"I graduated from UNCA with a degree in mathematics. I spend quite a bit of time tutoring and doing my own research in mathematics (encryption most recently). I've learned a great deal in working with students over the years and have developed a unique teaching style to help students feel more confident with mathematics and to help to commit it to memory. Perhaps one of the most important things to do is to make a student smile, if they're smiling or laughing they're far more likely to commit what they learn to memory as they'll enjoy what they're learning. Its also important for students to see what mathematics does. The most common question I hear is, "Why are we learning this?" or "Why is this useful?". I've found most of my students learn the material better if you give them an application for it. Its not tested though so standard schooling tends to gloss over topics like this in favor of time but I feel like it is nearly as important as the material itself. Its important to have a passion for what you do and teaching is something I thoroughly enjoy.

I have tutored other students within my program off and on during school for several years. Following graduation I went to work for a math teaching center that has since ceased to be, the mathnasium. I worked there for two years following graduation prior to its closure. Between then and now I have been working freelance with students. For the past 6 years I've been tutoring math off and on and have yet to have a poor report with a student. Many of my students (most of which study calculus) markedly improve their grades under my tutelage. Even more importantly, however, they retain the knowledge far better than they otherwise would have without tutoring. I look forward to helping my students enjoy mathematics as much as I." less...