Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

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Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

Molly

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra

I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with an...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Asta

Certified Tutor

Asta

Bachelor in Arts in Political Science
Asta's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare th...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts in Political Science

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
35
Rebecca

Certified Tutor

Rebecca

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)
Rebecca's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am a graduate of Northwestern University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in social work at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. I am passionate about tutoring because I wan...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Katie

Certified Tutor

Katie

Bachelor in Arts
Katie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I am happy to help students prepare for these exams. I enjoy students of all ages and am excited to tutor a wide range of subjects, although my first loves are math and English (especially grammar). I truly believe my sincere energy and enthusiasm can help make students excited about learning. I wel...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor in Arts

Natalie

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Natalie

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, English
Natalie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I'm a second-year student at Rice University majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology as well as in English. My unusual double major is a result of my inability to choose a favorite subject--I love literature and science! This love of learning translates naturally to my role as a tutor. Because I l...

Education

Rice University

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, English

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Jean

Certified Tutor

Jean

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Jean's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I am a fourth year student at Harvard Medical School, and will start working as a pediatrician in July of 2016. However, if I had not decided to become a physician, I would have strongly considered becoming a teacher. Teaching is one of the most enjoyable activities I do, and I have taught in some c...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Harvard Medical School

Doctor of Medicine, Medicine

Claire

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Claire

Bachelor in Arts, Double Major: Spanish Literature; History
Claire's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

I am an experienced and dynamic language instructor with a background in literature, history, and math. I have taught students in Spanish, French, and English as a Second-Language, using highly visual and interactive techniques to engage students in the fun and challenge of learning a language. I ha...

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor in Arts, Double Major: Spanish Literature; History

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
32
Matthew

Certified Tutor

Matthew

Bachelor's
Matthew's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Arithmetic

I am a rising Sophomore at Princeton University. I am majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, most likely with a minor in Computer Science. During my Junior and Senior years of High School, I tutored a few students on a regular basis. I specialize in Math and Science. More specifically, my...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
ACT
34
Laura

Certified Tutor

Laura

Bachelor of Arts in History
Laura's other Tutor Subjects
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am a graduate of Princeton University, class of 2014. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with a focus on recent American economic history. I was a pre-med, molecular biology major for my first two years at Princeton, and while I ended up deciding not to pursue a career in the sciences, I to...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor of Arts in History

Catherine

Certified Tutor

Catherine

PHD, History
Catherine's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am a graduate student in the humanities who is lucky enough to teach, read, and write for a living. I am passionately committed to educational access and helping young people reach their full potential. It has been my privilege to work with dozens of bright and talented students over the years, ra...

Education

Stanford University

PHD, History

Princeton University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1590

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Frankie

College Algebra Tutor • +32 Subjects

I'm Frankie! I have recently earned degrees in both Math and Physics from Cornell University. Prior to joining Varsity Tutors, I worked as both a Math Course Assistant and as an SAT Math Tutor. In addition to working with students, I'm also currently conducting Applied Math Research for the National Science Foundation at Pennsylvania State University. During my years of High School, I was running for my Cross Country team and was digging for my State Champion Volleyball team. Also, I am an amateur juggler and an avid chess player. Hobbies: running, art, books, writing, reading, music

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Jason

College Algebra Tutor • +50 Subjects

I'm a fourth year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania who is applying to pediatrics residency programs. I graduated in 2006 from Yale University with a bachelors degree in History. I subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate program at Bryn Mawr College to complete the premedical course work and matriculated into Penn's medical school. I took a year off from medical school between my third and fourth year to get a masters degree in education focusing on medical education but also learning a tremendous amount about K-12 education as well. Hobbies: art, outdoors, books, writing, reading, music

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Mary

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am a 2014 graduate of Cornell University's College of Engineering where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Engineering. I have just begun my Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University. My favorite subjects to tutor include Test Prep and elementary/middle school subjects. I enjoy helping younger students so that they can be excited about learning and begin their education with a solid foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics. I believe it is important to provide students with the proper tools to succeed at a young age so that they continue to have a desire to learn for the rest of their lives. I loved my college experience and want to show high school students that with practice and diligence, they too can perform well on standardized tests and go on to the university of their choosing. To accomplish academic goals at any level, it is important for the student to have fun while learning! I personalize my teaching approach to fit the student's learning style so that he or she can easily transition from learning a concept to applying it to a given problem. The greatest reward is seeing the smile on a student's face when a topic "clicks".

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Ashley

College Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am a graduate of The University of Michigan and The University of Pennsylvania (The Wharton School). I received my undergraduate degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering with a minor in history. Also, I recently graduated with an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania (The Wharton School).

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Kim

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +43 Subjects

I am able to determine what obstacles are preventing a student from grasping a concept, and create different means of overcoming those obstacles. Creating a partnership with the student and understanding what he or she needs to overcome is what makes me a great tutor.

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Deirdre

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am currently living and working in Boston, where I grew up. I received my BA in History of Science from Harvard University, completing coursework in history, government, social sciences, biology, chemistry, and physics. I recently graduated with First Honors from National University of Ireland, Galway with my Masters in Gender, Globalization, and Human Rights. I was just accepted to medical school at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and will begin there in the fall of 2018. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, sports, books, traveling, travel

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Noah

College Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am friendly, communicate well, and capable of adapting my teaching style to meet every student's needs. As a student and as a tutor, I understand the difficulties both face and look to build my tutoring style around my tutee. As a young tutor, I can also relate well to students. Having taken many of the same courses and exams only a few years ago, I understand what it takes to succeed and am willing to go the extra mile to make sure my students enjoy the same success. Hobbies: running, travel, reading, cooking, music, writing, art, books, traveling

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Sarah

Middle School Math Tutor • +22 Subjects

I am happy to call Houston home now! I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Art History and Child Development and completed my master's degree in Communications at the American University of Paris. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books, running, travel

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Ken

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +34 Subjects

I am a Wake Forest University graduate with a degree in Psychology, and I am currently pursuing a career as a physical therapist.

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Paula

8th Grade math Tutor • +123 Subjects

I am extremely passionate about academics and learning; the value of each was inculcated into me at a very young age. I tutor a variety of subjects largely because I have so many areas of interests and have been privileged enough to pursue knowledge in those areas. I even enjoy tucking away "useless facts"...in fact, those very tidbits got me past the Jeopardy! Online Test and into the Contestant Audition!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Procedural understanding means knowing the steps to solve a problem (like the algorithm for long division), while conceptual understanding means knowing *why* those steps work. Many elementary students can follow steps but struggle when problems look different or when they need to apply skills in new situations. A tutor helps bridge this gap by using visual models, manipulatives, and real-world examples to show students the reasoning behind the math—so they can tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence rather than just memorizing rules.

Word problems require students to translate language into mathematical operations, identify what information matters, and decide which strategy to use—multiple layers of thinking at once. Many students focus on finding numbers and plugging them into operations without understanding the problem's structure. Tutors help by teaching students to break problems into manageable steps: reading carefully, visualizing the situation (with drawings or diagrams), identifying the question being asked, and then choosing an appropriate strategy. This systematic approach builds confidence and helps students see word problems as solvable puzzles rather than confusing text.

Showing work isn't just about getting credit on tests—it's a thinking tool that helps students catch their own mistakes and explains their reasoning to others. Many elementary students rush through problems or rely on mental math without recording steps, which makes it hard to find errors or learn from them. Tutors model how to write out work clearly, explain why each step matters, and use "showing work" as a problem-solving strategy rather than a chore. When students see that organized work actually helps them solve harder problems, they're more motivated to develop this habit.

Math anxiety—the worry or fear that builds around math—can actually interfere with memory and problem-solving ability, creating a cycle where anxious students perform worse and become more anxious. This often starts when students feel rushed, don't understand concepts, or internalize the belief that they're "not a math person." Tutors create low-pressure environments where mistakes are learning opportunities, celebrate effort and progress, and help students experience success with manageable challenges. Over time, this rebuilds confidence and helps students see themselves as capable mathematicians.

Elementary math can feel like disconnected topics—addition, fractions, measurement, geometry—when students only learn procedures in isolation. Strong tutors help students recognize that multiplication is repeated addition, that fractions are parts of a whole (just like division), and that area and multiplication are connected. By drawing these connections explicitly and using consistent visual models across topics, tutors help students build a coherent understanding of math rather than a collection of separate tricks. This deeper web of connections makes new topics easier to learn and helps students retain skills longer.

Elementary math programs vary significantly—some emphasize traditional algorithms, others use "new math" or Singapore Math approaches, and schools may use different textbooks with different visual models and terminology. A good tutor learns how your child's school teaches math and reinforces those same methods and language, so there's consistency between tutoring and classroom instruction. This alignment prevents confusion and helps students feel confident using what they've learned in tutoring when they return to class. Tutors can also bridge gaps if a student missed key concepts or struggled with their school's particular approach.

Yes—tutors personalize instruction to meet students where they are. For struggling students, tutors slow down, use concrete models and manipulatives to build foundational understanding, and break skills into smaller steps. For advanced students, tutors introduce deeper problem-solving, challenge them with multi-step or open-ended problems, and explore enrichment topics that extend beyond grade-level curriculum. In both cases, the goal is helping students develop mathematical thinking and confidence, not just moving through material faster or slower.

Multi-step problems require students to plan a sequence of operations, keep track of intermediate results, and stay organized—skills that don't develop automatically. Tutors teach explicit strategies like underlining important information, drawing diagrams to visualize the problem, breaking it into smaller questions ("What do I need to find first?"), and checking each step before moving forward. They also help students choose appropriate tools—mental math for simple steps, written calculations for complex ones—so students feel in control rather than lost in a maze of numbers.

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