Our Tutors

Paul P

Teaching Style

For various reasons, we all learn in different ways. Often times this is difficult to address in a classroom setting, forcing teachers to address skills by giving particular instructions (how to write a paper, how to solve an equation, etc.) thereby making education a project of memorization more so than understanding. I believe it is important for students to grasp the broad concepts of their subject manner, through their particular learning style, then applying these to specific objects as opposed to the other way around. This not only allows for students to achieve in various exercises, but creates a context by which students can relate to their subject, thus internalizing it and creating a solid foundation to move forward from.

Experience Summary

Educationally, I have a BA in Mathematics from Vassar College, a school where I achieved a high level of success graduating with high honors both generally and within my major. While this gives me the mastery necessary to approach all levels of math up to the graduate level, my teaching experience makes it possible for me to convey those subjects to my students. I began working one on one with students while teaching guitar in high school and since then have continued to facilitate students' learning at various levels. Most recently I've pursued experiential education working with kids on farms, backpacking trips, and canoe expeditions. I apply this hands on approach to education in the classroom as well, one that I found successful while teaching Linear Algebra to college freshmen my senior year.

John J

Teaching Style

I am convinced, partly because of my own experiences, that the current educational system best serves the needs of the average student. I also believe that it seldom addresses the needs of those students whose learning style is not a good fit with the one size fits all educational system. This may be for a wide variety of reasons, but the result is that the student is left without the needed skill set to compete and what’s worse, left with the message that they are responsible for "not getting it" and are inferior or stupid in some respect. I nearly flunked junior high pre-algebra, and was a mediocre math student in high school. I eventually managed to teach myself, and have subsequently scored 800 on the math section of the GRE and was one of about 50/15000 to score a perfect 15 on the quantitative section of the medical college admission test (MCAT). What is wrong with this picture? My own take is that we all have different styles of optimal learning, and what’s more, are often hindered by simple roadblocks that only 1:1 teaching can identify and redress. I am very passionate about finding the approach that clicks, and building back the esteem that comes with mastery of the subject material.

Experience Summary

Prior to entering graduate and later medical school, I tutored a variety of subjects in the area of mathematics and science. As a PhD candidate, one of the requirements was to assist in teaching the physiology labs, and as an advanced candidate, was given the opportunity to give lectures in physiology to medical and nursing students. Most recently I have been an unpaid volunteer on the on-line physics forum where advanced high school and college students can go on line for assistance with their homework. Because of my career selection, I have had to take many standardized examinations and am quite adept at these. I believe I can help other aspiring students achieve the higher scores needed for acceptance in programs of their choice.

Robert R

Teaching Style

I’ve always been interested in the application of math and science to the solution of real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. Therefore my approach to teaching is very application oriented. I like to relate the subject to problems that the students will encounter in real life situations. I've generally only worked with older students; high school or college age or older mature adults who have returned to school to get advance training or learn a new trade.

Experience Summary

I’ve always been interested in math and science; especially in their application to solving real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. I have a BS in electrical engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and an MS in electrical engineering from Marquette University. I am a registered professional engineer in Illinois. I have over 30 years of experience in the application, development, and sales/field support of electrical/electronic controls for industrial, aerospace, and automotive applications. I’m currently doing consulting work at Hamilton-Sundstrand, Delta Power Company, and MTE Hydraulics in Rockford. I also have college teaching and industrial training experience. I have taught several courses at Rock Valley College in Electronic Technology, mathematics, and in the Continuing Education area. I’ve done industrial technical training for Sundstrand, Barber Colman, and others. I’ve also taught math courses at Rasmussen College and Ellis College (online course). I’ve also been certified as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for math and physics courses. I've tutored my own sons in home study programs. I'm currently tutoring a home schooled student in math using Saxon Math. I hope to do more teaching/tutoring in the future as I transition into retirement.

Tamara T

Teaching Style

I believe teaching is communicating and reaching the child on their level. The key is to understand we all learn in different ways. Successful teachers reach out in several ways to ensure the child will succeed. My goal is to get individuals passionate about the power they can obtain through knowledge, and the success that will follow them when they work hard. The key to life is always working and trying harder. My goal will not only be to educate them in math and/or accounting, but also in strength and perseverance.

Experience Summary

I worked in the Accounting field while attending school to obtained my degree from USF. I am passionate about math, accounting, and education. I would often help my follow classmates, and my current career choice (internal auditor) aids as a consultant to the organization. My job is 80% communication and 20% knowledge to help follow co-workers and clients succeed. I believe I will bring to the tutoring session, the knowledge of the "real" world, work ethic, and patience to see each child succeed.

Ali A

Teaching Style

I enjoy class discussion and participation when I am teaching in classroom. I would recommend my students to review the course ahead of time. Once I explain the subject, it will clarify any ambiguity. The other strategy that I use is to ask the students to pretend that they are the teacher and have them explain it back to me. This has been one of the best methods that help students realize whether they have understood the concept.

Experience Summary

I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology. I began teaching organic chemistry, shortly after my graduation, as a Teaching Assistant (TA). In that capacity, I held discussion sections in which I reviewed the subject in detail and worked with students in the laboratory. I worked with groups of twenty students in secondary discussion sections and laboratory experiments. At the same time, I worked as a tutor in science courses such as physics, chemistry, biology and math. As a premed student, I have been teaching MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) courses in biology, organic chemistry and general chemistry. I am very enthusiastic about teaching and feel privileged to be able to help others.

Patti P

Teaching Style

Education is the most valuable asset we can provide to our children. Each student is unique and needs to be taught in a manner that brings out their strengths to conquer weaknesses. Every student has the opportunity and ability to learn, though tapping into how each student learns may be a challenge. I believe students at any age are inquisitive by nature and should be able to follow a staircase of "why's" until all the "why's" are answered. Constructive feedback through encouragement is a great way to keep a child inquisitive and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Experience Summary

Working in the field of public safety as a supervisor, I have written numerous training manuals and taught adults in report writing, field training, National Incident Management Systems, Incident Command Systems, Taser Weapons Technology, and Basic Security classes. I have been employed for 10 years with the county and recently graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. My long term goals are to teach at a university and I am currently working to earn an MBA. While in college, I have tutored students in all areas of the degrees I was seeking, including Statistics, various levels of Math, Finance, and College Writing. I often edit student papers for grammar, spelling, and formatting issues for their final drafts.

Hebah H

Teaching Style

My main goal is to encourage independent thinking and analytical reasoning to augment their problem solving skills, thus encouraging them to not just memorize. I prompt them to question at every stage: “why?..how?” and satisfy their curiosity, instead of assuming the instructor is always right. My favorite approach is: “If you don’t have any questions, I have some for you”. This prompts classroom discussions which are very useful and has led to several intellectually stimulating questions/arguments that are not always easy to answer. The idea is to provide hints and “baby steps”, building on what they know, and lead them to the answer by making them think logically. The confidence they gain from this exercise is revealed when they tackle the “question and answers” after their group presentations!

Experience Summary

I have earned two degrees in chemistry; a BS degree in 2004 and a MS degree in 2005. Since then I have been instructing chemistry courses to undergraduates at Tanta University.These courses include Physical Chemistry, Gravimetric Analysis, Complex metric Analysis, Volumetric Analysis, Qualitative Inorganic Analysis, Organic Chemistry and Qualitative Biochemical Analysis.

Jaspreet J

Teaching Style

I have been working with kids of various age groups for about a year now. As of now, I am involved with Breakthrough Sacramento, which is non- profit organization that help underachieved Middle school kids to advance into great High schools in Sacramento region. I can work with groups as well as individuals and I am solid believer that every child is a winner, he/she just have to find his/her potential to be called a winner. I believe in slow, but explanatory method of teaching.Using fast pace learning or harsh words for kids is not in my philosophy. I am a very calm but energetic, patience but a true dedicator towards my job, which is making sure that each child achieve success in their respective fields.

Experience Summary

As a Biochemistry major, I was often given the wonderful opportunity to learn and teach high school kids about Math, Science, especially chemistry in general. In addition to this, I was often contacted by my peers and other fellow UCD students to help them with their science classes. Through out my experience, I have worked with students ranging from Middle school to Undergrads at UC Davis. I have also been involved in private tutoring lessons in Chemistry(Analytic, Physical and Biochemistry), Math (Algebra, Geometry, Trig), Biology in general, Anatomy and Physiology.