Hello, my name is Kirk, and I’m excited to work with students on Wyzant. I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science, along with coursework in applied math and physics. During college, I worked as a peer tutor in the academic support center, helping students with math and physics courses.
After graduating, I served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, where I worked in satellite mission planning and analysis. This led to my selection as an instructor, teaching...
Hello, my name is Kirk, and I’m excited to work with students on Wyzant. I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science, along with coursework in applied math and physics. During college, I worked as a peer tutor in the academic support center, helping students with math and physics courses.
After graduating, I served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, where I worked in satellite mission planning and analysis. This led to my selection as an instructor, teaching courses in space operations and communications security to both active duty personnel and civilians. I later spent over 25 years in the aerospace industry, applying mathematics in real-world engineering and systems environments.
Today, I focus on teaching and tutoring full-time. I currently work as a long-term substitute teacher and math interventionist in the Simi Valley School District, helping students in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. I have taught Algebra I classes daily to over 130 students and regularly work one-on-one with students who need additional support. This experience allows me to quickly identify where students are struggling and adapt my explanations to meet their needs.
My tutoring approach is based on clarity, patience, and building real understanding. I break problems into manageable steps, explain concepts in plain language, and then connect them to formal mathematical ideas. If something doesn’t make sense the first time, I will explain it in a different way until it clicks. My goal is not just to help you get the right answer, but to help you understand how to approach new problems with confidence.
I understand firsthand how challenging math can feel. As a high school student, I struggled with math myself before learning how to approach it more effectively in college. Because of that experience, especially patient and focused on helping students develop both skills and confidence.
