Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

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Award-Winning Elementary Math Tutors

Anna

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Anna

Bachelor's
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right early on makes everything that comes later in math dramatically easier. Anna takes a patient, step-by-step approach to building number sense — breaking problems into smaller pieces so younger students can see the logic behind each ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Aqsa

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Aqsa

Bachelor's (in progress)
Aqsa's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Elementary School Math
High School Math

Aqsa turns early math concepts like place value, basic multiplication, and fractions into something tangible by using everyday examples kids can actually picture. Her experience coaching and mentoring younger learners means she knows how to keep sessions patient and encouraging while still pushing t...

Education

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's (in progress)

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

Place value, regrouping, and early fractions click faster when a tutor knows exactly where young learners tend to get stuck. Molly has spent three years teaching math intervention in 2nd through 4th grade classrooms, so she can pinpoint a gap in number sense and address it before it snowballs. Rated...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480

Certified Tutor

Asta

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

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic fractions, and the logic behind multiplication — shapes how a student thinks about math for years. Asta's experience working with younger learners across different educational systems in both Hong Kong and the U.S. gives her a practical ...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts in Political Science

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
35

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

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right early on shapes how a student feels about math for years. Rebecca approaches elementary math by making those foundational concepts tangible — using visual models and step-by-step reasoning so kids understand the 'why' behind each o...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (minor in Religious Studies)

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Austin

Bachelors
Austin's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

Fractions, place value, and multi-digit multiplication all click faster when a student understands the reasoning behind each step. Austin breaks these concepts into visual, concrete pieces — using number lines, grouping, and real-world scenarios — so younger learners build genuine number sense inste...

Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Mariam

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Mariam's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

Getting multiplication facts, place value, and basic fractions right at this stage matters more than most people realize — these are the building blocks everything else sits on. Mariam makes these early concepts tangible and intuitive, using visual strategies and real-world examples that stick. Her ...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Natalie

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

Multiplication tables, long division, and fractions don't have to feel like a grind. Natalie turns elementary math into something approachable by using visual models and real-world examples — splitting a pizza into equal parts or measuring ingredients for a recipe. Her warmth and love of learning ma...

Education

Rice University

Bachelors, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, English

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

Mary

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Engineering
Mary's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

Building number sense early — understanding place value, basic operations, and how to reason through word problems — sets the trajectory for everything that comes after in math. Mary treats elementary math as a chance to make young learners feel confident with numbers rather than anxious about them....

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1430
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

Ken

Current Grad, Physical Therapy
Ken's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Pre-Calculus

Multiplication tables, long division, and fractions each represent a genuine conceptual leap for young learners, not just a harder version of what came before. Ken's psychology background gives him insight into how children process new information, and he uses that to pace lessons around how a stude...

Education

Wake Forest University

Bachelors, Psychology

Stony Brook University

Current Grad, Physical Therapy

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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

Catherine

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects

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, ranging from fifth grade to university level. I especially enjoy helping students with test prep and am qualified to teach all sections of the SAT and GRE, including math. I would also love to tutor in history, literature, and writing. Hobbies: reading, cooking, music, running, art, travel, books, writing

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Edris

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +30 Subjects

I am a dedicated teacher because I am a dedicated learner and I strive to instill in my students that same passion for knowledge and mental exercise, all while improving the student's grades. My tutoring experience stretches back to when I was a high school student tutoring students younger than me in various math and science classes including SAT prep, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics. Now, as a graduate of Boston College with a degree in mathematics and economics who has completed the premedical prerequisite courses, I hope to continue my journey as a tutor. Hobbies: art, reading, writing, books, music

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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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Katie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +33 Subjects

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 welcome questions and value honesty while tutoring. My personal interests include international education, traveling, hiking, camping, and Notre Dame football.

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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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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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Matthew

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +26 Subjects

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 strongest subjects are Algebra 1/2/3, Geometry, Trigonometry and ACT Science. I have always found the maths and sciences to be both the most interesting subjects, but also the most applicable to real world problems - this is why I chose to major in what I did. Because I usually tutor in Math, I often tutor in the style of showing how to do a few problems step by step, and then having the student try a few more difficult problems, asking questions along the way. I do this because in my experience, this is the best way to learn and prepare for Math related exams. Outside of academics I play Viola, enjoy running and exercising to stay healthy, and listening to all kinds of music.

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Claire

Arithmetic Tutor • +47 Subjects

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 have lived in Spain, France, and Chile, as well as various parts of the United States, so I bring cultural insight into each lesson. Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

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Jean

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +57 Subjects

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 capacity every year for the past ten years. I have taught subjects ranging from English to algebra, from physics to dance, and have taught students ranging in age from toddlers to adults. I have also provided advice on application essays, resumes, and interview strategies for Harvard College students applying to highly competitive scholarships. Each of these experiences has taught me how to communicate concepts in clear and engaging ways. For instance, while tutoring adolescents enrolled in the Boston-based Artists for Humanity program, I would often teach students whom I had never worked with before, and thus became adept at quickly discovering and implementing the strategies that worked best for a particular student (e.g., visual/tactile examples, analogies, and breaking down complex problems into smaller parts). While tutoring a janitorial staff member in preparation for the mathematics portion of her GED high school equivalency exam, I learned how to quickly identify the highest yield topics for a standardized exam and focus our efforts on those. Each of these experiences has been incredibly rewarding, and has inspired me to teach in some capacity throughout my career as a doctor.

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Laura

College Algebra Tutor • +37 Subjects

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 took many science classes in high school (AP) and in college, and still enjoy these subjects. Since graduating from Princeton, I have moved to Manhattan where I have started a job as an analyst at a private equity firm. I tutored professionally in Princeton for three years, and am excited to continue working with students as a Varsity Tutors tutor. I have experience tutoring elementary school math, Algebra, Algebra II/Pre-calc, English literature, writing (esp. essay editing), Biology (including AP), Chemistry (including accelerated and AP), SAT, and French (through French III). My own educational experience has had a formative impact on my style as a tutor. I attended a Montessori school from pre-school through 8th grade, and was heavily influenced by the focus on independent learning, discovery, and exploration as a way to develop a more thorough and better understanding of academic subjects. I am passionate about making sure that students enjoy what they are learning, and I try to individualize tutor sessions to match the specific needs of each student. Both my parents are teachers (one a violin teacher and another a professor), which has also influenced my ability and desire to help students learn.

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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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