Hi, I'm Matthew Schiff, and I'm passionate about helping students unlock their full potential in mathematics. My tutoring approach is built on the belief that learning is a personal and often non-linear journey, and that mistakes are not detours, but an essential part of the path to understanding. I strive to create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to embrace the "messy process" of learning. I tutor a range of subjects including Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra II, Algebra, and Geometry for high school students, Calculus (A, B, C) and Discrete Math for college students, and also provide specialized instruction for the SAT Math and Praxis Mathematics (5165) exams.
I bring a strong academic foundation to my tutoring, holding a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics Education with a perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education with cum laude honors and a 3.8/4.0 GPA from the University of Delaware. My experience as a high school Mathematics Teacher has given me practical insights into how students learn best, emphasizing mutual respect, clear expectations, and differentiated instruction. I believe in giving students choice in how they learn, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is inefficient and ineffective. Instead, I adapt my strategies to meet individual needs and preferences, offering guided instruction, independent practice with tools like EdPuzzle, peer tutoring, and practice problems on DeltaMath. This student-centered approach, inspired by William Glasser's Choice Theory, fosters genuine engagement and ownership over their learning. I've also developed resources like "Schiff's-Notes," a series of comprehensive lesson summaries for independent study, and utilize technologies such as Desmos, DeltaMath, and EdPuzzle to make learning interactive and provide immediate, personalized feedback.
My goal is not just to teach math concepts, but to cultivate critical thinking, patience, and resilience - skills that extend far beyond the classroom. In my role as a high school teacher, I've seen students achieve an average of over 70% growth on state math assessments annually by leveraging instructional videos and scaffolded assignments. As a Praxis Math Tutor, I've successfully helped aspiring educators achieve a 50% score improvement within 8 weeks. Furthermore, my time as an Online Math Tutor with Varsity Tutors resulted in an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 over 500 sessions, reflecting high student satisfaction with my support.
I'm committed to providing a supportive and effective learning experience tailored to your unique needs. If you're ready to build confidence, deepen your understanding, and truly master mathematics, I invite you to connect with me. Let's work together to make learning a rewarding journey.