Learning comes alive with human connection.
I’m now offering online math support.
Let's turn stress into confidence.
When I was in 8th grade, I was an average math student. After the first quarter, my teacher at the time saw something in me, and asked me if the class was too easy. I replied that I didn't know, how I just did my homework and did what she asked. She decided to move me up to the honors level class as the second quarter began. And immediately once I was there, I knew I was in over my head.
They were using words and math operations I had no clue about. They were going so fast. And I sat there, bewildered, feeling the first pangs of panic. But my teacher, wow. He was the difference maker. His name was Mr. Deleganis, and he had thick glasses, a walrus style mustache, and a super upbeat and kind demeanor. He offered to catch me up by sitting with me every day after school, for a few weeks. My dad expressed interest in joining these sessions, so he went to work earlier in the morning just so he could make it to school and sit there quietly, looking just as confused as me, as Mr. Deleganis reviewed a quarter's worth of material.
It worked. Over time, I got caught up. And as more time passed, I started to thrive. Then every year following that, I was in honors level classes, and eventually ended up teaching math at the high school level. What a journey.
My original teacher, my new teacher, and my dad saw something in me, and they did their part to nourish it into existence. I will forever be grateful for their gift, and it's with that same level of intention and honor to help others blossom that I do this work.
I know intimately well that learning can quickly lead to frustration; I've seen it myself and as an educator. You or someone you know wants to learn from a teacher or learning program, but the connection isn't being made. Then there's the pressure of falling behind, or to reach the next level, and you just wish you had the right help to enable you to do so. That's why I do this work, so that you can have a trusted ally, to face that challenge along with you.
Besides the improvement on math performance, what we seek to do is build on student confidence. How students feel about math learning, at any stage of their lives, has a confidence ripple-effect throughout life. For example, we need enough math confidence to possibly pursue fulfilling careers that may necessitate math, logic, problem solving, and numbers awareness. On the flip side, I've heard countless stories of students who are prepared to write off entire career paths because they think they won't be successful with the math that's involved. Even if the math is only for an entrance exam. So unfortunate, yet so avoidable.
The One-on-One program is both an immediate (current class) and long term (confidence) investment in the success of the student. Multiple parent references are available upon request.
In an email from a parent, shared with her enthusiastic permission:
"...on another note, my middle child Alex and a half dozen of his friends were at the house last night – as I was feeding the herd, the boys could hear Sammy's session with you as the study is next door to the kitchen. As the boys were eating and carrying on..loudly.. They grew quiet in unison – as they could hear Sammy's session, these boys literally fell SILENT.. As they listened intently for about 5 min or so – they all looked at one another baffled. And my Alex said, "yeah, my brother has this BOSS (middle school slang for awesome) tutor and if I had him as my teacher I wouldn't have failed the math test last week!" The boys broke out in laughter as Alex said what they were all thinking. They all did poorly on this particular test. One of the other boys said, "I want a cool teacher.. it's not fair!" I was almost crying laughing so hard! It was such a funny yet sincere moment shared by 6 boys trying to maintain cool status but being vulnerable at the same time."
Subjects offered
:
-
Elementary School Math
-
Pre-Algebra
-
Algebra
-
College Algebra
-
Geometry
-
Algebra 2
-
Pre-Calculus (Math Analysis)
-
Trigonometry
-
Statistics
-
Calculus I
Standardized test preparation for:
-
SAT
-
ACT
-
GRE
-
CSET
-
GED
-
GMAT
-
Compass test
-
ISEE
We work on Zoom, and you'll need to have a reliable internet connection.
Once we're connected, we'll see and hear each other, and I'll be writing on our whiteboard. It's just like we're sitting in the same room, except I'm in Oregon now, and you're in _________ (fill in some world city). It's so very special. We'll accomplish your goals while simultaneously honoring your scheduling needs and life's priorities. All in-color slides we create together I'll send afterwards, to serve as additional review.
What has worked with families is that we arrange for one session, then you check in with your learner to see how it went, and we take it from there.
To learn more, please reach out directly:
"What makes a good tutor?" was the question on Yay Math's facebook page. The combined responses totaled over 600 words! They are combined in the word cloud below.
