Ben
Certified Tutor
I’m here to help you achieve success in Mathematics. I’ve been a high school math teacher and a high school basketball coach since I graduated college. I became a teacher because I wanted to be useful to students and help them grow. I’ve taught everything from freshman algebra to junior pre-calculus and I’ve recognized that the key to helping students learn is patience and motivation. Every student has a capacity for success and I’m looking forward to working with you to maximize your potential. Whether you are a student who has struggled with math since the beginning or if you are a top student in your class, I believe there is always room for growth and you get there by being focused and having direction. I love what I do, I do it with care, and I’d love to help you achieve your goals.
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Undergraduate Degree: Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
Graduate Degree: Salem State University - Master of Science, Education
I love listening to and playing music, I play basketball in a mens league, I am constantly reading at least one book and I enjoy riding my sector 9 longboard.
- ACT Aspire
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- Arithmetic
- ASPIRE Math
- BASIC
- College Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Geometry
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
To achieve success, a teacher and a student must work together. They must understand each other and must be patient while they work to a common goal.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know some background information on the student and begin forming a connection. If we know each other, we will be able to communicate easier, which would make the tutoring more efficient.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By explaining how to think versus what to think, you show your student that understanding starts with understanding yourself and what learning styles work best for you. Once you begin to understand who you are, being an independent learner will come easier.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would remind the student of their big goal and point back to moments of success. Obstacles are there to remind us that we need to continue to work.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would encourage the student and remind them that they are capable of success. I would also break down complex theories into parts and help them understand the parts.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Understanding the student's background and personality makes it easier to make analogies to a topic they understand. For example, an athlete might better understand the connection between the bubonic plague and the Renaissance if you compare it to how losing a game puts you in a position to learn and improve your game plan.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Getting to know the student and agreeing on the expectations we have of each other.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Students want to feel connected to the material and know that some level of success is attainable. By giving the students some easier material to boost their confidence, you make success attainable.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would use several forms of informal and formal assessments. I prefer a style of teaching that is engaging, and as a tutor, I would constantly be asking for feedback from the student to ensure we are on the same page.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence by reminding them that they've learned material before and that it takes effort to move forward. Starting off with topics that are interesting and easy to grasp paves the way for comprehension in more difficult areas.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
This is an ongoing process. A student's needs change on a day to day basis; some days they'll be feeling energetic and optimistic, but other days they may feel the opposite. A good teacher/tutor can identify a student's mood and act accordingly. If there were any IEPs and SLDs, that would be helpful to learn upfront.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
This all depends on what the needs are. If the student wants to be challenged and finds material to be easy, I would adjust accordingly. If the student needs a more patient approach, I'd be willing to meet the student where I can be of most help.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I like to have blank pieces of paper, a pencil, and maybe a calculator (depending on the lesson).