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Software Engineer with a Love For Education
Derek L.

206 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 39 minutes

About Derek


Bio

Hi, I'm Derek! I graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a BS Engineering in Computer Science and a BS in Mathematics. I currently work as a software engineer in financial technology.

I have been in various education spaces since 2012. In addition to private tutoring, I have also worked at tutoring centers as instructor, all the way up into management. I have also had experience teaching in the classroom as well. I have had the pleasure of assisting students from diverse...

Hi, I'm Derek! I graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a BS Engineering in Computer Science and a BS in Mathematics. I currently work as a software engineer in financial technology.

I have been in various education spaces since 2012. In addition to private tutoring, I have also worked at tutoring centers as instructor, all the way up into management. I have also had experience teaching in the classroom as well. I have had the pleasure of assisting students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, from students as young as 5, to someone as old as 91! Similarly, I've helped students who are grade levels behind catch up, and challenged those who are in need of a challenge. I love teaching almost anything STEM, with a random addition of piano! My best subjects include discrete math, logic, algebra, and object-oriented programming, but I have the expertise to teach most mathematics subjects.

The most effective part about tutoring is the opportunity to customize the learning experience. The foundation begins with getting to know my students. The quote that encapsulates that for me is "you won't trust the message if you don't trust the messenger." After trust is built, I use my toolbox of teaching styles and comprehensive understanding of material to ensure mastery. When needed, I can always break down tasks into smaller pieces so the student can keep stretching their capacity without getting stressed. When everything finally makes sense, we can all celebrate that perfect "a-ha" moment!

I look forward to getting to know you and please feel free to message me with any questions or for scheduling!


Education

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Engineering and LSA
Computer Science and Mathematics
Johns Hopkins University School of Education
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $56
  • Rate details: Rates are subject to change based on availability and subject difficulty. Cancellation fees apply.
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required
  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

C++

C++

Most of my courses in undergrad were completed using C++. I have used C++ in the foundational courses on data structures and algorithms. I have also used C++ to create a search engine in a class.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

I have taken a discrete math course in college within the computer science major. I received an A in the course and have also tutored many other students in the contents of that course. I have also taken classes on algorithms, graph theory, combinatorics, and probability, which are all covered in most discrete math courses. I have also gotten A's in most of those courses as well.
Piano

Piano

I've been playing piano for 17 years. I have also taken the Certificate of Merit exams in California, completing grades 1-10 and advanced I and II. I have also studied music theory and history during those times.
ACT Math
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Calculus
Computer Programming
Elementary Math
Geometry
Java
Linear Algebra
Music Theory
Prealgebra
Precalculus
Probability
SAT Math
Statistics
Trigonometry

Examples of Expertise


Derek has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Derek L.'s Photo

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Still have questions?

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Response time: 39 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (74 ratings)
5 star
(74)
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1 star
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Reviews

Kind and able to make the complex easy to understand

Derek maintained an upbeat and encouraging coaching-style of teaching. He was able to break down some topics I was really struggling with for my Java class at university until I could understand them. He did not make me feel dumb or like "why can't you get this?". Highly recommend.

Lucie, 18 lessons with Derek

Patient and Helpful

I had been having problems in my college Java course for the past couple of weeks. Derek helped walk me through some of the issues I was having and was patient with me throughout all of my lessons. I understand the material so much better now.

Luke, 7 lessons with Derek

Knowledgeable and patient tutor

Derek was very patient. He's also very knowledgeable; he taught me some basics of statistics and help me with my first assignment. I am so thankful to him, and I hope we can work together until my course is completed!

Leslie, 18 lessons with Derek

Very helpful Discrete Math tutor

Derek is great, he's able to break down discrete mathematics into much more manageable concepts. I'm glad that he's been able to help me out so much.

Bryan, 3 lessons with Derek

Patient, Accommodating and Brilliant

Derek helped me with a few concepts I was struggling with in Discrete Math. He was approachable, extremely knowledgable on every aspect of discrete math and accommodating- even going as far as looking over my lecture notes before our session even started so he could understand what I need help with. I will definitely be working with Derek again in the future due to how personable and intelligent he is!

James, 1 lesson with Derek

With you every step of the way

Derek is great for explaining things in multiple ways and making sure you understand concepts before moving on. He was quite helpful in Java assignment and I look forward to guidance in the future.

Michael, 10 lessons with Derek

Intelligent and Passionate Teacher

First and foremost important, Derek has the ability to build caring relationships with students. He has deep knowledge and passion for their subject matter. Also friendliness and approachability is clearly visible from his teaching method. I would highly recommend him for any student.

Jatin, 3 lessons with Derek

Excellent teacher

excellent , very patient and helped me a lot with fingering and remembering what to play . We worked on the song called “I want you back”

Arthur, 2 lessons with Derek
Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 39 minutes
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