James

Certified Tutor

A little about myself...

EDUCATION:
+ BSc in Applied Mathematics (undergraduate degree, 2001); Minor in Social Studies
+ MA in Teaching (graduate degree, 2004)
*Both from the University of Michigan

CERTIFICATIONS:
+ Secondary Teaching Certification, Mathematics & Social Studies, Grades 6/7 to 12 (State of Michigan & Hawaii)
+ UbD Teacher Trainer Certification
+ T.E.F.L. Certification

EXPERIENCE
+ Grade Levels Taught: Grades 5-12
+ Subjects Taught: Pre-Algebra, Alg. 1*, Alg. 2*, Geometry*, Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Problem Solving Skills, Logic & Reasoning, IB Math SL, IB Math Studies SL, SAT Math Prep
*Honor's Level
+ IB Moderator/Examiner for IB Math SL & IB Math Studies SL, for Papers 1 and 2, as well as the IA (Internal Assessment)
+ IB Math Studies SL IA Advisor

I have taught all over the world, in places like Hawaii, Michigan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and France. I have taught pretty much every math course from grades 5 to 12. I have taught many different curricula such as Common Core, International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE, and spiral curriculum.

I love problem solving in the form of puzzles and riddles, especially geometry-related ones. My students voted me for the Teacher Recognition Award in 2011. Students describe me as patient, kind, easy-going, and hardworking.

When I work this students, my first priority is to support their math teacher. This often involves going over homework and skills practice until mastery is achieved. Then I like to apply what was learned to solve real-world application problems. I also help students prepare for their quizzes and tests. However, these tutoring sessions can be structured any way the student prefers.

For the first meeting/tutoring session, I ask students to bring their math notebook, textbook, assigned homework, a ruler, and a GDC (calculator).