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Conceptual Math & Science — Clear, Human, and (Occasionally) Funny
Michael L.

5.0 (229 ratings)

1,175 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $110
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Response time: 50 minutes

About Michael

Bio

I’m Michael. For the past twenty years I’ve worked one-on-one with high school and early college students across a wide range of math and science subjects. I hold a Bachelor’s degree with Honors and bring a broad liberal-arts background to technical subjects. I'm also a professional writer and storyteller; all these things shape how I teach.

My approach is centered on understanding rather than drill. I’m a clear explainer, but more importantly, I can spot where a student’s understanding...

I’m Michael. For the past twenty years I’ve worked one-on-one with high school and early college students across a wide range of math and science subjects. I hold a Bachelor’s degree with Honors and bring a broad liberal-arts background to technical subjects. I'm also a professional writer and storyteller; all these things shape how I teach.

My approach is centered on understanding rather than drill. I’m a clear explainer, but more importantly, I can spot where a student’s understanding breaks down and help rebuild from there. I listen carefully to how students are thinking, notice patterns of confusion, and try multiple approaches until an idea clicks. I use stories, metaphors, diagrams, and humor to make abstract material feel coherent and human. Many students tell me that concepts finally make sense in a way they never quite did before.

I teach math from algebra through single-variable calculus without advance preparation, though I prefer to see specific problems ahead of time so I can prepare especially good explanations. With a little time for prep, I also teach multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, proofs, special functions, and mathematical methods for physics. I teach physics at the introductory through early undergraduate level, including mechanics, electromagnetism, special relativity, introductory quantum mechanics, and astrophysics. I also teach introductory college-level chemistry and biology.

I teach exclusively online, using screen sharing and collaborative tools to make sessions clear, interactive, and engaging. I focus on deep learning rather than exam preparation. While this kind of work often improves performance as a by-product, I’m not a good fit for last-minute cramming or test-specific coaching. I work best with curious, motivated students who want ideas to make sense and enjoy talking things through. When that’s the goal, learning can be both effective and genuinely enjoyable.

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Education

UC Santa Cruz
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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I've been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped many students master those (let's face it) weird questions they throw at you on the ACT and SAT tests. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I’ve been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped numerous students understand and be able to use the basic concepts of algebra. I know all the mistakes that people tend to make, I’m lively and engaging and I help math to make sense. Plus I'm funny. You can find cheaper tutors but if you really want to learn, try me.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I’ve been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped numerous students understand and be able to use the more advanced Algebra 2. I know all the mistakes that people tend to make, I’m lively and engaging and I help math to make sense. Plus I'm funny. You can find cheaper tutors but if you really want to learn, try me.
Astronomy

Astronomy

I've taught science for the last 25 years and can explain the physics of astronomy including Wien's Law and the main sequence of stars. I'm also a Sci-Fi geek and have loved astronomy since I was a kid. I can guide you through the grand canyon of Mars and the mountains of Venus with wit and enthusiasm!
Biology

Biology

I have over 25 years of experience tutoring biology, including AP Biology. I love walking students through the wonderfully complex stages of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, the fascinating way evolution works, the way DNA is turned into protein, and many other subjects.
Calculus

Calculus

I’ve been tutoring calculus for over 25 years. I know the ins and outs of the AB and BC courses as well as college level Multivariable Calculus classes with Linear Algebra. I can explain the toughest concepts so they make sense and give you plenty of practice. Differential equations, integration techniques, optimization and related rates problems -- I can help you master them.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I’ve been tutoring chemistry, including honors and AP chemistry, for over 20 years. I have a real knack for explaining difficult concepts so that they make sense. Are you struggling with equilibrium problems or acid-base reactions? Struggling with stoichiometry or trying to learn all those chemical names? I can help. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Computer Programming

Computer Programming

Huh? What was that weird algorithm your teacher wants you to master now? I can help it make sense and show you how to master the basic constructs of computer programming. I can also pass on some best practice tips. And I'm lively and funny.
Differential Equations

Differential Equations

I have helped many students master linear and non-linear, first and second order ODE. I’m very clear at explaining tough concepts like Laplace transforms and Bernoulli equations. I can also help with partial differential equations and series solutions. Plus I'm lively and funny.
General Computer

General Computer

I've been using and programming computers since the 1980s. When I use a piece of software, I still like to learn it inside and out. I'm a good explainer and I'm lively and funny.
Geometry

Geometry

I’ve been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped numerous students understand and be able to use the basic concepts of geometry. I know all the mistakes that people tend to make, I’m lively and engaging and I help math to make sense. Plus I'm funny. You can find cheaper tutors but if you really want to learn, try me.
Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra

I have studied linear algebra extensively, including its usage in quantum mechanics and other areas. Here on Wyzant I have been able to help many students with Linear Algebra and multi variable calculus. With nearly 25 years teaching math and science and my excellent skills at explaining difficult topics, I can make the toughest stuff makes sense to you. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Mathematica

Mathematica

I use Mathematica every day. I can show you how to use built-in units (without Wolfram's klunky notation), take multiple partial derivatives, solve differential equations, make contour graphs, work with Linear Algebra and tensors -- all the levels of math I teach, I can show you how to make the best use of Mathematica. Includes their built-in programming language. Plus I'm lively and funny,
Physics

Physics

I have over 20 years experience teaching all levels of algebra and calculus based physics. From solving tough kinematics and Newton's law problems to understanding Maxwell's equations, I can help it all make sense. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I’ve been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped numerous students understand and be able to use the concepts of Precalculus. I know all the mistakes that people tend to make, I’m lively and engaging and I help math to make sense. Plus I'm funny. You can find cheaper tutors but if you really want to learn, try me.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I've been teaching all levels of math for 25 years and have helped many students master those (let's face it) weird questions they throw at you on the ACT and SAT tests. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Statistics

Statistics

Sure you gotta pass that stats class but don't you also want to know what you're learning this for? I can help inferential statistics make sense as well as helping you use the tools. Plus I'm lively and funny.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

I’ve been tutoring all levels of math including trigonometry for over 25 years. I especially love trigonometric identities and applying trig concepts to real life problems. I'm engaging and funny and help it all make sense.

Examples of Expertise

Michael has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 16 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Michael ’s answers ›
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Response time: 50 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (229 ratings)
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Reviews

Awesome

Feeling so thankful for Michael! This has to be 20 words, so again, feeling so thankful for Michael. See you soon!

Martha, 7 lessons with Michael

Great Teacher! got me through 2 years of College

Michael is very personable which I think is important for a teacher to be able to connect with their students to understand how they learn best. He was incredibly friendly and was willing to work with me for hours at a time answering any questions thoroughly and in ways I could understand. Going into full detail on topics and any background understanding to ensure full preparation for the problem at hand that we worked at step by step. He helped me with Calc 2, General Chemistry, and Physics with calculus. Without Michael I definitely wouldn’t have been able to succeed as much as I did my sophmore and junior years. Highly recommend!!

Laila, 24 lessons with Michael

Wonderful and helpful tutor

I was struggling in my physics class with kinematics and david explained it to me so quickly and simply I was shocked. Physics isn’t supposed to be unsolvable and confusing it just needs a little explaining which Micheal did very nicely.

Autumn, 3 lessons with Michael

Patient and Incredibly Helpful

After finishing up another meeting of ours, I told Michael that he is the first teacher to help physics make sense. Not only does he assist in re-grasping older algebraic concepts but he also introduces newer curriculums in trigonometry and world applications. I do not excel in mathematics or sciences but Michael has a gift of holding your hand through the entire process, which in return has advanced my skills and elevated my course grade. Thanks, Michael!

London, 11 lessons with Michael

Patient tutor!

My daughter took her first class with him on periodic tables. She felt confident at the end of the lesson as Michael was very patient and explained in detail. Pace was good for her and we will continue with him.

Hima Bindu, 2 lessons with Michael

Michael is so helpful!

I am so grateful to Michael for all of his help, I am a premed post-bacc student who came into this program with VERY little knowledge of physics. It has been a huge struggle but Michael has been so helpful in helping patiently walk through problems and create roadmaps for how to approach problems, along with discussing conceptual parts of physics! I am so grateful to him! I could not have gotten this far in the class without him.

Miguelina, 13 lessons with Michael

Engaging and Personalized Tutor

Michael is the best tutor I've found on wyzant. He has helped me through 2 college physics courses and I intend on using him for my next course. He adapts easily to my learning style, comes prepared, engages me with humor, and contextualizes the material in a way my professor doesn't care to do. I highly recommend!!

Molly, 43 lessons with Michael

Extremely knowledgeable, very nice!

I got a 100 on my test after reviewing with him! He articulates very well and is overall very nice.

Anya, 6 lessons with Michael

Great Tutor

After one session I feel so much more comfortable. I felt Michael was very patient and easy to understand. As a college student with learning differences, it’s not easy finding tutors that I feel comfortable with or that I understand. I am looking forward to working with Michael again.

Maria, 4 lessons with Michael

Patient and very knowledgeable

I had Michael for Modern Physics. I can say he is the best tutor in this subject. He makes sure you understand how to solve the questions and will explain more if you need more help. He is also available when you need him. He is amazing in his teaching style. I wish I had him when I started this semester since my professor barely taught and made me seem that I'm supposed to understand the material even though I'm not good in physics. Overall, he is the GOAT in tutoring.

Adalila, 4 lessons with Michael
Hourly Rate: $110
Response time: 50 minutes
Contact Michael