My name is Derek J. I live in Oregon and hold a state teaching license. I recently finished my Masters program, obtaining my Masters in Curriculum and instruction. I have my BA in Elementary education. I have spent a year and a half substituting in the local school district and love to see new faces. I spent 3 months in a long term job for a teacher on maternity leave.

My passion is helping kids succeed. I strongly believe that given the appropriate tools all students can succeed. I also think that student success does not look the same for all students. A success plan is something tailored to students individually. As a tutor I try to gain an understanding of how each individual student learns best and use my skills to approach my teaching method appropriately.

I am good at using different methods to teach math. I understand there is no single way students learn. I am able to break apart problems and come up with strategies that work for that students while still teaching the student the method used by the curriculum the student is using in their classroom.

I like to make science fun. Elementary science should be student led and done in a way that allows students to explore what they are learning and learn by doing. I think its important to provide direct instruction but then to allow students to proceed on their own learning through inquiry.