Experienced Teacher/Tutor 20+ Years

Susan M.

Hello! I am Susan. I am an experienced teacher and private tutor who truly enjoys helping students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning. I have more than 20 years of teaching experience in the United States and international schools. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in General Education, and a master’s degree in Special Education. Over the years, I have taught elementary and middle-school students and provided tutoring in mathematics, reading, and writing. In math, I work with students on skills ranging from elementary concepts through Algebra and Geometry.

In mathematics, I believe students learn best when they understand both what they are learning and why it matters. I begin by helping students see the purpose behind each concept and how it connects to what they already know. For example, when introducing algebra, I often start by asking, “What is algebra?” This opens the door to a meaningful conversation and gives students a strong foundation for learning. Rather than simply memorizing a series of steps, students begin to understand how and why those steps work. With this deeper understanding, math becomes clearer, more manageable, and much less frustrating. My goal is to help students approach mathematics with greater confidence, curiosity, and a genuine sense that they can succeed.

In reading and writing, I also believe students learn best when they understand the purpose behind what they are doing. In reading, I help students move beyond simply identifying the words on a page to thinking about the author’s message, making connections, and discovering meaning within the text. In writing, I help students recognize that writing is a way to organize their thoughts, express their ideas, and communicate clearly with others. Together, we break reading and writing into manageable steps and build upon the skills students already have and understand the power of language.