Maria

I've enjoyed tutoring for over ten years! I started in high school and I liked it so much that I pursued a career in education while getting my Ph.D. in mathematics from Western Michigan University. I've spent the last five years as an instructor for college and advanced middle school math while completing extensive training on teaching to optimize student success.

Tutoring Subjects:

Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Calculus, SAT Math, ACT Math, GRE Math, GED Math, Discrete Math, Graph Theory, Linear Algebra, Logic

Ages I’ve worked with:

I've worked with children and adults alike. The majority of my students were middle school age and above

My tutoring style:

My tutoring style is heavily influenced by the latest and greatest research on how to maximize student retention and success. I've spent the last five years developing myself as a teacher by participating in regular conferences and training programs. Thus, students in my tutoring sessions are not bored. They are actively discussing the material with me so that I may work with their unique personalities to help them meet their goals. I like to find creative new ways for students to relate to the content while making the process fun and enjoyable.

What I love most about math is that it's logical and there will always be a way to make sense of it. When my student is having a hard time with math content, I look at it from their perspective and then explain it to them in all different ways until they get that lovely "aha!" moment. For me, tutoring is a completely customized experience that honors what makes a student unique, plays on their strengths, and builds on their weaknesses.

I believe that anyone can succeed with the right attitude, effort, and assistance. I always teach my students how to approach math with a growth mindset, meaning we acknowledge our weaknesses yet we treat them only as opportunities to improve. Once we approach math with a positive outlook, it becomes easier to put in the time to practice. With enough time dedicated and the right guidance, we will achieve our goals.

In my reviews, students describe me as caring, patient, positive, and relatable.

Success story

Having tutored for 11 years, I've helped all different kinds of students. One common theme that pops up again and again is students telling me they are bad at math. One of my greatest delights as a tutor comes from being able to help students challenge their opinions that they are "bad at math." How? I've personally struggled with math and had to dedicate immense time toward learning. I experience all those difficult feelings my students have when they're frustrated. However, I don't ever let it get me down. I know that with the right dedication, I can conquer all my setbacks in math. By relating to my students and exemplifying the attitude I recommend to them, they get past their negative attitude and experience greater success than they could have ever imagined.

Hobbies and interests:

I enjoy biking, nature, animals, video and board games!