Experienced professional aimed at helping others

Tino B.

ACT Math

ACT Math covers the core skills that form the foundation for success in engineering and other STEM fields. As a chemical engineer who has used mathematics extensively throughout my career, I bring both practical insight and strong subject knowledge to ACT Math preparation. I focus on helping students master key topics—such as algebra, functions, and problem solving—while also developing effective test-taking strategies for accuracy and time management. My approach emphasizes understanding underlying concepts, so students can tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence. I have successfully guided students, including my own children, through ACT Math preparation, helping them strengthen their skills and perform with confidence on the exam. My goal is to provide clear explanations, structured practice, and the support students need to achieve their target scores.

Algebra 1

Algebra is a critical building block for success in mathematics, and I help students develop a strong foundation so they can solve problems with confidence—not just memorize steps. As a chemical engineer who has applied mathematical concepts throughout my career, I bring both practical insight and strong subject knowledge to my teaching. I have worked with students through the Tutoring Chicago program, where I’ve developed a clear understanding of the challenges students face in Algebra—such as turning word problems into equations, working with variables, and avoiding common mistakes in multi-step problems. My approach focuses on breaking down complex ideas into simple, logical steps and helping students understand the “why” behind each concept. This allows students to move from confusion to clarity and solve problems independently and with confidence.

Algebra 2

Algebra is the base of a good mathematical education and as an engineer myself, with many years in the profession and using mathematical tools on a daily basis, I am qualified to teach this subject. I have worked with students in the Tutoring Chicago program and I understand the common difficulties that students have in dominating Algebra concepts.

Chemical Engineering

I hold a Bachelors degree (Cum Lauden) and a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering. In addition, I have 30+ years of experience in process & technology development, technical support and process design for the energy industry. Also, I successfully taught an undergraduate Mass Transfer course for a full academic year in my alma mater, in the role of Associate Professor.

ESL/ESOL

I learned English as a second language myself and have years living in the USA and Canada, exposed to environments where professional English is spoken. My own learning experience is key to understand the perspective of a foreign student. Of course, when applying to college in the US, I was required to prepare for TOEFL and thus I am very familiar with this standardized exam.

GED

I help adult learners prepare for the GED by building strong foundations in math and science, while also developing the problem-solving and test-taking skills needed to pass the exam. My approach focuses on identifying knowledge gaps, simplifying complex concepts, and building confidence step by step. I helped prepared my peer students for the succesful completion of their exams. More importantly, I have worked with adult learners to deliver training in real world settings. With a practical approach geared to successful completion of goals, I am qualified to help adult learners to prepare for GED.

Microsoft Excel

Throughout my entire career I have used spreadsheets and Excel, of course, in particular. I am familiar with its functionalities and will be happy to work with you through specific problems or just general enquiries.

Spanish

I am a bilingual Spanish-English speaker with extensive experience helping students develop practical, confident communication skills in Spanish while achieving their academic goals. I have experience teaching Spanish to language exchange (tandem) partners from around the world, leading engaging, conversation-based sessions that help learners improve fluency in real-life contexts. Through these interactions, I’ve learned how to adapt to different learning styles and guide students toward more natural and accurate expression. In my teaching, I emphasize speaking and listening as the foundation for building confidence, while also ensuring that students develop a solid understanding of grammar and correct usage of the language. I work with learners at all levels, focusing on building a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation while emphasizing real-world conversation. I speak Spanish with a clear, neutral Latin American accent, which helps students develop pronunciation that is widely understood across different Spanish-speaking regions.

TOEFL

As a TOEFL examinee myself one time (many years ago) and after living in north america for decades in professional settings where English is the only communication route, I feel more than qualified to help you in the TOEFL exam. I have used English in different contexts, including writing, speaking, listening and reading. Moreover, I understand the perspective of the foreign student. If you want a practical approach to succeed in the exam, feel free to contact me.