Deriving
Mathematics
About Me
My background includes years of teaching and tutoring across multiple levels, from elementary math topics to college-level math topics, in both in-person and online settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that effective math instruction goes beyond formulas—it’s about building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a supportive learning environment where every student feels capable of success.
Teaching Philosophy
Picture yourself as a student in a challenging math course—frustrated, stuck, and unsure how to move forward. You finally ask for help, and instead of being criticized, your instructor patiently explains the concept, praising your curiosity to learn. Suddenly, the concept clicks, and you feel excited to tackle the next challenge. Witnessing that “light bulb moment” is one of the main reasons I love teaching. It brings me joy to see students overcome challenges, gain confidence, and show curiosity for learning. My goal is always to be patient and enthusiastic to help guide and encourge growth in my students. Mathematice is more than just solving equations, it’s about developing problem-solving skills for life.
Building a respectful, supportive learning environment is central to my approach. I aim to make my classroom safe, approachable, and engaging by bringing energy, positivity, and humor to every lesson. I share my own struggles as a student to show that setbacks are normal, and I celebrate every small success my students achieve to build their confidence. Over time, this creates trust and encourages students to ask questions without fear of judgment.
To keep sessions engaging, I break up difficult material with humor, quick questions, or fun facts, giving students a mental reset before diving back into new concepts. I also use repetition and creative memory devices to reinforce key rules. These small, playful moments make learning memorable and enjoyable.
Ultimately, my teaching philosophy is built on encouragement, respect, and support. Whether by guiding students directly, listening to their struggles, or connecting them with additional resources, I want each student to know I care deeply about their success. My goal is to help them not only learn mathematics but also believe in their ability to solve problems in and out of the classroom.
Teaching Experience
My journey as an educator began during my undergraduate years, when I started tutoring fellow students in the residence halls. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed breaking down tough concepts and watching students go from feeling stuck to experiencing that “aha!” moment.
I taught a variety of courses, including college algebra, precalculus, survey of calculus, calculus, and geometry for future K–8 teachers. Since then, I’ve continued teaching full-time, working with students at various levels and with different learning styles. Some classes require precision and careful communication of mathematical steps, while others focus more on understanding the “why” behind the math. Teaching across these different settings has shaped my approach.
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that every student can succeed in math with the right support. I aim to create a welcoming environment where students aren’t afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep trying until things click. My favorite part of teaching is helping students not only understand math but also gain confidence in their ability to problem-solve in all areas of life.