Experience Summary
I have been a teacher since 1981. I became effective in teaching math in my thrid year, and have been so ever since. 6 years were in private schools, and the rest in public schools in both urban and rural areas. I have taught in large schools and small schools, and have had students of every conceivable race, religion and culture. All were capable of learning math. My best success was at East Valley of Yakima in the late 1980s, because the math team at the middle school there (I was the young new guy) wanted to excel as much as I did. We went from 20% pre-algebra and 80 % basic math in grade 8 my first year to 50% Algebra 1 for HS credit, 45% in pre-algebra and only 5% in basic math in 4 years by building the proper foundation. That was pre-WASL and before the people at OSPI became intrusive in dictating what districts could do because of the state testing. We probably would not have been allowed that success today. But individual kids can still find it--with help! I moved around quite a bit due to wanting to be a top basketball coach also. That stopped 7 years ago when I was coaching Division 3 college basketball at Pacific University in Oregon and realized my time with my kids was compromised by my love of hoops. So I no longer officially coach in order to give them time. In all of these moves, I saw first-hand how different districts have done math education, and no one now comes close to what we had at East Valley back then except Corbett HS in Corbett, OR. (Look them up online.) They are a top school nationally, and a strong math program is partly why. I know how to meet kids where they are and help them grow stronger.
Teaching Style
I believe in analyzing what the student knows and in building from there. Doing the HW given by the school is very important, of course, but so is building up the foundation. Schools today rarely do that. They don't have time, given all the hoops the State makes them jump through. By tutoring I now can really help kids become more confident (WAY more confident!) in their math ability because I can help them have success. As their confidence grows, their ability does too. Constant feedback with the student when we work together is key. As is communication with you, the patent(s). On assessment pieces, the student must be able to stand alone. We have to build to that strength. Which takes time. But it is time well spent.
My Hobbies
Being with my two kids--the twin lights of my life. Exploring new trails and new places. Coaching and watching hoops.
Other Comments
Investing in someone who will really help your beloved one understand is the most important investment monetarily you will ever make for their future success.
| ACT |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Have materials; know the math |
| Algebra |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 30 years successful experience |
| Algebra I |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 30 years successful experience |
| Algebra II |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 30 years successful experience |
| Algebra III |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 30 years successful experience |
| American History |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 4 years experience; History Major in college. |
| ASVAB |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Former students scored well always |
| Basic Learning Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| College Algebra |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 5 years tutored successfully |
| Continuing Education |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Many adults have come for me for math help particularly. |
| Elementary |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Grammar |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Math |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Phonics |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Taught my two to read early. |
| Elementary Reading |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Taught my two to read early. |
| Elementary Science |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Social Studies |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Study Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Elementary Vocabulary |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Home-schooled my two kids through grade 4. |
| Geography |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 4 years experience; History Major in college. |
| Geometry |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 10 years successful experience |
| Homework Help |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Given before and after school for 30 years. |
| Language Arts |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 5 years tutored successfully |
| Math |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| The basics are critical to algebra understanding. |
| Pre-Algebra |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| 30 years successful experience |
| Pre-Calculus |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 9 years successful experience |
| PSAT |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Always a focus in my Algebra 2 classes; have had National Merit Scholars. |
| SAT - Math |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| In a class of 20, once had 4 students over 700 on math, 10 more over 600. |
| SAT - Verbal |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Have done verbal sections with my kids; understand how to prepare. |
| Social Studies |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 4 years experience; History Major in college. |
| Spelling |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| son was Lewis County Spelling Bee champ |
| Study Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 5 years tutored successfully |
| Trigonometry |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Trig is not hard if you know your algebra. |
| World History |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| 4 years experience; History Major in college. |
| Writing |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Edited college newspaper one year; sports reporter two years |
| Writing Skills |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| Was once asked by a college history professor to consider entering a national essay contest based on my work in his class. |