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Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mimi
I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
Dartmouth College
B.A.

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Aaron
I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Nina
I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...
Columbia University
Masters in biostatistics
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Current Grad Student, Biostatistics
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...
Harvard University
PHD, Education
Wesleyan University
Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Certified Tutor
Charles
I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...
Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
Christopher
I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...
Harvard College
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
Liz
I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...
Simmons College
Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)
Certified Tutor
Michelle
I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...
Baylor College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, M.D.
Rice University
Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Solange
I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Justin
I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Com...
Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics
University of Chicago
Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Isabella
I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at t...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies)
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Current Grad Student, Operations Research
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Andrew
I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics.
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science, Physics
Vanderbilt University
Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering
Certified Tutor
10+ years
I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extre...
Brown University
Bachelors
Certified Tutor
James
I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with...
Harvard University
Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
Certified Tutor
5+ years
Sabira
I am currently attending Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Math and Statistics. I love helping students and I love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to use my knowledge to make someone else happier. My favorite subject to teach is math because t...
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Top 20 Math Subjects
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Isabella
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects
I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at the college level. I have also taught at summer programs for gifted middle school and high school students. I am passionate about tutoring kids in math and science because I think that a strong foundation in STEM at an early age can set the tone for their future. In my spare time I like to engage in athletics, and was a Division 1 rower in college. Hobbies: reading, swimming, writing, books, music, running, art
Andrew
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing
Daniel
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extremely flexible, and anywhere in New York City works for me. I look forward to working with you.
James
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +40 Subjects
I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.
Sabira
Middle School Math Tutor • +35 Subjects
I am currently attending Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Math and Statistics. I love helping students and I love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to use my knowledge to make someone else happier. My favorite subject to teach is math because there are so many ways to learn it and if one way does not help I can use another. I used to teach taekwondo and interacted with all kinds of students, and I'm excited to help out more! Hobbies: books, reading, music, writing, art
Ingrid
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects
I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the first-generation and low-income student community as the Outreach Chair of the Quest+ Scholars Network, and getting involved with the Society of Women Engineers' outreach committee. I currently hold a work-study position as an administrative clerical aide in the Institute of Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern and was an undergraduate researcher in the John Rogers Lab. As I look forward with aspirations of applying to graduate school, areas of research in biomedical engineering and biotechnology that I am particularly interested in include biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy learning on my own and sharing my experience and knowledge with my peers and other students. I hope to make use of my experiences with academics and learning in high school and so far in my undergraduate career in order to effectively tutor students who may be experiencing the same struggles in learning that I also experienced.
Henry
Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects
I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.
Elena
Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects
I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle and high-schools, and am particularly adept at communicating and explaining concepts in a quirky, engaging, and intelligent manner. I was named Scotland International Young Thinker of the Year 2014 for exactly that sort of work. Much of my tutoring background is in test-prep and essay coaching, which I enjoy because it allows the tutor and student to think strategically together, and work as a team to achieve concrete results. I have worked with students ranging in age from 6-32, and believe that, in an educational context, a few jokes never hurt anybody. I love reading and learning, and my educational approach is centered around making the material just as engaging to students as it is to me. I think J.K. Rowlings, the writer of Harry Potter, is just as brilliant as Stephen Hawking, and in my free time, I manage my (terrible) fantasy baseball team, write songs for my comedy band, and crack jokes about terrible science-fiction movies with my friends.
Justin
Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Currently, I am in the master's program at the University of New Mexico where I am continuing my education in philosophy. Ultimately, I hope to go on to earn a PhD in Philosophy so that I can continue engaging in my passions for learning and teaching. While in school, I have spent countless hours coaching high school speech and debate both in person and working online with students across the country. My focus in coaching has been to emphasize philosophy and critical thought to prepare students to think through novel arguments on their own. I am passionate about teaching and tutoring because I love seeing students learn to be intellectually independent and think through problems on their own terms by developing their critical thinking skills. I have devoted my life to education because I am passionate about it, and I try to share some of my passion for learning with the students I work with. I tutor all sorts of Standardized Tests, and I particularly enjoy working on logic-based problems like analogies and math sections. When I am not tutoring or reading for school, I enjoy strategy games (both board games and video games), listening to music, hiking, playing basketball, and just relaxing with friends.
Asta
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +73 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare them for college in the United States.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Many students struggle with subtraction because it requires understanding that numbers can decrease, which is a different concept from addition. Common challenges include:
- Regrouping (borrowing): Students often forget to regroup or do it incorrectly when the ones digit in the minuend is smaller than the ones digit in the subtrahend.
- Negative numbers: Subtracting negative numbers confuses students who haven't internalized that subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.
- Word problems: Identifying when subtraction is needed and setting up the problem correctly trips up many learners.
- Number sense: Some students don't have a strong intuition for what the answer should be, making it hard to catch their own mistakes.
Personalized tutoring helps students work through each of these challenges at their own pace, building confidence and mastery.
The best subtraction tutors combine subject expertise with the ability to explain concepts in multiple ways. Look for tutors who:
- Use manipulatives and visual models: Great tutors use number lines, base-ten blocks, area models, and other tools to make subtraction concrete before moving to abstract algorithms.
- Diagnose underlying gaps: They identify whether a student's struggle is with number sense, place value, regrouping, or something else—then address the root cause.
- Build number sense first: They help students estimate answers and understand the relationship between addition and subtraction, not just memorize procedures.
- Adapt to learning style: They recognize that some students learn best through hands-on activities, visual representations, or verbal explanations.
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who excel at breaking down subtraction in ways that click for your student.
Most students begin understanding subtraction concepts around age 4-5 through informal activities (like removing objects from a group), but formal instruction typically starts in kindergarten and first grade. The typical progression is:
- K-1st grade: Subtraction within 10 using objects, fingers, and number lines; understanding "take away" and "difference" meanings.
- 2nd grade: Subtraction within 20, then within 100 using strategies like counting on, decomposing, and regrouping with two-digit numbers.
- 3rd-4th grade: Multi-digit subtraction with regrouping; understanding subtraction in context of word problems.
- 5th+ grade: Subtracting decimals, fractions, and negative numbers as part of broader algebra readiness.
If your student is struggling at any of these levels, a tutor can identify which concepts need reinforcement and help them catch up.
Confidence grows when students experience success and understand why the process works. Here's how personalized tutoring helps:
- Start where they are: Tutors begin with concepts your student has mastered, then build from there rather than jumping to harder problems.
- Use multiple strategies: Different approaches work for different people. Tutors teach students to choose the strategy that makes most sense to them.
- Practice strategically: Rather than drilling random problems, tutors focus on problems that target specific gaps, so improvement feels real and measurable.
- Celebrate progress: Regular check-ins help students see how far they've come, building both confidence and motivation.
With consistent practice and personalized feedback, most students move from anxiety to competence quickly.
Mental subtraction is a skill that develops when students build strong number sense and learn efficient strategies. Tutors help by:
- Teaching compensation strategies: For example, to subtract 9, students can subtract 10 and add 1 back—a much easier mental move.
- Building on number bonds: Students who know that 10 is made of 7 + 3 can quickly figure out 10 - 7 = 3.
- Using real-world contexts: Making change, calculating time differences, and similar everyday situations make mental subtraction purposeful and practical.
- Developing automaticity: Through spaced practice, students internalize basic facts (like 15 - 8) so they become automatic, freeing up mental energy for larger problems.
Mental math fluency typically improves significantly when a student works with a tutor who focuses on strategy development rather than just speed.
Word problems require students to translate English into mathematical notation, which is harder than solving a problem already in equation form. Common struggles include:
- Not recognizing when subtraction is the operation needed (especially when language is indirect, like "How many more?" or "What's left?")
- Getting confused by extra information or multi-step problems
- Understanding what the answer represents in context
Tutors help by teaching students to:
- Identify keywords and translate them systematically (though language varies, so keyword hunting has limits)
- Draw pictures, make number lines, or act out the problem to visualize what's happening
- Ask themselves: "What do I know? What am I looking for? What operation makes sense?"
- Check their answer by asking if it makes sense in the context of the problem
With guided practice, students develop the confidence to tackle word problems independently.
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing tutoring concepts. Here are evidence-based ways to help:
- Use daily situations: Practice subtraction naturally through cooking ("We need 3 eggs; we have 5"), playing games, or making change at the store.
- Ask thinking questions: Instead of telling your student the answer, ask "How could we figure this out?" or "Does that make sense?"
- Avoid pressure: Research shows that math anxiety can interfere with learning. Keep practice sessions short, positive, and pressure-free.
- Reinforce tutor strategies: Ask your tutor which strategies they're teaching so you can use the same language and approach at home.
- Celebrate effort, not just correctness: Praise problem-solving processes and persistence, not just right answers.
When parents and tutors work together with consistent messaging, students typically make faster progress.
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