I have always had an affinity toward mathematics, but did not decide on a career in education until a year after I earned my B.A. in the discipline. Not knowing exactly what job path I wanted to take when I first graduated from college, I worked for several months as an attendant at a psychiatric ward at a research hospital. While I was considering the idea of returning to college to earn a degree in psychology, I learned that I could earn extra income by substitute teaching during my days off from the ward. I found that I enjoyed teaching so much, I began cutting back my hours at the hospital in order to pick up more days as a substitute teacher, and eventually enrolled in education courses to earn my state certification. When I began my first full-time mathematics teaching position, I discovered the joy of helping students appreciate the rich intricacies of mathematics, as well as witnessing their overall sense of achievement. I have been fortunate to teach in independent schools that stress the importance of students and teachers learning together, emphasizing the fact that a teachers responsibilities extend beyond the classroom. Indeed, I have found the one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the privilege of serving as an adult role model for my students. A privilege that I took seriously every time I walked into my classroom. In terms of academics, I believe that students, when placed in appropriate courses, rise to a high level of accomplishment if they are given the appropriate challenge and are encouraged to succeed. The teacher must create an atmosphere of trust by demonstrating genuine care. Further, the classroom environment must be such that students feel that their questions are welcome, their opinions valued, and ideas encouraged. On a personal note, some of my favorite on-campus experiences have included occasions when I played music with students in an informal setting, or joined them in a game of hackey-sack on the lawn during lunchtime. Why did I spend most of my adult life in as a teacher? Simply put, I love the energy and optimism I encounter in my classroom, and value the insight my students provided. Aside from being blessed with the opportunity to convey my enthusiasm for mathematics, I found that it is in the cooperative process between myself and my students the act of being taught while teaching that continued to renew my commitment to education each and every new school year. As a tutor, I am able to enjoy all of the benefits mentioned above with the added bonus that I can work with individuals and help them reach their specific goals more efficiently.

Q&A with Jeff

Tutoring Subjects