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UCLA Brain Bio Grad for Evidence-Based Math & Science Tutoring
Derek T.

1,223 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 2 hours

About Derek


Bio

I am a math and science tutor with 4+ years of experience on Wyzant, 1000+ logged hours, and hundreds of positive reviews. My passion is to inspire understanding in my students using evidence-based approaches to learning complex math and science problems. I have a bachelor of science in brain biology from UCLA and have applied my coursework on the science of learning to my role as a tutor. My academic background includes a comprehensive review of math, chemistry, physics, and biology...

I am a math and science tutor with 4+ years of experience on Wyzant, 1000+ logged hours, and hundreds of positive reviews. My passion is to inspire understanding in my students using evidence-based approaches to learning complex math and science problems. I have a bachelor of science in brain biology from UCLA and have applied my coursework on the science of learning to my role as a tutor. My academic background includes a comprehensive review of math, chemistry, physics, and biology topics.

I aim for my students to not only find a solution, but also have an in-depth understanding of the steps that got them there. My goal is to create meaningful learning of the specific subject material as well as broad critical-thinking and study skills in order to potentiate life-long learning.

I utilize an evidence-based teaching method that is designed to maximize learning and comprehension of complex problems. I first model the correct solution to a problem and unpack each step, focusing on meaningful comprehension rather than memorization. I encourage engagement, such as asking questions, making associations, and finding patterns in the problem and solution. Then, I instruct the student to engage in mistake-driven learning in which they perform the problem on their own and are corrected when they make mistakes. Corrections are reduced over time until the student becomes fully independent, inspiring a powerful self-directed learning process.

I believe that all students have the capability to succeed. The brain is an amazing organ and it has the capability to adapt and create new connections when learning to solve problems. My teaching philosophy is to motivate students to have confidence in their own abilities and help bring out their unique strengths. I am patient and compassionate for those that struggle with material and am happy to support students at any level. I understand that different students have varying learning styles and am happy to accommodate everyone.


Education

University of California Los Angeles
Psychobiology

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Group rate is $30-$40/hour/student dependent on group size. Reduced rate for low-income/military. Rates negotiable.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 2/3/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

SAT and ACT preparation and college applications are a stressful process, but I'm here to help. I've tutored SAT/ACT 4+ years and have increased many students scores by 100s of points using effective, evidence-based teaching methods. At UCLA, I studied the biology of the brain, learning, and memory and have applied this to my sessions to potentiate long-term learning and increase test scores. Through explanation of step-by-step solutions and guided practice, I aim to foster true comprehension of math topics. In addition to core math skills, I focus on problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills such as strategic "guessing" critical to a great SAT/ACT score.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 can be intimidating. Many students struggle to grasp all the new concepts that are introduced, but I'm here to help. I have 4+ years tutoring a variety of math topics, and have tutored algebra 1 and 2 heavily. I have learned how to take complex concepts and boil them down to simple steps that promote comprehension. With guided practice problems, I hope to potentate learning and increase confidence in the student's ability to succeed. At UCLA, I studied the science of the brain, learning and memory and applied this to my role as a tutor to foster long-term learning and increase understanding. My goal is to inspire life-long learning skills such as critical thinking and problem solving that work beyond the confines of the classroom.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 can be intimidating. Many students struggle to grasp all the new functions that are introduced and no one likes trigonometry, but I'm here to help. I have 4+ years tutoring a variety of math topics, and have tutored algebra 1 and 2 heavily. I have learned how to take complex concepts and boil them down to simple steps that promote comprehension. With guided practice problems, I hope to potentate learning and increase confidence in the student's ability to succeed. At UCLA, I studied the science of the brain, learning and memory and applied this to my role as a tutor to foster long-term learning and increase understanding. My goal is to inspire life-long learning skills such as critical thinking and problem solving that work beyond the confines of the classroom.
Calculus

Calculus

Calculus can be scary for many students since it is a transition to higher levels of math. I'm here to help simplify the difficult concepts into step-by-step solutions so you can rest easy. I have been tutoring precalculus and calculus for 4+ years and have adopted an evidence based approach to teaching math problems. Through problem-solving trial and error, I help students not only find solutions, but understand the nuances of the math that got them there too.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

Math can be intimidating. Many students struggle to grasp all the new concepts that are introduced, but I'm here to help. I have 4+ years tutoring a variety of math topics, and have tutored elementary math heavily. I have learned how to take complex concepts and boil them down to simple steps that promote comprehension. With guided practice problems, I hope to potentate learning and increase confidence in the student's ability to succeed. At UCLA, I studied the science of the brain, learning and memory and applied this to my role as a tutor to foster long-term learning and increase understanding. My goal is to inspire life-long learning skills such as critical thinking and problem solving that work beyond the confines of the classroom.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Precalculus can be scary for many students with trigonometry and difficult algebra. I'm here to help simplify these concepts into step-by-step solutions so you can rest easy. I have been tutoring precalculus for 4+ years and have adopted an evidence based approach to teaching math problems. Through problem-solving trial and error, I help students not only find solutions, but understand the nuances of the math that got them there too.
SAT Math

SAT Math

SAT and ACT preparation and college applications are a stressful process, but I'm here to help. I've tutored SAT/ACT 4+ years and have increased many students scores by 100s of points using effective, evidence-based teaching methods. At UCLA, I studied the biology of the brain, learning, and memory and have applied this to my sessions to potentiate long-term learning and increase test scores. Through explanation of step-by-step solutions and guided practice, I aim to foster true comprehension of math topics. In addition to core math skills, I focus on problem solving strategies and critical thinking skills such as strategic "guessing" critical to a great SAT/ACT score.
ACT English
Biology
Chemistry
Elementary Science
Geometry
Physical Science
Physics
Prealgebra
Probability
PSAT
Psychology
Trigonometry
Derek T.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Derek before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Derek
Response time: 2 hours

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (528 ratings)
5 star
(519)
4 star
(5)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(2)

Reviews

Excellent tutor! Helped my son study for a Calculus test and he got an A.

Derek is extremely articulate, patient and knowledgeable. He knows how to teach concepts clearly. On top of that, he has a great, caring and calm personality to make people feel comfortable! Highly recommend.

Anita, 2 lessons with Derek

Very Good Tutor

He is very good at tutoring and listening. He is patient and makes sure the subject matter is understood before moving on. I enjoy our sessions, they are really helpful.

Drake, 18 lessons with Derek

Knowledgeable and patient

Derek was on time and ready work. He quickly assessed the situation and went directly to attack math problems to prepare for the exam. We appreciated his patience and directness.

Karen, 12 lessons with Derek

Derek is terrific

Derek is a stand-up young man who helped my child get caught up in Math. When lessons needed to be rescheduled he was incredibly flexible and gracious. I am incredibly grateful for his help.

Theresa, 3 lessons with Derek

knowledgeable and patient super smart tutor

knowledgeable and patient super smart tutor knowledgeable and patient super smart tutorknowledgeable and patient super smart tutorknowledgeable and patient super smart tutorknowledgeable and patient super smart tutorknowledgeable and patient super smart tutor

Mike, 43 lessons with Derek

Great tutor

Derek has great math knowledge and works with a calm, friendly energy. It’s always good to work with Derek. I understood the concepts much better at the end of the session.

Meg, 3 lessons with Derek

Friendly and skilled tutor

Derek helpfully shares what the lesson reviewed, as well as challenges my son faced. This feedback allows us to keep building skills! And he's great at checking assignments and test guidelines.

Erin , 41 lessons with Derek

Great tutor

Derek is very knowledgeable and has already helped so much in only 2 lessons. I’m excited that we found him, my son is feeling way more confident with AP calc and his ACT math.

Tiffany, 2 lessons with Derek

Awesome!

My daughter feels more confident everyday in her math class now that she is working with Derek. Thank you so much.

Shannan, 7 lessons with Derek

Awesome!

My daughter feels more confident everyday in her math class now that she is working with Derek. Thank you.

Shannan, 7 lessons with Derek
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 2 hours
Contact Derek