I have been tutoring and teaching for 18 years. Before joining Varsity Tutors I ran a tutoring lab at a community college and taught courses as an Adjunct Professor. I love math, but even more, I love watching students reach that "ah-ha" moment. Teaching is a calling, not just a job, and I think I was called to help students realize they are empowered, capable, strong and can be successful at math with the right direction. We get so caught up in the processes and formulas that we forget to see how things are related and how one concept actually is applied to the next. I try to help my students see those relationships. I decided to resign my position and begin working in the public school system because I saw too many students who were not prepared for college and I wanted to make a difference at that preparation level. I am currently a full-time sixth grade math teacher and I love continuing to work with higher level math students through Varsity. It keeps my skills sharp and helps me to always remember where my sixth graders are going and what they will need to be proficient at to get there. If I could share any advice for other tutors it would be to first establish a relationship with your students. Students will respond better when they know you are really there for them and not just performing a job. Second, have high expectations. I don't just want to work out a problem for them, instead I ask questions and try to help them see what to do. Lastly, help students to see the relationship between something they already know, use the proper vocabulary and be a facilitator to their own learning.