Experience Summary
I have 36 years experience as a practicing actuary, including 21 years in consulting. As a consultant, I developed the ability to explain mathematical concepts to people who are not math-savvy.
For the last six years, i have been teaching high school math full-time, while maintaining a part-time actuarial practice. I have enjoyed my time teaching and I have been a successful teacher. I have worked with students who had not received strong math instruction for many years, if ever, and have brought them up to a level where they could succeed.
Teaching Style
I enjoy seeing students develop an understanding of mathematical concepts and methods. I try to avoid lecturing, but have students come up with the methods of solving problems by themselves (with occasional hints or pointing in the right direction by me).
I also emphasize problem solving and developing problem solving skills. One of my mentors taught me the mantra, "When you can solve one problems, you can solve hundreds just like it." I try to encourage students to organize the information they know and the mathematical tools they know and then to take a step-by-step approach to solving the problems.
I also recognize that different explanations work with different students and, as much as possible, work with individuals.