Our Tutors

Lori L

Teaching Style

I believe that students are wary of mathematics and statistics because they appear clinic and distant, with little to do with the “real” world. To educate I try to create dynamic and above all relevant “uses” for the lessons. My experiences have exposed me to different teaching styles and class formats and allowed me to develop a teaching philosophy that encompasses the best of all these methods. My philosophy is best described with reference to six primary concepts: 1. Knowledge conveyed in a relevant context 2. Interaction with each student and the material 3. Passion for teaching and the subject 4. Adaptability 5. Creativity in teaching methods and 6. Respect between the student and the teacher All students seek knowledge; it’s the teacher’s role to facilitate learning and guide them along the path. A successful lesson is one in which the student comes out seeing the world a little differently.

Experience Summary

During my education and career, the teaching of others has featured prominently in my personal goals and life objectives. While attending high school, I tutored fellow students professionally in subjects ranging from basic algebra to complex calculus. My undergraduate degree was in the field of Mathematics and Statistics with an additional biological statistics certificate and at present I am completing my Masters of Science in statistics. My understandings of these fields lead to my recruit by a number of professors and researchers to provide assistance and advisement on statistical analysis of their projects. In addition to assisting my professors, I was also selected to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and was also selected to conduct "stand alone" courses. I have a strong passion for these subjects and I believe my years of teaching experience have given me the insight, patience and ability to convey the complex world of mathematics and statistics to my students.

Janet J

Teaching Style

I enjoy teaching; it is my best talent. I understand that math is not a "favorite subject" to a lot of students. Working one on one in a tutoring situation gets past the negative block students have in a math classroom. Several of my private students have worked with me for several years. Their parents said that they felt more confident in the class room and in testing situations because of their work with me. In addition to tutoring in traditional school math subjects, I have also worked with several students on PSAT and SAT preparation. All of these students achieved a higher score on these tests after working with me one on one.

Experience Summary

I taught 34 years with the Guilford County School System, in Greensboro, NC. I retired in June 2007, and was asked to fill 2 interim positions in the Spring and Fall semesters of 2008. I taught all courses from general math through Honors Pre-calculus. I have been privately tutoring at home for the last 7 or 8 years, to supplement my income.

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.

Michelle M

Teaching Style

I value the learning styles of each individual student and regardless of subject matter, I emphasize developing study skills to enable the student to apply what he or she learns in every subject/course.

Experience Summary

In the last nine years, I have actively addressed the goals and available resources of diverse student populations. During college, I tutored through several organizations, including AVID, Hermanas Intimas, and the Ophelia Project. Later at San Francisco State University, I served as a Teaching Assistant for two semesters and two departments. Prior to these experiences, I have taught English, ESL, and EFL to native and non-native English speakers domestically as well as internationally. English was not my first language, and I use my own experiences with language and culture to communicate successfully with students from all backgrounds. Furthermore, I am very comfortable with online learning platforms as I have not only taken countless online courses but have also assisted professors in further developing and improving their online courses. I have experience with backend website support and have developed websites as well.

Melissa M

Teaching Style

My teaching style is very hands on. I believe in using lots of manipulatives so the children can discover on their own what is being done. I believe that children learn best when lessons or activities are about something they are interested in. I try to get to know my students and plan lessons that they will be engaged in and enjoy doing. I never give up on my students and know they can learn anything when given the right environment.

Experience Summary

I graduated from Kent State University in December of 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Along with my course work I was placed in 4 very different, semester long, student teaching/field experience settings. In doing so I was able to put the theories and information I was learning in my class work to practice. Since graduation I worked in a child care center, working with toddlers for 6 months, an assistant director of a summer camp for 3 months during the summer (which was my fifth year working there), and am currently substitute teaching. I started out substitute teaching at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year going to various elementary classrooms throughout the district of Akron Public Schools. Currently I am a long term substitute for a fifth grade classroom at Voris Elementary for the remainder of the school year.

Jonathan J

Teaching Style

I try to explain ideas in more than one way. If you can take an idea and look at from multiple angles then you have a better grasp of it. I also find that some explanations, for whatever reason, just don't work for some people and it's necessary to think of a new way to explain something. I enjoy teaching people things and I get a feeling of satisfaction when I help other people to learn.

Experience Summary

I have a master's degree in Economics and undergraduate degrees in both Mathematics and Economics. In my courses I have generally been one of the strongest students and I would regularly help my peers. I really enjoyed this informal tutoring for several reasons. I like explaining things, and I like helping out my friends. I also found that when I explained a concept to a fellow student that I developed a deeper understanding myself. For me, informal tutoring was something I enjoyed and it also helped me be a better student.

Ashley A

Teaching Style

First and foremost, I believe it is important to establish a trusting relationship with those you teach. Throughout my experiences in the field of education, I have found the most fruitful of those relationships to be those in which I was able to work with a student or group of students regularly over an extended period of time to develop a routine and a strong relationship in which great amounts of learning and understanding could be accomplished. Although many people experience obstacles in learning Mathematics, I believe that by presenting multiple ways to approach a problem, every student can find a method that works for them. Every student should be allowed the resources and opportunity to realize that they CAN achieve their goals. I am here to help students who have had difficulty with Math in the past to succeed, and feel confident in both their abilities in Math, and in life.

Experience Summary

As a student, I was always committed to learning and to achieving my goals. As a teacher and tutor, I strive to help others share the same love for learning and for understanding as I do. Now, I help others set goals, and work toward achieving them. I have worked with all ages, all ability levels, and various sized groups and have enjoyed each and every experience. In the past, I have primarily tutored in the subject of Mathematics, but am also trained by the Literacy Council to tutor reading and writing, and have enjoyed volunteering with that organization as well. I believe that I can help anyone enjoy and understand math, and help them feel better about themselves for it.

Suzanne S

Teaching Style

I am extremely sensitive to the individual needs of each child. At first, I work with my students at their success level so they start to build self-confidence and a sense of mastery. Then, I will begin to challenge my students, without frustrating them but stimulating them, so they want to learn more and more. This helps them to become more independent learners. I utilize all modalities to stimulate my students five senses. I also encourage them to use abstract thinking to find their own solutions and think ' out of the box '.

Experience Summary

I recently retired from the NYC Dept. of Education. I was a Special Education Teacher for the past 25 years. I graduated with Departmental Honors in Psychology, as well as receiving a license for teaching both Elementary and Special Education. My dual educational background has enabled me to work on emotional/learning issues with children(eg-self esteem, behavior modification, attention deficit disorders, etc.), as well as all academic subjects. I am well versed in writing I.E.P.'s, case studies, behavioral programs, lesson plans, long and short term learning objectives and progress reports. I worked in a psychoeducational setting and am well practiced in communicating with students, parents, administrators, therapists and other educators. I feel that open communication is extremely important among all involved with each child, in order to give the child a feeling of security and consistency. Each child is an individual with different learning needs and styles. It is up to the educator and team, to help them reach their full learning potential.