Experienced ACT/SAT Tutor; (pre)calc, algebra, too

James T.

Being mathy in high school, I first wanted to pursue Electrical Engineering, but, after surfing the web during an electrical engineering internship, I discovered the field called "Machine Learning". So, I got into Georgia Tech for computer science, and I focused my studies towards A.I. and math.

After college, I pursued various career paths. I then revisited tutoring, which I had done prior in college. I've always enjoyed teaching, and I really enjoy it. The most exciting thing about tutoring is the chance to make a positive difference. Learning is very motivating and empowering. When a student remembers that they can learn this stuff in a consistent fashion, it's recipe for a great time. If you're getting tutored, that means you felt you could improve your test grades. When this feeling is confirmed by the sense of learning and getting things right, then everyone is happy!
My teaching method is changing over-time. Tutoring/teaching is tough because you have limited time with a varying array of students (which I appreciate). I adhere to the student's learning style, but I sometimes also point things out or teach in a way that is different from how we learn in school, which can create tension and frustration. So, on my part, I like to provide a balance of both comfort and progress. This means not only doing problems that are really tough (hence having to learn new things) but also problems that are familiar, which bolsters confidence while also refining those skills.
My favorite things to teach are standardized tests (SAT/ACT) and high school math. I like the SAT reading, for example, because I've done enough problems to get the test's logic and structure. I offer an approach to the test to not only account for specific problems but also any general one. In short, I understand the test well and can match my teaching style to any student. I also have experience teaching students as young as 10 and as old as 70.