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HS Math teacher and Cambridge University graduate with 36 ACT
John B.

4.9 (52 ratings)

125 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $150
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About John

Bio

I am a highly experienced tutor (15 years experience) and high school teacher (7 years experience) and former college instructor with a Master's degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University (UK, 2014) as well as a BA in English (Indiana University). I personally obtained ****perfect scores**** on the ACT composite, SAT Math, SAT English, GRE General Math and 11 perfect "5"s on Advanced Placement tests.

Currently, I work as a high school math teacher in Chicago as well as an instructor...

I am a highly experienced tutor (15 years experience) and high school teacher (7 years experience) and former college instructor with a Master's degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University (UK, 2014) as well as a BA in English (Indiana University). I personally obtained ****perfect scores**** on the ACT composite, SAT Math, SAT English, GRE General Math and 11 perfect "5"s on Advanced Placement tests.

Currently, I work as a high school math teacher in Chicago as well as an instructor with Math Circles of Chicago. I previously worked as an adjunct instructor at a community college, teaching college algebra. I am state certified to teach Secondary Mathematics and Science: Physics.

I want every student to fulfill their potential and attain whatever goals they have. No matter if it's passing algebra, turning a good test score into an elite one, or becoming a better writer, I want to help you get there. At the university level, I have worked with students from pre-algebra through Calculus II and Discrete Math. My content knowledge is deep and comprehensive.

I won a major international scholarship, the ****Gates Cambridge Scholarship****, to study in the United Kingdom, as well as a full-ride to Indiana University, the Herman B Wells scholarship. I am a Knowles Senior fellow (about 10 math teachers/year awarded, then completed a 5 year teaching fellowship program).

I want to use the best available technological tools in teaching. I will work with individuals to provide supplemental content appropriate to their needs. Individual tutoring allows me to cater to a student's personal learning style and help them achieve their goals in an accelerated time frame.

*****Online students******: I have been tutoring online since before the pandemic, and now do a majority of my tutoring online. I am very comfortable working with students remotely.

*****NOTICE: I do not provide services resulting in my own work being submitted under a student's name

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Education

Indiana University
Math, English
University of Cambridge
Masters

Policies

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

In addition to my general math qualifications, I personally scored a 36/36 on this subsection. I spent years playing quiz bowl, in which I learned how to solve any problem in less than 30 seconds. In that time, I accumulated every trick to efficiently solve ACT-level math problems. When I prepare students for standardized tests, I encourage test-condition practice to increase the comfort level with performing under pressure.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I have tutored this subject in many settings in the past (mostly university students), and I currently teach it at the community college level. With all my students, I try to use supplemental resources, typically online ones that students find convenient, which match their learning style and needs. With young students in introductory classes, I especially want to build skills that will pay off in the future. I want to empower students to learn on their own, so that when they struggle, they can push through and succeed. A thorough understanding of Algebra 1 pays dividends when a student moves on to higher level courses.
Calculus

Calculus

I have studied calculus to about as far in depth as you can: graduate-level functional analysis. In high school, I received a 5 on the AP Calculus BC test. I then went on to take another year of multivariable in high school, then two more semesters in college. I was an assistant as an undergraduate for a Business Calculus course (M119) at Indiana University. I also was the only undergrad selected to tutor Calc I and Calc II at departmental help sessions. I tutored this subject for IU athletes.
Computer Programming

Computer Programming

I have been programming since age 12 in a variety of languages. My background in mathematics makes me a precise and careful developer. My experience is mostly in data processing and analysis, but I am able to tutor beginners across range of areas including basic web development. I focus on fundamentals applicable in any setting or language.
Differential Equations

Differential Equations

The fundamental problem in differential equations is to find functions which satisfy equations involving derivatives. I taught myself the elementary first course (ODEs) while in college, in preparation for the GRE math test. Many of my higher-level classes (eg. differential geometry) involved the application of the ideas in that course. I also studied partial differential equations (e.g. the heat equation) in my advanced analysis classes. I also studied differential equations in the context of continuous-time dynamical systems (i.e. flows). I have a Master's degree in Pure Mathematics from Cambridge University.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

I have a Master's degree in Pure Mathematics. Discrete Math is hard to define, as it often means "something advanced which is not calculus." It is often very similar to Finite Math, which may cover basic counting and probability, or even a bit of linear algebra. But discrete math and combinatorics is also a great enrichment for advanced students who want a challenge. It is elementary (meaning not requiring a large amount of background knowledge), but can be both tricky and satisfying. Some very simple sounding problems can be unbelievably hard, while hard-sounding problems often have beautiful solutions. As far as tutoring, if you are taking a class with this title, it is probably very similar to what I've tutored under the title Finite Math at Indiana University. But I would be more than willing to cater an individual curriculum for an advanced student. Discrete math also comes up a lot on competition math (IMO, Putnam, etc.). I was on the Putnam Exam team at Indiana and achieved two positive scores, and led my team at the Indiana Collegiate Mathematics Competition to a state victory.
English

English

I achieved a score of 5 on both AP English tests, and have extensive materials related to both tests. I can help students prepare for either test, or simply improve their writing. I do not run an essay-writing business. I have very strict standards for academic honesty, and will not respond to students soliciting me to write anything under their name. I work with students to improve their skills, so I don't accept remote proofreading jobs either.
Finite Math

Finite Math

My experience with Finite is extensive. I was a drop-in tutor at the Indiana University Math Department, and this was one of the subjects covered. I also tutored athletes in finite at IU. I have advanced (i.e. 400/500 level) coursework on every topic covered in this class (probability, linear algebra, Markov models primarily). I am also working on producing content for an app on this subject. As a bonus, any student I tutor will have free access to that content when it becomes available (videos and quizzes).
French

French

I studied French formally from 7th grade through college, completing several college classes in French literature and composition. I studied in France as a junior in college for a semester, and I took classes in French, at University of Paris VII (Denis Diderot). I also spent significant time in France on two other occasions. I speak fluently for a non-native speaker, and I have a strong background in reading and writing French. While French is not my primary tutoring focus, I am quite capable of helping with any level of French through the basic sequence. My literature background would also enable me to help with college-level literature classes, and assist with writing essays, as many of those skills are transferable.
Geometry

Geometry

I have taught high school Geometry. I have lots of experience tutoring mathematics at all levels. My approach to introductory Geometry involves helping students understand the fundamentals of plane geometry, and the theorems they need to construct their own proofs. Geometry can be a really fun subject, and I aim to have all my students enjoy solving the puzzles it presents. Getting students to think visually, apply heuristics, and think logically through a formal proof are all strengths of mine. I also have taken many advanced classes in Geometry, and would be happy to tutor college level geometry courses such as differential geometry or Euclidean geometry for educators.
GMAT

GMAT

I have tutored for test prep math for many years. I personally scored perfect quantitative sections on the ACT, SAT, and GRE. For GMAT specifically I have tutored a student who was admitted to a top 50 MBA program.
GRE

GRE

I obtained a perfect score on the Quantitative section of the general GRE, and a 700 on the Verbal section. I focus on test-condition practice tests whenever possible. For the GRE, typically students need practice on vocabulary for the Verbal, and basic math skills which they have not practiced in a long time.
Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra

I took several courses covering this subject (S311, S300-Indiana University) as well as many courses which heavily rely on knowledge of it while I was in graduate school. The elementary theory also figures heavily in M118, the finite math course at IU which I tutored for the Athletics department. Since this is typically a college-level class, the tutoring methods would depend on the course the student was taking. If it was undertaken independently, I have multiple recommendations of textbooks (e.g. Serge Lang's Linear Algebra Done Right) for various levels of mathematical sophistication. In particular, this course can be taught as a proof-based introduction to abstract mathematics, or as a more pragmatic calculation-based introduction useful understanding matrices in all their glory. I have a Master's degree in Pure Mathematics
Literature

Literature

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English (coursework primarily in literature). I have won several awards for my writing, including Best Column awards for my newspaper column, a departmental essay prize, and a prize for my senior thesis about Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. I was awarded the top prize for a graduating senior in English from Indiana University. I have presented research and original poetry at three graduate conferences.
Physics

Physics

I took the introductory physics sequence intended for physics majors at Indiana University, which included calculus-based Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, and Modern Physics. I obtained A's in all three. My mathematics background includes a lot of physics as well, though more indirectly. I continued to study various topics on my own, and I have a good general knowledge of advanced topics in physics. For most students I've tutored, they are taking an algebra-based physics class, which is a concept-driven approach. This still requires mathematical facility, however. I've found that the biggest thing holding physics students back is often their math foundations. My experience tutoring math allows me to notice and address those on the spot. I've tutored introductory physics (Mechanics and E/M) for students at Indiana University, and for private clients.
Probability

Probability

I took AP Statistics (which includes basic probability) in high school and got a 5. I took S465, Honors Probability Theory, and M511 which is measure theory, the foundation of probability, at Indiana University. I did two summer research projects which dealt with probability. I have tutored Finite math, which has a large probability component.
Python

Python

Python is an open source, accessible, general purpose, interpreted programming language, supporting Object Oriented Programming, dynamic typing, and an extensible framework, which emphasizes readability and developer productivity. I have been programming for many years, but I started using Python as my primary general-purpose language about a year ago. I'm already a big fan. I completed the basic free tutorial first, then several advanced tutorials through PluralSight. I use Python regularly in my work doing data analysis. I would be comfortable tutoring someone who, for example, is learning Python as their first language, and needs introduction to programming fundamentals as well.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have tutored ACT/SAT math for many years. I personally scored a perfect SAT math sub-score.
Statistics

Statistics

I currently work as a data scientist, and use statistics in my daily work. I have taken several college-level advanced courses in probability and statistics. I can also help with using statistical software, and interpreting data. Note that I do not provide professional services (i.e. consultation on commercial or academic projects outside the scope of classwork) through this platform.
ACT English
ACT Reading
ACT Science
Algebra 2
Elementary Math
Grammar
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Prealgebra
Precalculus
PSAT
Trigonometry
Writing
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Ratings and Reviews

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4.9 (52 ratings)
5 star
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Reviews

EXCELLENT TUTOR!!

I'm a graduate student working on a Masters in Computer Science. I was having trouble finding a tutor who was even FAMILIAR with Discrete Mathematics. Until John, the best I could find was a couple of engineers whom had struggled through it, or something similar, years ago so when he told me he could help I was skeptical. John helped me work through each problem and explained it in such a way that I understood, learned, and could repeat it on my own. He even helped me recognize and solve the tricky problems! If you are searching for a top of the line math tutor, your search will end with John B.

Torean , 6 lessons with John

On task, kind, and very, very smart

John helped me bring up a low B to an A+ in Python for Geoprocessing, a graduate class in GIS. Despite the fact he is a programming savant he didn't know ArcGIS. However within days he had figured out enough to help me dissect my assignments and was able to help me learn to use Python for this geoprocessing program as well as on its own. I honestly cannot recommend him enough. Lastly he never was insulting to my lack of ability in logic, math or computer science. He is one of the best teachers I've had, and being in graduate school I've had A LOT!

Sarah, 6 lessons with John

Very good.

Did a great job with helping my son achieve his goals on his ACT exam. Great ideas and very patient. He also worked around our crazy schedules.

Jennifer, 9 lessons with John

Great tutor, very helpful and patient!

John is a great tutor! He tutored me for college physics I. He is great at listening to questions and provides helpful feedback and examples. He even provided extra example problems from another book to help with studying. I was able to raise my grade by an entire letter grade. I highly recommend him for physics! Will use him again for physics II!

Diya, 7 lessons with John

Brilliant math tutor.

My daughter's grade in college algebra went from F to 78% within only a few sessions of tutoring with John. He is patient and very helpful. He explains difficult topics in math in a way she is able to understand.

David, 13 lessons with John
Hourly Rate: $150
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