Janeya: Western Springs tutor

Certified Tutor

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics and Interdisciplinary Physics, and plan to go to graduate school afterwards in the same field. I am passionate about teaching math because I genuinely love learning it, and I find that helping others understand mathematical concepts deepens my own understanding as well. I've tutored elementary and middle school students, as well as peers, in a variety of math subjects.

One of my most meaningful teaching experiences was serving as a teaching assistant at a local middle school, where I used origami to help students grasp geometry concepts. By combining classroom lessons with hands-on activities, students were able to see how abstract ideas like symmetry and angles come to life making learning more engaging and effective. I believe that connecting challenging math concepts to creative projects or everyday experiences can make them more accessible, and it's a strategy that has helped me succeed academically as well.

Another technique that has served me well is starting small and building up to solve complex problems. This approach encourages students to focus on foundational steps, the things you already know and tools you know how to use, which can make problem-solving less intimidating and more manageable. The math subjects I am passionate about teaching are Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus 1 and 2. I believe these subjects show a lot of real-world applications which can bring math to life and allow a deeper appreciation for it. I firmly believe that understanding math is key to understanding the world around us from science and technology to art and nature.

Outside of academics, I enjoy crocheting and knitting, both of which require precision and measurement skills strengthened by my math background. I also love taking morning walks and runs.