The Early Years
In my early teaching career, I taught 5th through 8th grade math at a small private school. As the only middle school math teacher, I had the opportunity to watch students grow mathematically over four years. I learned that developmentally, some topics were easier to learn as the student matured.
For example, many students struggled with fractions in 5th grade even after two months of instruction. By 6th grade, they needed only a couple of weeks to master fraction operations. In 7th grade, a one-week review was enough, and by 8th grade, just a one-day review. Their foundational skills and cognitive development made the concepts easier over time.
High School and Advanced Math
Moving to high school, I learned that a student’s Algebra foundation is key to success. Those “pesky” fraction and decimal mistakes still appear in PreCalculus and Calculus — even when students understand the advanced concepts.
As students move through high school, the right answer is only the beginning. Math is much more than applying rules. Helping students explain why they perform certain steps, what the answer means, and how to check their work creates thinking skills they will use long after high school.
My Goal
My goal is to help your student become strong and confident in math class. I want them to break down problems and think flexibly about how to approach them. The bigger their “tool set,” the more options they have — in math and in life.
I’m excited to work together with your student to help build that math future!
