Brett D.
Private tutor in New York, NY
Education
UCLA B.S. Mathematics / Applied Science 1995 UCLA M. Ed. Secondary Education 1999
Experience
I love math. I love thinking about math. I love talking about math. As an Algebra and Algebra 2 teacher at South High School in Torrance, CA, I love bringing that love to students. So often, as a student works their way through K-12, their experience with math is one of memorizing rules, keeping track of confusing algorithms, and mindless computation. Procedures and algorithms will seem arbitrary. Formulas will seem as though they were plucked out of the air, with little rhyme or reason. Math becomes less and less about conceptual understanding and true problem solving, and more about mechanics and procedure. Drill and kill replaces sense-making. Students simply taught to memorize rules will doubt their memory as they won’t have the underlying conceptual base. Students who are then unable to function effectively in this world will be labeled “bad” at math, sometimes by themselves, and often as a result of poor grades and a feeling of lack of understanding. I enjoy being part of the solution. I enjoy helping students understand that a) they already bring a working knowledge of number sense and b) that building on this base is often about recognizing and applying patterns inherent in our number system. In addition to teaching high school, I taught middle school mathematics in South Los Angeles and worked as a mathematics instructional coach at Jordan High School in Watts, CA. In each setting I was dedicated to helping students access mathematical content and build their own confidence and skill level. Students often came into my class with real gaps in their mathematical knowledge that needed to be repaired, while at the same time I needed to make sure they kept advancing towards grade level material. In each instance I was able to find success, with students not only progressing academically but understanding what we consider the big-picture or concepts of math rather than simply isolated skills. What I can bring to your program is a proven record of student growth. I teach grade-level standards, but also strategies for success. I want to bring this to your students. I offer not just theory, but practice, and an attitude of “It’s possible!!!” Last summer I was honored to teach a Secondary Math Methods class to teacher-candidates at CSULA. They were all about to enter the profession and eager for proven methods to help students achieve. I am so proud of their work and am excited for them to begin their careers. I look forward to hearing from you and having an opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I am available most evenings and weekends.
Subject Expertise
ACT MathSAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1GRE Subject Test in MathematicsFinite MathematicsElementary MathCompetition MathCOMPASS MathematicsApplied MathematicsCLEP College MathematicsCAHSEE MathematicsASPIRE MathHSPT MathACCUPLACER College-Level Math9th Grade math8th Grade math7th Grade math6th Grade math11th Grade math1st Grade math12th Grade math5th Grade math4th Grade math3rd Grade math2nd Grade mathAlgebra 3/4Pre-CalculusTrigonometryGeometryPre-AlgebraLinear AlgebraIntermediate AlgebraIntermediate AlgebraElementary AlgebraDevelopmental AlgebraCollege AlgebraCLEP College AlgebraACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra10th Grade mathAlgebra 2Algebra 1SAT MathematicsSAT MathPSAT MathematicsMiddle School MathMathematical Foundations for Computer ScienceIB Mathematics SLIB Mathematics HLIB Further Mathematics HLIB Mathematical Studies SL
Availability
Weekdays in the evening, Weekends at any time
Can Meet
Up to 30 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
Working out, reading, exploring the city.
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