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Experienced retired High School Math and Science Teacher
Richard M.

5.0 (320 ratings)

1,478 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $40
Contact Richard
Response time: 3 hours
Richard M.'s Photo

Experienced retired High School Math and Science Teacher
Experienced retired High School Math and Science Teacher
Richard M.

5.0 (320 ratings)

1,478 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (320 ratings)

1,478 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Richard

Bio

I enjoy working with students who want to learn. I am a retired California public high school math and science teacher. I have a single subject California teaching credential in math, physics, chemistry, geoscience (earth science), and biological sciences (biology).

I taught algebra as a high school math teacher, as well as nanotechnology along with chemistry in my high school science classes. Recently I was an adjunct college professor teaching algebra-based physics and labs at a...

I enjoy working with students who want to learn. I am a retired California public high school math and science teacher. I have a single subject California teaching credential in math, physics, chemistry, geoscience (earth science), and biological sciences (biology).

I taught algebra as a high school math teacher, as well as nanotechnology along with chemistry in my high school science classes. Recently I was an adjunct college professor teaching algebra-based physics and labs at a private university.

I encourage my students to visualize new concepts to help them learn to picture things by encouraging the use of drawings and illustrations, and hands-on lab activities, often using very simple materials especially in geometry and science.

In math we build a solid foundation on basic principles, such as knowing the multiplication table, how to deal with negative numbers, adding fractions with different denominators, rules for exponents and logarithms, applying Pythagorean's Theorem, using completing the square to factor and to graph quadratic equations, and proving almost all the trig values every 15 degrees on the unit circle. This will take us all the way from arithmetic to precalculus.

In science we are learning new words and new concepts, and we need to understand those new vocabulary terms to be able to visualize new science concepts, such as dimensional units, dimensional analysis, and density, et.al..

Learning how to decode problems, list what we know and what we're trying to find, then inserting conversion factors is how we solve all math and science problems.
To Find - - - - Equal - - - - Given - - - - Conversion factors
This is reiterated in Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War': "The winning army realizes the conditions for victory first, then fights. The losing army fights first, then seeks victory."

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Education

Hunter C.U.N.Y., BA degree
Environmental Science Studies
Unification Theological Seminary, MRE degree (Religious Education)
Masters
El Camino College, Torrance, California, AA degree (General Science)
Other

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $40
  • Rate details: Students will be charged a slightly higher hourly rate if I will be driving farther than 10 miles in order to tutor them.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 1/6/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Elementary Education

Elementary Math,

Elementary Math

I have always enjoyed math. In school I found repetitive math tasks, such as doing division by hand, as interesting as repetitively practicing playing guitar while I was in a high school band. Math led me to science and I graduated in general physical science and eventually to environmental science, because math is the foundation of science. I became an engineer and eventually taught math and science in high school. I also tutored math and science in group homes for at risk students.
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

Elementary science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, are interesting to me and have been a source of interest to me my whole life. My interest in elementary sciences was able to develop as my math skills improved. I eventually made science my major, worked as an engineer, and taught high school science.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 was the first subject that I taught when I started teaching high school as a math teacher in 1990, and I taught high school for 15 years. I have made the understanding and correct use of mathematics my solid foundation. I started teaching science when I went to another school, and continued to use algebra extensively in all my physics and chemistry classes.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I started teaching algebra in 1990 as a new high school math teacher, then moved over to teach physics, chemistry and the rest of the sciences. I retired after teacher for 15 years. I had been an engineer for 10 years before moving into teaching, and I used that foundation to infuse math into every one of my classes. I drilled all my chemistry and physics students on their use of algebra, geometry and trig, and we did it by hand first, and then on a calculator. Graphing is a great way to visualize what the data shows and is something that can help students visualize what is happening with the trend of the numbers.
Biology,

Biology

I have always been interested about biology. When I was growing up I had my own plot of land in our back yard and planted a garden of vegetables. I also had a microscope and leafy plants were growing outside my bedroom windows. I found aphids on the leaves, and while looking at one of the aphids under my microscope I saw an adult aphid give a live birth. I taught biology in high school every year I taught school, either as part of the 9th grade Integrated Coordinated Science courses, and also in the 10th grade biology classes. My BA is in environmental science studies.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I taught high school science for 15 years and am credentialed in all sciences: physics, chemistry, geosciences, and biology. I studied all physical sciences in college, my AA is in General Science, and my BA is in Environmental Science Studies. I worked in a chemical refinery doing regulatory compliance work, creating formulae and calculations, and submitting required paperwork and reports to our company and governmental agencies.
Geometry,

Geometry

I enjoyed studying geometry in high school because I liked and respected my geometry teacher. I used my geometry to build constructions before I understood trigonometry or calculus. As an engineer and research teacher on a university project, I used my geometry construction experience to build a demonstration model of a rotating satellite using faces that were solar cells and calculated the best polyhedral shape to maximize surface area that would face the sun, and that would minimize the number of faces needed. I used my understanding of geometry to help my physics students understand trigonometry.
Physics,

Physics

I have been quietly interested in physics my whole life because it seemed to answer how material behaved. I used my interest in physics to explore wave behavior in music and microwaves, and to experiment with electrical circuits. I have worked as an engineer and have qualified one step below a Professional Engineer as an Engineer-In-Training. I have taught high school physics and made presentations at the annual physics teacher program at Occidental College.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I taught algebra when I started teaching high school, and later I used that solid foundation in math as a basis for my teaching of all the science subjects. I taught math to my three children at home so that they would be better prepared for their school work. Constant practice and memorization are needed to become better at math, and yet it is only when it becomes interesting and a challenge that math becomes easier to learn. I have to say that I did not really understand the purpose of algebra until I studied calculus, and then it made the most sense to really understand and be able to correctly use algebra in order to solve more complex problems in our world.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I have studied precalculus over the years. It was originally called elementary functions, and it is now called math analysis. I recently took this precalculus class at our local community college, and I have been helping other students to study this subject. I started out as a math teacher in 2000, and taught science with math for 15 years.

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 was the first subject that I taught when I started teaching high school as a math teacher in 1990, and I taught high school for 15 years. I have made the understanding and correct use of mathematics my solid foundation. I started teaching science when I went to another school, and continued to use algebra extensively in all my physics and chemistry classes.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I started teaching algebra in 1990 as a new high school math teacher, then moved over to teach physics, chemistry and the rest of the sciences. I retired after teacher for 15 years. I had been an engineer for 10 years before moving into teaching, and I used that foundation to infuse math into every one of my classes. I drilled all my chemistry and physics students on their use of algebra, geometry and trig, and we did it by hand first, and then on a calculator. Graphing is a great way to visualize what the data shows and is something that can help students visualize what is happening with the trend of the numbers.
Geometry,

Geometry

I enjoyed studying geometry in high school because I liked and respected my geometry teacher. I used my geometry to build constructions before I understood trigonometry or calculus. As an engineer and research teacher on a university project, I used my geometry construction experience to build a demonstration model of a rotating satellite using faces that were solar cells and calculated the best polyhedral shape to maximize surface area that would face the sun, and that would minimize the number of faces needed. I used my understanding of geometry to help my physics students understand trigonometry.
Physics,

Physics

I have been quietly interested in physics my whole life because it seemed to answer how material behaved. I used my interest in physics to explore wave behavior in music and microwaves, and to experiment with electrical circuits. I have worked as an engineer and have qualified one step below a Professional Engineer as an Engineer-In-Training. I have taught high school physics and made presentations at the annual physics teacher program at Occidental College.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I taught algebra when I started teaching high school, and later I used that solid foundation in math as a basis for my teaching of all the science subjects. I taught math to my three children at home so that they would be better prepared for their school work. Constant practice and memorization are needed to become better at math, and yet it is only when it becomes interesting and a challenge that math becomes easier to learn. I have to say that I did not really understand the purpose of algebra until I studied calculus, and then it made the most sense to really understand and be able to correctly use algebra in order to solve more complex problems in our world.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I have studied precalculus over the years. It was originally called elementary functions, and it is now called math analysis. I recently took this precalculus class at our local community college, and I have been helping other students to study this subject. I started out as a math teacher in 2000, and taught science with math for 15 years.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

I started teaching math in high school as a long term sub, then got my next full time high school position teaching science. I taught all my science courses with a heavy emphasis on math. My first year I taught three physics courses and included a lot of algebra and trigonometry in all of the physics problems. Trigonometry was not required to get into our high school physics classes, so If my students didn't yet know trigonometry, then I taught them trigonometry so that we could do a good job learning physics.

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 was the first subject that I taught when I started teaching high school as a math teacher in 1990, and I taught high school for 15 years. I have made the understanding and correct use of mathematics my solid foundation. I started teaching science when I went to another school, and continued to use algebra extensively in all my physics and chemistry classes.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I started teaching algebra in 1990 as a new high school math teacher, then moved over to teach physics, chemistry and the rest of the sciences. I retired after teacher for 15 years. I had been an engineer for 10 years before moving into teaching, and I used that foundation to infuse math into every one of my classes. I drilled all my chemistry and physics students on their use of algebra, geometry and trig, and we did it by hand first, and then on a calculator. Graphing is a great way to visualize what the data shows and is something that can help students visualize what is happening with the trend of the numbers.
Biology,

Biology

I have always been interested about biology. When I was growing up I had my own plot of land in our back yard and planted a garden of vegetables. I also had a microscope and leafy plants were growing outside my bedroom windows. I found aphids on the leaves, and while looking at one of the aphids under my microscope I saw an adult aphid give a live birth. I taught biology in high school every year I taught school, either as part of the 9th grade Integrated Coordinated Science courses, and also in the 10th grade biology classes. My BA is in environmental science studies.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I taught high school science for 15 years and am credentialed in all sciences: physics, chemistry, geosciences, and biology. I studied all physical sciences in college, my AA is in General Science, and my BA is in Environmental Science Studies. I worked in a chemical refinery doing regulatory compliance work, creating formulae and calculations, and submitting required paperwork and reports to our company and governmental agencies.
Geometry,

Geometry

I enjoyed studying geometry in high school because I liked and respected my geometry teacher. I used my geometry to build constructions before I understood trigonometry or calculus. As an engineer and research teacher on a university project, I used my geometry construction experience to build a demonstration model of a rotating satellite using faces that were solar cells and calculated the best polyhedral shape to maximize surface area that would face the sun, and that would minimize the number of faces needed. I used my understanding of geometry to help my physics students understand trigonometry.
Physics,

Physics

I have been quietly interested in physics my whole life because it seemed to answer how material behaved. I used my interest in physics to explore wave behavior in music and microwaves, and to experiment with electrical circuits. I have worked as an engineer and have qualified one step below a Professional Engineer as an Engineer-In-Training. I have taught high school physics and made presentations at the annual physics teacher program at Occidental College.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I taught algebra when I started teaching high school, and later I used that solid foundation in math as a basis for my teaching of all the science subjects. I taught math to my three children at home so that they would be better prepared for their school work. Constant practice and memorization are needed to become better at math, and yet it is only when it becomes interesting and a challenge that math becomes easier to learn. I have to say that I did not really understand the purpose of algebra until I studied calculus, and then it made the most sense to really understand and be able to correctly use algebra in order to solve more complex problems in our world.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I have studied precalculus over the years. It was originally called elementary functions, and it is now called math analysis. I recently took this precalculus class at our local community college, and I have been helping other students to study this subject. I started out as a math teacher in 2000, and taught science with math for 15 years.

Science

Biology,

Biology

I have always been interested about biology. When I was growing up I had my own plot of land in our back yard and planted a garden of vegetables. I also had a microscope and leafy plants were growing outside my bedroom windows. I found aphids on the leaves, and while looking at one of the aphids under my microscope I saw an adult aphid give a live birth. I taught biology in high school every year I taught school, either as part of the 9th grade Integrated Coordinated Science courses, and also in the 10th grade biology classes. My BA is in environmental science studies.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I taught high school science for 15 years and am credentialed in all sciences: physics, chemistry, geosciences, and biology. I studied all physical sciences in college, my AA is in General Science, and my BA is in Environmental Science Studies. I worked in a chemical refinery doing regulatory compliance work, creating formulae and calculations, and submitting required paperwork and reports to our company and governmental agencies.
Ecology,

Ecology

I am a credentialed science teacher and have taught ecology and environmental science as part of biology, earth science and integrated science, as well as teaching chemistry and physics. I have done extensive field research involving physical, chemical and biological studies. I was employed by the US military as an Environmental Manager to oversee the ecological impacts on the environment at military bases in the southwest USA, in Southern California and Arizona. I continued my ecological and environmental studies on field trips and research studies as a public high school teacher.
Geology,

Geology

I became very interested in geology when I was shown how South America and Africa once fit together before they diverged due to tectonic motion. Geology is an integrated science because it needs the foundations of math, physics, chemistry, and to a lesser extent, biology. I went on many geological field trips while in college from California to New York and on personal trips to Brazil. I taught high school science and earth sciences.
Physical Science,

Physical Science

I have always been interested in science, because I had great science teachers. I found physical science interesting because I could investigate it. I became very interested in geology and all the other physical sciences, chemistry and physics. I have applied my interest in science by working as an electrician, design engineer, building computers, playing music, and teaching high school science.
Physics

Physics

I have been quietly interested in physics my whole life because it seemed to answer how material behaved. I used my interest in physics to explore wave behavior in music and microwaves, and to experiment with electrical circuits. I have worked as an engineer and have qualified one step below a Professional Engineer as an Engineer-In-Training. I have taught high school physics and made presentations at the annual physics teacher program at Occidental College.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 was the first subject that I taught when I started teaching high school as a math teacher in 1990, and I taught high school for 15 years. I have made the understanding and correct use of mathematics my solid foundation. I started teaching science when I went to another school, and continued to use algebra extensively in all my physics and chemistry classes.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I started teaching algebra in 1990 as a new high school math teacher, then moved over to teach physics, chemistry and the rest of the sciences. I retired after teacher for 15 years. I had been an engineer for 10 years before moving into teaching, and I used that foundation to infuse math into every one of my classes. I drilled all my chemistry and physics students on their use of algebra, geometry and trig, and we did it by hand first, and then on a calculator. Graphing is a great way to visualize what the data shows and is something that can help students visualize what is happening with the trend of the numbers.
Biology,

Biology

I have always been interested about biology. When I was growing up I had my own plot of land in our back yard and planted a garden of vegetables. I also had a microscope and leafy plants were growing outside my bedroom windows. I found aphids on the leaves, and while looking at one of the aphids under my microscope I saw an adult aphid give a live birth. I taught biology in high school every year I taught school, either as part of the 9th grade Integrated Coordinated Science courses, and also in the 10th grade biology classes. My BA is in environmental science studies.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I taught high school science for 15 years and am credentialed in all sciences: physics, chemistry, geosciences, and biology. I studied all physical sciences in college, my AA is in General Science, and my BA is in Environmental Science Studies. I worked in a chemical refinery doing regulatory compliance work, creating formulae and calculations, and submitting required paperwork and reports to our company and governmental agencies.
GED,

GED

I retired after having taught public high school. My wife and I raised our three kids, put them in public school, and I taught them at home after I got home from teaching math and science in public high school. All the educational practices that worked at school I applied at home to help supplement our kids education, and all the nurturing and encouraging practices that worked at home I applied in my teaching at school.
Geometry,

Geometry

I enjoyed studying geometry in high school because I liked and respected my geometry teacher. I used my geometry to build constructions before I understood trigonometry or calculus. As an engineer and research teacher on a university project, I used my geometry construction experience to build a demonstration model of a rotating satellite using faces that were solar cells and calculated the best polyhedral shape to maximize surface area that would face the sun, and that would minimize the number of faces needed. I used my understanding of geometry to help my physics students understand trigonometry.
Physics

Physics

I have been quietly interested in physics my whole life because it seemed to answer how material behaved. I used my interest in physics to explore wave behavior in music and microwaves, and to experiment with electrical circuits. I have worked as an engineer and have qualified one step below a Professional Engineer as an Engineer-In-Training. I have taught high school physics and made presentations at the annual physics teacher program at Occidental College.

Test Preparation

AFOQT,

AFOQT

I am an engineer and retired science and math teacher, with former overseas military experience. I am a credentialed teacher in all sciences and math. I worked as an engineer in aerospace and manufacturing for 10 years prior to teaching math and science in public high schools and physics in a private university. I recently tutored a nice college graduate in the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualification Test) so she could enter the Air Force as an Officer. This AFOQT spans English, math knowledge and application (algebra and geometry), understanding shapes and blocks, a variety of science knowledge in chemistry and physics, and being able to understand orientation by looking at gauges showing pitch, elevation, inclination and declination. And if you pass your AFOQT, you get to proudly serve your country.
CBEST,

CBEST

I took the CBEST in order to become a teacher, and I passed it the first time in. My math score was a sufficiently high score and, with my reading and writing scores, all scores were high enough for me to pass. In order to become a credentialed teacher in 2002, I needed higher scores in each topic, math reading and writing, so I retook the writing part later to obtain a higher score in reading, so I could get my teaching credential.
GED,

GED

I retired after having taught public high school. My wife and I raised our three kids, put them in public school, and I taught them at home after I got home from teaching math and science in public high school. All the educational practices that worked at school I applied at home to help supplement our kids education, and all the nurturing and encouraging practices that worked at home I applied in my teaching at school.
Praxis

Praxis

To become a high school teacher I had to take the Praxis exam, along with the SSAT exam, in order to pass my certifications to teach physics and introductory physical and life sciences, Not long afterwards, I did an added authorization to teach chemistry, and only needed to take and pass another specific exam in chemistry. Much later, when I was applying to get a certification in biological sciences and geoscience, I had to take the new teacher certification exams, known as the CSET exams, on my particular subjects, along with all new exams to teach introductory physical and life sciences, all of which I passed.

Examples of Expertise

Richard has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 29 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Richard ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (320 ratings)
5 star
(316)
4 star
(2)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Excellent teacher- knowlegeable and easy to relate to

My son really connected well with Richard. Richard knows the subject matter and is able to convey concepts and principles of Geometry to lay the necessary foundation. Will definitely use him again.

Amy, 1 lesson with Richard

Great Tutor

The best tutor I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He was very kind and patient when we worked together. It is clear that he wants you to succeed. He spends as much time as you need on your problems or topics. He utilizes a ton of resources from textbooks to notes he created to aid in you learning whatever subject you are working on. He wants to make sure you not only know the information but also thoroughly understand it. I also appreciated how he related a lot of the information and to real world examples and problems. Ultimately he is a kind funny man with a wealth of knowledge. If I ever need a tutor again I will know who to search for first.

John, 13 lessons with Richard

Photovoltaics & Energy

He is a good and patient tutor. The way he explained everything to me was a big help. I would highly recommend him 100%. He took his time to go through a review of multiple choice homework questions and went through each one in a detailed manner.

John, 2 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and Patient teacher

Knowledgeable and very patient teacher. Start the class with understanding the kids need in the subject.outlines the topic and explains each one step by step.

Uma, 1 lesson with Richard

Very knowledgeable!

Richard is very patient, and willing to take the time that is needed to help me understand the problem. I meet weekly with Richard, and he is always prepared for my session Great tutor!!

Bob, 17 lessons with Richard

Patient and effective tutor

Richard's first tutoring class was excellent and very productive. My son has many struggles to understand physics and was very scared about that. After this lesson he is more confident and understanding better. Richard is a tutor with a lot of knowledge, and his way of teaching are very successful for my son. I recommend him 💯. Thank you Richard!!!

Alexa, 3 lessons with Richard

Excellent Educator

My daughter needed to begin with basics before she was able to begin understanding her current chemistry unit, and Richard was AMAZING at identifying that need and giving her a foundation. I am so excited to see the knowledge they build together in the coming weeks!

Riley, 22 lessons with Richard

Fantastic tutor

I have not practiced or worked basic geometry in 10 years but Richard was thorough and patient in helping me understand concepts and formulas. Great teaching style and easy to get along with.

Rick, 3 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and patient

Richard helped my daughter review the basic vocabulary of geometry, a few concepts and he helped her prepare for her exam. She ended up getting an 85! We will definitely use Richard’s Assistance in the future!

Debby, 1 lesson with Richard
Hourly Rate: $40
Response time: 3 hours
Contact Richard