Dane: Mount Vernon tutor
Certified Tutor
From a young age, it was obvious that math is my strongest subject. I've always enjoyed the subject, and excelled in each of my math courses at Tonganoxie High School and at Washington University in St. Louis. I finished homework assignments quickly and accurately, and was frequently asked by my peers to help them with theirs. After performing well in Calculus II, the university offered me a position as a tutor for that class. During my two years as a Calculus II tutor, I deepened my passion for mathematics, and honed valuable teaching skills. I fine-tuned my understanding of the course material, while helping students improve their own as well. In 2015, I was fortunate enough to receive the Mentor of the Year Award from the university, an award voted on by the students that I tutored. I very much enjoyed my time as a Calculus II tutor at Washington University in St. Louis, and was sad to see my work come to an end due to graduation. This summer, I am excited for the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for math with the students of Varsity Tutors.
My tutoring style is centered around the development of organizational skills. I firmly believe that in order to succeed in math, it is important to have organized thoughts. In my sessions, I will present material to students in an organized manner, and will make sure that they are able to translate this organized thought process to their math homework and exams. It is my goal to ensure that all of my students understand the basics, and are able to apply the basics to more advanced problems.
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Undergraduate Degree: Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- ACT Composite: 32
- ACT English: 35
- ACT Math: 34
Chemical Engineering, Alternative Energy Engineering, Super Smash Bros, Youtube, Sports
What is your teaching philosophy?
I strongly believe that organization is the most important skill in learning math. If one studies in an organized manner, using tables and charts to summarize concepts, it will translate to fewer mistakes and a stronger understanding of the material by the day of the exam.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would start by discussing the specific concerns of the student, and then would try to back up to discover the roots of any confusion. Math always builds upon itself, so it is important that students understand the fundamentals before attempting advanced topics.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
My hope is to teach students the organization skills that they need in order to be successful in current and future classes. Strong organization skills are crucial to success in math and science.