Experience Summary
I earned a BA in both Mathematics and Computer Science while on an academic scholarship at La Salle College. Driven to excellent achievement, I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was also a graduate of La Salle's Honors Program. For 28 years my full-time job has been as a successful Software Engineer. However, during the past 30 years I have been a part-time Mathematics tutor -- teaching a variety of courses in mathematics, specializing in algebra. I have been tutoring College level algebra since I was in college, through the Academic Discovery Program for students who had deficiencies in their mathematics backgrounds. In the last 5 years I have tutored students in College Algebra and high school level algebra and trigonometry.
Teaching Style
I enjoy teaching and I have earned a reputation for breaking down concepts and complex problems into simple, cookbook-like steps which the students can easily understand and repeat. However, since every one learns differently and at a different pace, I remain flexible. I am enthusiastic but patient and very much aware that what came easily to me does not to others. I always look for the positives in the students' work to encourage and motivate them to keep at it. I believe they can learn and I let them know it to instill confidence. I encourage a drill and practice approach after they attain the skills. Every one of my students have improved their grades -- some dramatically -- after my assistance. I count that as a success.