Bernie L.
Seekonk, MA
All-level Math, Science and Test Prep Tutor
University of Houston
Chemistry and MathMontana State University - Bozeman
Master'sBoston University
EnrolledAbout Bernie
Hello,
My name is Bernie and I am an experienced teacher and tutor. Most recently, I was the Chief Operating Officer of the Providence Public Schools. I am currently an Ed.D. candidate at Boston University, and I look forward to completing my doctorate shortly.
I have taught all levels of high school and middle school
Policies
Cancellation
24 hours notice requiredI gladly do groups for $200 per hour up to five students and $225 per hour for up to 10 students.
Travel Radius
Travels within 20 miles of Seekonk, MA 02771Bernie offers online lessons
Bernie is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Bernie to get started.
"Great tutor and very patient."
- Theresa, Cambridge, MA on 7/20/10Bernie has gone above and beyond to get me from a 67 on my first chemistry exam to an 89 on my second. He is very patient and made sure I understood the material before I moved on. He recognized that algebra was my weak spot and focused on getting my algebra skills up to par. He was easy to get a hold of and was very flexible with appt. times. I wouldn’t have been able to make it through chemistry without all his help. I highly recommend Bernie as a chemistry and algebra tutor.
"Very Patient"
- Jennifer, Boston, MA on 10/26/15Bernie is a very patient tutor. He has a great knack for breaking down difficult concepts and simplifying them, so they are easier to understand. Always a pleasure working with him!
"Worth Every Penny and More!"
- M., Attleboro, MA on 6/23/14I can't recommend Bernie enough! He immediately established a strong rapport with my son and something "clicked." As a result, he was able to make substantial gains in comprehension and grades. Thank you, Mr. Bernie!
"Great Tutor!"
- Anthony, Providence, RI on 5/11/14Bernie was a great tutor! He was very patient and made sure I understood every step in understanding a difficult subject. Well worth the cost.
"Makes learning fun!!"
- Bobby, Mansfield, MA on 3/25/12My son is a high school freshman and has struggled with math for years. Bernie has been able to capture his complete attention and help him to understand the principles he needs to succeed. He actually looks forward to seeing Bernie and is very engaged in the process during the entire lesson. Bernie combines patience with humor to make the subject matter less daunting. I would highly recommend him.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
Algebra 1
Algebra is really about formalizing mathematics into a coherent way of reading & writing it so it can be used to solve problems. Typically, algebra includes learning about the different kinds of numbers, learning how to write expressions and equations, and then learning to solve those equations. It's also when the infamous "word problem" gets introduced.
I love algebra, and I can help show you the tricks and tips that you need to make it easier and understandable.
Algebra 2
Algebra is really about formalizing mathematics into a coherent way of reading & writing it so it can be used to solve problems. Typically, algebra includes learning about the different kinds of numbers, learning how to write expressions and equations, and then learning to solve those equations. It's also when the infamous "word problem" gets introduced.
Algebra II extends what is covered in Algebra I, and typically includes more quadratic equations, and introduction to advanced factoring, and more simultaneous equations. It's fun too!
I love algebra, and I can help show you the tricks and tips that you need to make it easier and understandable.
Calculus
If algebra is the foundation of mathematics, then calculus is the foundation of physics, statistics, and applied mathematics. It is not an exaggeration to say that our modern world exists thanks to Liebnitz and Newton, who separately invented calculus at the same time.
Despite its seminal importance in the modern world, calculus introduces only one truly new concept: the limit. The other two major tools of calculus - differentiation and integration - are simply application of the limit to different kinds of problems. Mastering calculus requires a strong foundation of algebra and trigonometry, followed by an in-depth understanding of limits.
I love the foundational calculus courses - you can begin to see a myriad of applications in our modern world, things that go well beyond what you could do with basic algebra. I can help you if you're struggling - just drop me a line!
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of how atoms and molecules work and act together. Many of today's wondrous things exist because of chemistry.
Much of introductory chemistry is an introduction to the periodic table and how these basic elements interact with one another. It took 3000 years for humans to figure out the relationships in the periodic table, so studying chemistry is a study of the history of human ingenuity.
Chemistry can be difficult, especially if a student is weak in math. I can help you through the math and the chemistry so you can succeed.
Discrete Math
Discrete math means lots of things to lots of different people, but to me it means the study of properties of countable objects. One of the most interesting and practical applications of discrete mathematics is the study of gambling - keno, cards, and dice are just a few of the games subject to the analysis of discrete mathematics. I worked for 13 years in the casino industry before I became a math teacher, so I'm well aware of how to use discrete math to solve these problems.
There are all sorts of other topics in discrete mathematics, and it overlaps generously with other kinds of math: cryptography, some number theory, algorithmic design, topology, decision theory, probability and statistics, and modeling. I have some experience with many of these topics. Discrete mathematics is more easily defined by what it does not contain: it contains no continuous functions or curves, and no derivatives. Those who don't like calculus and functions often find discrete math exciting and fun! Let's get together and do some fun stuff.
Geometry
Geometry is the study of points, lines, and planes. Although we learned to count with numbers first, geometry is the oldest branch of mathematics that had been systematically analyzed from a theoretical point of view. There are still many geometry courses that use Euclid's Elements as a textbook, about 2500 years after it was written.
Some people struggle with geometry at first because it is not a numerically oriented piece of mathematics - but geometry can be fun for the same reason! Let me help you find the joy in geometry!
GMAT
The GMAT is an entrance exam required by most MBA programs, although the GRE is now increasingly accepted as well. The GMAT is a computerized adaptive test, meaning that the computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions depending upon the number of correct responses.
The GMAT has unique question formats which are unfamiliar to many students. Learning how these questions work is imperative for success. Of course, there is no substitute for having a good grasp on the basic material that underlies the questions on the GMAT. I have worked with many students studying for the GMAT, and I am adept at finding a student's weaknesses and addressing them. Let's get together and get ready for the GMAT!
GRE
I have worked with many students studying for the GRE, and I am adept at finding a student's weaknesses and addressing them. Let's get together and get ready for the GRE!
Physics
Physics is the study of how matter and energy interacts with the universe. Introductory physics, mostly taught at the high school and college level, is what's called "classical mechanics" - the study of how big objects interact with one another, using concepts like forces, work, and momentum. By reducing physical phenomena to mathematical equations, our ability to describe and predict the outcomes a wide range of problems becomes possible.
Prealgebra
Prealgebra prepares a student for algebra by laying down the foundations of the real number system. Students learn operators such as greater than and less than, the different kinds of real numbers, the basic arithmetic axioms, and most importantly how to manipulate fractions. Students who fail to master prealgebra are almost guaranteed to struggle in algebra, so it is very important to address problems early. I can help students with prealgebra by making it fun and being patient. Let's get together and do some math!
Precalculus
Pre-calculus is a big amorphous field that varies a lot from school to school. In most places, it includes trigonometry, analytical geometry, and an introduction to limits, although limits are strictly speaking part of calculus. It's not unusual for some courses to include solid geometry and advanced algebra, such as synthetic division, sequences, and series.
These subjects form the foundations of calculus, and not mastering these topics will haunt students when they get into calculus, particularly integral calculus and the calculus of variations. Let me help you master these now so you can succeed later on in calculus!
SAT Math
The SAT math covers material from basic arithmetic through algebra II. While there are all sorts of strategies that focus on test taking tips and how to guess at multiple choice questions, I believe in learning the material.
I'll work with you to find out where your weaknesses are, then design a plan to fill those holes. Together, we can get immediate improvement in your SAT scores.
Statistics
Statistics is the use of mathematics to describe random events. If calculus was the seminal achievement of the Renaissance, then statistics has been the watershed achievement of the 20th century. By reducing random events to a series of mathematical equations, both scientists and businessmen have been able to predict the frequency and magnitude of both the magnificent and the mundane. This has resulted in the development of consumer electronics, sophisticated customer analysis, and even quantum theory - even psychology has benefited from statistics.
I have been using statistics since I was an undergraduate chemistry and mathematics major, and I continued to hone my skills working as a financial analyst for major casinos. I have taught statistics many times, and I am very comfortable tutoring statistics, as well.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is the study of angles and how they relate to both circles and the sides of right triangles. It is one of the basic foundations of modern mathematics, and it's absolutely essential to master before passing onto calculus.
Don't let all of the Greek symbols and words frighten you - they are part of the rich history of this branch of mathematics. I can help you master trig!
Other Seekonk, MA Tutors
Bernie L.
Seekonk, MA
All-level Math, Science and Test Prep Tutor