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Creative And Effective Math Tutor Who Clearly Explains Fundamentals
Sherwood P.

4.9 (83 ratings)

270 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $50
Contact Sherwood
Sherwood P.'s Photo
Sherwood P.'s Photo Sherwood P.'s Photo Sherwood P.'s Photo Sherwood P.'s Photo

Creative And Effective Math Tutor Who Clearly Explains Fundamentals
Creative And Effective Math Tutor Who Clearly Explains Fundamentals
Sherwood P.

4.9 (83 ratings)

270 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.9 (83 ratings)

270 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Sherwood

Bio

I patiently teach math fundamentals to anyone who gets confused, struggles or finds something about math difficult to understand. My creativity in explaining math has helped students who may find it boring at best, or just plain difficult, give math another try. I believe every student can learn math, and maybe even want to learn more on their own!

I also can help those who are curious or want to know how or why one idea in math is related to another when there is no obvious relationship.

I...

I patiently teach math fundamentals to anyone who gets confused, struggles or finds something about math difficult to understand. My creativity in explaining math has helped students who may find it boring at best, or just plain difficult, give math another try. I believe every student can learn math, and maybe even want to learn more on their own!

I also can help those who are curious or want to know how or why one idea in math is related to another when there is no obvious relationship.

I have been a non-traditional homeschool math tutor for 6 years and an effective online math tutor with Wyzant since March, 2020. I am a Certified High School Mathematics Teacher in Washington and Massachusetts.

I was an instructor with the Massachusetts Pre-engineering Program for Minority Students, in
Boston with a focus on underserved youth. Although my passion is to teach, when I moved to Seattle with my family, I worked for Boeing for 22 years as an Information Technology Professional and Mentor instead of classroom teaching. Now I'm retired from Boeing and live in Bellingham, WA. I have returned to my passion to teach math as an online tutor. I like teaching challenging topics and students. I do my best when I get to know where a student is struggling and I will find a way to explain any math problem in language and examples that makes sense to that student.

I especially enjoy teaching Trigonometry, "solving for x" word problems, graphing, and algorithmic combinatorics. I also tutor clients in the math sections of the ASVAB.

Read more

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mathematics
Harvard Graduate School of Education
MEd

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Negotiable, depending on frequency, Subject and other factors
  • Lesson cancellation: 16 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 9/13/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Computer

Fortran

Fortran

I worked for 10 years writing FORTRAN programs for doing structural analysis of pipe supports in power plants. This included front and back end programs to simplify data entry and compare actual to allowable values for design constraints. I converted The software I wrote from the IBM FORTRAN H compiler to CRAY FORTRAN and helped debug the Cray FORTRAN compiler.

Elementary Education

Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I deeply understand the fundamental relationship between numbers and how they are used in practical ways. I provide clear explanations and useful tools to help count, add, multiply, subtract, and divide numbers. I make it easy to compare and convert common fractions to decimal fractions. I love helping students figure out word problems.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I help students understand and translate word problems into equations and then "Solve for x" by following step by step procedures. I know using letters for numbers can be confusing, so I explain why it is done and how to check the answer. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true, answer questions and make sure students understand the math vocabulary they are using.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I help students with graphing functions, solving polynomial fraction inequalities, using units of measurement to solve word problems and more. No math question will go unanswered. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true. I help students manipulate math expressions to simplify terms, find factors and solutions. I introduce new math ideas using vocabulary a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them.
Geometry,

Geometry

I love Geometry the way some people love music or sports. For me, Geometry is more than memorizing weird vocabulary and proving silly statements; it is beautiful and true in its simplicity and precision. Many confusing math problems become clear when a geometric solution is available. I listen carefully to each student to understand how they think geometrically. I find appropriate explanations of geometric relationships that make sense to them. Anyone can learn and confidently use basic geometry principles. My goal is for every student to notice and have fun exploring geometric patterns in their daily life.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I listen carefully to questions and explain math concepts thoroughly, making sure the student understands each step before getting to "the answer." I connect new math terms to those a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them based on familiar examples. I love math and enjoy experiencing the "I get it!" moments when a student realizes they understand and can use the math they were struggling with more clearly and effectively.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Precalculus concepts are foundational and need accurate and clear understanding. I explain what makes math equations and formulas true and answer students' questions using appropriate vocabulary and examples. I am creative and persistent, and know many ways to graph, convert, estimate, search, etc. to get the correct answer expressed in a way that makes sense to the student. I check in frequently to make sure the student "get it" before continuing to the next question.

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I help students understand and translate word problems into equations and then "Solve for x" by following step by step procedures. I know using letters for numbers can be confusing, so I explain why it is done and how to check the answer. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true, answer questions and make sure students understand the math vocabulary they are using.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I help students with graphing functions, solving polynomial fraction inequalities, using units of measurement to solve word problems and more. No math question will go unanswered. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true. I help students manipulate math expressions to simplify terms, find factors and solutions. I introduce new math ideas using vocabulary a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them.
Discrete Math,

Discrete Math

I can help you figure out the right way to count things. I clearly explain bijective, surjective and injective mappings, and how to use them in proofs. I am an expert at using generating functions. I love Pascal's Triangle! It relates to many seemingly unrelated math topics such as Fibonacci numbers and pi. Bucky Fuller is one of my heroes who has an intuitive sense for Discrete Mathematics. I also studied integer Pythagorean triples in detail and why 2 is special in Fermat's Last Theorem. Regarding permutations, I can explain the Permutohedron and how to count partitions of subsets and transpositions of number sequences that will make sense to you. This includes explaining Sterling numbers, Bell numbers and Hasse diagrams. I also love graph theory and can explain paths, walks, trails, cycles, circuits and more as we work together to come up with proofs.
Geometry,

Geometry

I love Geometry the way some people love music or sports. For me, Geometry is more than memorizing weird vocabulary and proving silly statements; it is beautiful and true in its simplicity and precision. Many confusing math problems become clear when a geometric solution is available. I listen carefully to each student to understand how they think geometrically. I find appropriate explanations of geometric relationships that make sense to them. Anyone can learn and confidently use basic geometry principles. My goal is for every student to notice and have fun exploring geometric patterns in their daily life.
Linear Algebra,

Linear Algebra

I graduated from MIT in applied Mathematics with a minor in Physics in 1975. I have bee an effective online math tutor since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. I love explaining math as a language with its own parts of speech, sentence structure and vocabulary.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I listen carefully to questions and explain math concepts thoroughly, making sure the student understands each step before getting to "the answer." I connect new math terms to those a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them based on familiar examples. I love math and enjoy experiencing the "I get it!" moments when a student realizes they understand and can use the math they were struggling with more clearly and effectively.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

Precalculus concepts are foundational and need accurate and clear understanding. I explain what makes math equations and formulas true and answer students' questions using appropriate vocabulary and examples. I am creative and persistent, and know many ways to graph, convert, estimate, search, etc. to get the correct answer expressed in a way that makes sense to the student. I check in frequently to make sure the student "get it" before continuing to the next question.
Probability,

Probability

There are many ways to count things and mathematical reasons for why formulas are the way they are. I give students an intuitive sense for what the formulas mean, in addition to useful applications of the formulas. I will clearly answer your questions in language you understand. I know how to explain when to use factorials, powers of 2 (or 10), multiplication, addition, combinations or permutations.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is confusing! I clearly explain the six basic trigonometric functions and how trigonometric identities relate them to each other. This includes explaining what a unit circle is and why it is important to measure angles in fractional units of pi radians when graphing these functions. I prove the Pythagorean Theorem and the Pythagorean trigonometry identities because these are foundational. I help students understand and properly use the Law of Sines, the Law of Cosines, double angle formulas and other trigonometry formulas to solve problems. It takes (correct) practice solving many problems to become confident using trigonometry concepts. I encourage students to do this on their own and bring the confusing problems to a tutorial session. Trigonometry problems are not difficult when you understand the fundamentals.

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I help students understand and translate word problems into equations and then "Solve for x" by following step by step procedures. I know using letters for numbers can be confusing, so I explain why it is done and how to check the answer. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true, answer questions and make sure students understand the math vocabulary they are using.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I help students with graphing functions, solving polynomial fraction inequalities, using units of measurement to solve word problems and more. No math question will go unanswered. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true. I help students manipulate math expressions to simplify terms, find factors and solutions. I introduce new math ideas using vocabulary a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them.
Geometry,

Geometry

I love Geometry the way some people love music or sports. For me, Geometry is more than memorizing weird vocabulary and proving silly statements; it is beautiful and true in its simplicity and precision. Many confusing math problems become clear when a geometric solution is available. I listen carefully to each student to understand how they think geometrically. I find appropriate explanations of geometric relationships that make sense to them. Anyone can learn and confidently use basic geometry principles. My goal is for every student to notice and have fun exploring geometric patterns in their daily life.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

I listen carefully to questions and explain math concepts thoroughly, making sure the student understands each step before getting to "the answer." I connect new math terms to those a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them based on familiar examples. I love math and enjoy experiencing the "I get it!" moments when a student realizes they understand and can use the math they were struggling with more clearly and effectively.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Precalculus concepts are foundational and need accurate and clear understanding. I explain what makes math equations and formulas true and answer students' questions using appropriate vocabulary and examples. I am creative and persistent, and know many ways to graph, convert, estimate, search, etc. to get the correct answer expressed in a way that makes sense to the student. I check in frequently to make sure the student "get it" before continuing to the next question.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I help students understand and translate word problems into equations and then "Solve for x" by following step by step procedures. I know using letters for numbers can be confusing, so I explain why it is done and how to check the answer. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true, answer questions and make sure students understand the math vocabulary they are using.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I help students with graphing functions, solving polynomial fraction inequalities, using units of measurement to solve word problems and more. No math question will go unanswered. I explain the fundamental concepts that make math equations and formulas true. I help students manipulate math expressions to simplify terms, find factors and solutions. I introduce new math ideas using vocabulary a student already knows showing the patterns that exist between them.
Geometry

Geometry

I love Geometry the way some people love music or sports. For me, Geometry is more than memorizing weird vocabulary and proving silly statements; it is beautiful and true in its simplicity and precision. Many confusing math problems become clear when a geometric solution is available. I listen carefully to each student to understand how they think geometrically. I find appropriate explanations of geometric relationships that make sense to them. Anyone can learn and confidently use basic geometry principles. My goal is for every student to notice and have fun exploring geometric patterns in their daily life.

Test Preparation

ASVAB

ASVAB

I help students work through ASVAB practice tests and gain confidence. I identify areas of difficulty and we work together to be successful in dealing with those areas. The math on the ASVAB test can be learned quickly with correct practice. After a few sessions, students will definitely do better taking the ASVAB test.

Examples of Expertise

Sherwood has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 51 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Sherwood ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (83 ratings)
5 star
(75)
4 star
(6)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Proactive, and gave last-minute help.

Tutored at last-minute for a discrete math exam. They were available and proactive with understanding my requests, easily acquainted with the material and very helpful. Would recommend for sure.

Julian, 2 lessons with Sherwood

Super Prepared - Knowledgeable - Great Teacher

Highly recommend for algorithms! Mr. Sherwood is incredibly helpful, clearly knowledgeable, and went above and beyond in helping me understand super difficult material within an hour of time. He’s very cognizant of my time and money and makes the most of the time we spend together by coming extremely prepared to help. He was able to breeze through an MIT Computer Science homework assignment with ease and explain the concepts perfectly.

Diana, 1 lesson with Sherwood

Prepared and friendly

I provided my sons homework before lesson. Sherwood found the missing link that my son was struggling with. He took time to make sure he really understood and my son felt more confident for his test the next day.

Tabatha, 2 lessons with Sherwood

Excellent Tutor

Sherwood walked me through some of the problems I had for discrete math. He explained the material step-by-step; he also showed me effective ways to approach each problem. Highly recommend!

Travis, 1 lesson with Sherwood

Sherwood is a excellent tutor!

Thank you, Sherwood. I was completely lost with my Homework, and after our session, I understand the homework after you explained it to me. I appreciate it, looking forward to our next sessions.

Amanda, 6 lessons with Sherwood

Explained so my son could explain to me

I missed the sessions with my son. However, I knew he had a great tutor because my son could tell me everything he learned. A good investment in my son's future.

Bronwynn, 6 lessons with Sherwood

Like talking to a teacher

Woody was very helpful going over the work with our son and he said afterwards it was like he was talking to his teacher which is what we want. He teaches the work, doesn’t just do the work for the kids.

Lana, 7 lessons with Sherwood

Great High Level Math Tutor

Awesome tutor. I was having difficulty understanding the topics in my discrete math class. Wish I had come across him earlier in the semester instead of a week before the end, would have definitely boosted my grade. I was able to understand the explanations, and reasons for how an answer was arrived at, which gave me the needed clarity. Tutoring is much better when you give him the time to read over the problems and or notes.

Stephen, 3 lessons with Sherwood

ASVAB

Mr. Sherwood helped my daughter prepare for the math portion of the ASVAB. I was able to overhear his lessons. He was attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable. He was a great tutor!

Charles, 4 lessons with Sherwood
Hourly Rate: $50
Contact Sherwood