me at my pace. She was patient and made sure I understood the material.
I highly recommend her!
"Latin"
- Ram, Gilbert, AZ on 8/6/16Our 7th grade daughter needed to work on her Summer Latin package covering over 20 chapters and through Mary's guidance she not only finished the homework but also became confident in her Latin skills at her level.
"Patient and Kind"
- Ashleigh, Scottsdale, AZ on 7/28/16Mary is very patient and kind and the kids love her. This has been a great introduction to Latin for my 6th and 4th grader,
"Awesome teacher, God sent!"
- Melanie, Gilbert, AZ on 7/13/16Mary was everything plus more for what my daughter was needing. I will highly recommend Mary to all that needs help in school lessons. Thank you Mary, we appreciate you more than words could say.
"She is a great teacher"
- Harita, Chandler, AZ on 6/23/16Mary has been amazing tutor and just in few weeks my daughter feels so confident. She is very patient and she is always working with my daughter for a little more than an hour.My daughter really admires her.
"Great tutor!"
- Ethan, Mesa, AZ on 4/12/16How to map out the subject and verb, any ablative absolutes, and other grammar features peculiar to this section. This will help Ethan to study the passage on his own.
"Knowledgeable and calm tutor!"
- Dee, Mesa, AZ on 3/9/16Mary has helped Lauren understand all of the errors on her test! She is helping build her confidence and foundational skills! We have loved having Mary as her tutor!
"Very knowledgeable and patient"
- Ivy, Bronx, NY on 11/2/15She really helped me simplify Caesar's ridiculously long and complex sentences. I have a much better understanding of Latin structure now. She was a great help and I'm looking forward to more lessons with Mary!
"Patient and good at what she does"
- Virginia, Mesa, AZ on 8/16/15Mary is working with my 13 year old grandson on math and language arts. She is very patient with him and is explaining things in a way that interests him.
"Knowledgeable and friendly tutor"
- Ada, Chandler, AZ on 6/17/15After the first lesson, my son is able to do his Latin homework packet. Thank you so much, Ms. Mary! My son couldn't do it without your help.
"Wondeful tutor!"
- Jose, Tempe, AZ on 3/2/15Mary has been working on elementary math with our daughter and the changes in her math abilities have been amazing! Our daughter has only been seeing Mary for a little over a month, but her level of confidence has grown with each lesson. Xia looks forward to her sessions with Mary and she is very happy to be working with her. Thank you Mary!
"Goes the extra mile!"
- Christine, Mesa, AZ on 3/1/15Mary is patient, hard working, and a dedicated tutor that goes the extra mile to ensure her students understand content.
"Excellent Latin Tutor!"
- Duyen, Chandler, AZ on 9/2/14My daughter's first session with Mary went very well. She has a very calm approach and was really helpful with her homework. My daughter had a Latin test the next day and got a 94%!!! This is the highest score she has received in Latin since the start of the school year. I believe that Mary certainly had a hand in that and we will continue to use her tutoring services to ensure my daughter has a solid foundation in Latin.
"Wonderful Tutor!!"
- Jill, Mesa, AZ on 3/1/14We are so lucky we found Mary. She is very patient with my daughter. Already after just a couple of sessions, my daughter is grasping math and got an A on her test. Previously, she was getting a D. Mary is great!!
"Great Tutor!"
- Maggi, Gilbert, AZ on 11/27/13Mary is a great tutor. She is very patient with my daughter and has been very successful in teaching her prealgebra. She is also an excellent Latin tutor. My daughter looks forward to her time with Mary. We are very lucky to have her as a tutor!
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
ADHD
About 10 years ago I was diagnosed as having ADHD. My doctor said I have had it all my life. There was no ADHD when I was a student; there was only "inattentive" and "distracted" and "fidgety." I have dealt with this disability through undergraduate and graduate school, along with a multitude of exams and papers, resulting in an MA in Classical Languages. I understand very personally what the effects of ADHD are on students trying to get an education, and I have successfully used many techniques with myself and with others to overcome it. Many of my classroom students have done well, despite having ADD/ADHD. I have read as much as I can about this disability, and I am exceptionally patient and understanding towards those who struggle against it.
Algebra 1
Mathematics has always been one of my favorite subjects. I have taken college level courses in algebra and teaching mathematics.
At my last school, I taught algebra to high school students on an individual basis, much like tutoring, using several different computer platforms. I also taught algebra to students in small groups, according to what skills they needed to pass the AIMS test.
I believe that knowing how to work with fractions is essential to success in algebra. This is an area that many students have difficulty with. I teach my students operations with fractions, using numbers first and then variables. I make sure they understand that a fraction is a division.
Another area that can cause trouble is factoring. Again, students first need to know the multiplication tables, and then see how algebraic expressions are factored.
With patience and a good sense of humor, I have helped many students improve their test scores and actually enjoy math.
Algebra 2
My love of mathematics began with high school algebra. I believe that mathematical thinking is an important skill for every person to have.
I have taken college level courses in advanced algebra and teaching mathematics. In addition I have taught myself trigonometry and analytical geometry.
At my last school, I taught beginning and intermediate algebra to high school students on an individual basis, much like tutoring, using several different computer platforms. I also taught algebra and geometry to students in small groups, according to what skills they needed to pass the AIMS test.
I believe that knowing how to work with rational expressions and functions is essential to success in intermediate algebra. This is an area that many students have difficulty with. I like to make sure my students understand graphing linear and quadratic equations thoroughly.
Another area that can cause trouble is the imaginary number "i". When students understand that this is simply the square root of -1, they can proceed easily with equations and graphs involving "i".
I showing students the beauty and simplicity of math. With patience and a good sense of humor, I have helped many students improve their test scores and actually enjoy math.
Archaeology
During my graduate study in the Classics at the University of Arizona I took several courses in Greek and Roman archaeology. In my several visits to Italy and Greece I toured many archaeological sites of the ancient world and had the opportunity to speak with working archaeologists. I am also familiar with numerous Native American archaeological sites and the methods used in excavation.
Bible Studies
I attended a church-sponsored college for my undergraduate education. The required curriculum included 2 semesters of Old Testament studies and 2 semesters of New Testament studies. In addition I had 2 semesters of Christian doctrine and 1 semester studying the historic creeds and confessions of Christianity. After college I continued Bible study through my church. Courses included Psalms, Daniel, Matthew, Ephesians, and Revelation. My graduate degree is in Latin and Greek, and I currently am reading the Gospel of Mark in the original Koine Greek. For 18 years of my career I was a parochial school teacher and taught in depth Bible study to middle school students.
Classics
I hold a Master of Arts degree in Classics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. My area of concentration was Classical Philology, that is, the study of Ancient Greek and Latin, including both linguistic and literary aspects. In addition to the languages, I also studied Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Classics is my area of expertise.
Drawing
I studied drawing at Phoenix College for at least eight semesters. I successfully completed Drawing 101, 102, 201, 202, and several 495's. My training included using graphite, ink, charcoal, and colored pencil. I have taught art and drawing to middle and high school students. My teachers taught me that anyone can learn to draw, that it is a teachable skill like math and reading.
English
I am "highly qualified" by the state in English, from passing the proficiency test AEPA. I have taught English to students in middle school, high school, and college. One of my specialties is teaching writing, especially for the Arizona AIMS test.
GED
I have taught middle school and high school for many years. I have taught all subjects included on the GED. In my last position I taught all subjects to students with a variety of abilities. This was done on an individual basis, one on one, like tutoring. One of my responsibilities was to prepare the students to pass the AIMS test in math, reading, and writing. I am familiar with the format of the GED, both paper and computer styles.
Geometry
Mathematics has always been one of my favorite subjects. I have taken college level courses in advanced math, including geometry, and teaching mathematics.
At my last school, I taught geometry to high school students on an individual basis, much like tutoring, using several different computer platforms. I also taught geometry concepts to students in small groups, according to what skills they needed to pass the AIMS test.
I believe that knowing how to work with circles is essential to success in geometry. This is an area that many students have difficulty with. I carefully teach my students about the ratio of the diameter to the circumference (also known as "pi"), and then proceed to radii, arcs, tangents, chords, and the rest.
Another area that can cause trouble in geometry is formal proofs. Again, students first need to learn the principles of logical thinking, syllogisms, and conditional statements. With this knowledge they can then advance to develop their own proofs for congruent triangles, similar plane figures, etc.
I have been able to help many students advance their knowledge and improve their test scores in geometry. I enjoy sharing the beauty of geometric math and making it fun to learn.
German
I was approved by WyzAnt, taking an easy exam. I took college level German 101, 102, 201, 202, and others. I was in the Deutsches Haus immersion program at Univ. of Minn. I took graduate level courses in German Poetry, German Musical Texts, and History of the German Language. I am currently reading Goethe's Faust and Luther's Old Testament.
Greek
I have a MA in Classical Philology, which includes classical Greek language and literature. My thesis was on a topic in Homeric Greek, the use of the Greek phrase meaning "winged words." My course of study included reading and analyzing Greek texts by Homer, Plato, Sophocles, Herodotus, the New Testament, and the Lyric Poets. At Phoenix College I taught Greek 101-102 as an honors course for two years. I am currently reading Homer, Xenophon, and the New Testament on a daily basis.
Sadly, modern conversational Greek is not among my areas of expertise and I would not attempt to tutor that.
Latin
I attended the prestigious and vigorous Latin Workshop at the University of California at Berkeley, and I received an MA in Latin and Greek from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
My Latin teaching experience includes beginner through graduate level classes and private tutoring, and I have worked with students ages 10 through 88.
I have a vast store of Latin resources including a variety of textbooks, readers, original authors, drill and quiz pages, and online Latin sites at my disposal.
I can provide many positive references from former students and colleagues upon request.
I wrote a scholarly article on "The Latin Riddle of the Exeter Book," which was published in the professional journal _Archiv_.
I have participated in a number of annual conventions of the Junior Classical League (a national organization for high school Latin students) as an event assistant and contest judge.
My most important qualification is that teaching Latin is my favorite thing to do and most of my students love to learn it with me!
Prealgebra
Although my master's degree is in a different field, math is one of my favorite subjects to teach and to learn. I have taken a number of college courses in math education and algebra, and I am currently teaching myself trigonometry and analytical geometry.
I have many years experience teaching math to grades 5-8. At my last school, I taught algebra to junior and high school students on an individual basis, much like tutoring, using several different computer platforms. I also taught pre-algebra to students in small groups, according to what skills they needed to pass the AIMS test.
In tutoring math with an individual student it is important for me to determine exactly where each student is having difficulty with concepts and skills. Then I try to fill in the gaps with patient, thorough explanation and practice.
With patience and a good sense of humor, I have helped many students improve their test scores and actually enjoy math.
SAT Writing
I have many years experience teaching English, and writing in particular, to middle and high school students. My lessons include the six traits commonly used by schools to evaluate student writing, namely ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. For high school students I show how to write a five-paragraph essay, and teach the different types of writing – narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository. At my last job before retirement I taught at a charter high school which focused on individual instruction. Many of the seniors needed help preparing for college entrance exams, so I have a great deal of experience with SAT and ACT preparation. I am familiar with all aspects of the SAT, verbal, math and writing.
Spelling
For many years, I taught spelling to 5th - 8th graders as part of a language arts program. The students used textbooks or workbooks that were based upon phonics, spelling rules, and word origins. The methodology I used consisted of word study, practice tests, sentence dictation, word analysis exercises, and final tests. Most of my students became excellent spellers.
Study Skills
In the middle school part of my teaching career it was necessary to teach the students how to study. In all subjects I taught them how to read for information, how to take basic notes, how to organize an assignment schedule, how to complete study assignments in school and at home. It was a joy to see my students improve from being little lost 5th graders to competent 8th graders ready for high school.
My last teaching position was at an alternative high school, where most of the students had no idea what study skills were. As they learned subject material in small groups and on computer platforms, I taught them how to locate information, how to use study tools such as the dictionary and the thesaurus. As the students progressed toward their diplomas I helped them learn how to learn.
Other Mesa, AZ Tutors
Mary S.
Mesa, AZ
Latin, Greek, German, English, Math