Patient and Supportive Tutor with a Master's in Mathematics Education

Lily S.

Hello! My name is Lily, and I am a two-time San Diego State University alum with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mathematics. My graduate studies specialized in single-subject teaching and community college education, providing me with a strong foundation in both advanced mathematics content and research-supported effective instructional practices. Throughout my time at SDSU, I developed a deep understanding of cognitive development and research-based teaching methods that support long-term retention, conceptual understanding, and student confidence in math.

I have several years of experience teaching and tutoring students across a wide range of ages and academic levels. While at SDSU, I had the pleasure of being a teaching assistant for Calculus I and Pre-Calculus, where I led classroom sessions and held one-on-one tutoring sessions, both online and in-person. In addition to my university experience, I have provided private tutoring to prepare individuals looking to go back to college and have long-term substituted for a 6th-grade math class in San Diego, gaining hands-on experience with state mathematics standards and middle-school learning needs. These roles have allowed me to support a wide range of students, from 6th grade through undergraduate coursework, as well as adult learners returning to school.

The philosophy that drives my teaching practice is the belief that every person is a math person. In my experience, students oftentimes come to tutoring feeling discouraged and convinced they “aren’t good at math,” which I take as an opportunity to change their perspective. My tutoring style is patient, supportive, and individualized, with a focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorized rules and steps. I aim to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and building confidence as they develop their independent mathematical thinking!