Tutoring Examples

Novato High School
AP Calculus AB

Anya was a capable student who excelled in creative writing. When she took calculus, she had difficulties: She had never liked math. She had an exceptionally poor precalculus background. Her calculus teacher was remarkably challenging. And she suffered from ADHD, along with depression brought on by the previous year’s Covid lockdown. Before tutoring started in late October, Anya’s calculus grade was a D. My job was to support her, coax her into being interested, fill in her missing math background, and clarify calculus concepts and skills. Despite her mountain of obstacles, Anya finished the course with an A and earned a four on the AP exam.

The Branson School
AP Calculus BC

Ray was receiving good grades in calculus, but he felt unsure about his understanding and wanted deeper and broader comprehension, which three previous tutors had been unable to provide. Because of my strong fascination with calculus, I enjoyed giving Ray a thorough conceptual background in the subject and helping him become an excellent problem-solver. Ray earned high A’s in the course and achieved a five on the AP Calculus BC exam.

Marin Catholic
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry

Despite having dyslexia and severe problems with auditory processing, Brandon had always been a good student. Early in the school year, however, he began to struggle with Marin Catholic’s challenging course in honors chemistry, and he had a C-minus when tutoring began in October. Because of Brandon’s learning differences, I modified my tutoring methods to help Brandon master the material. Brandon’s grade soon rose to an A-minus. Brandon chose to take AP Chemistry the following year, mostly, his mother said, because he enjoyed working with me. Brandon maintained an A-minus in AP Chemistry and earned a five on the AP exam.

The Branson School
Honors Mathematics
Honors Physics
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Calculus BC

Although intelligent and diligent, ninth grader Daniel struggled in Branson’s honors physics and honors geometry courses. I nurtured Daniel as a learner and problem-solver. His confidence and appreciation of challenges grew, and he began to earn A’s. The following three years Daniel and I continued to have fun exploring his demanding studies in science and math.

Marin Academy
Chemistry

A capable student, particularly in math, Hannah nevertheless struggled in her Marin Academy chemistry course and had lost interest in it. We reviewed the most important concepts covered earlier in the course as well as her current assignments. I provided supplementary practice problems. I also made sure, along with her parents, that she studied for tests. Hannah caught my enthusiasm for chemistry and began to like the subject, especially chemical calculations. Hannah’s mother reported that Hannah enjoyed our sessions and finished the course with a score of 97%.

The Branson School
Physics
Algebra I
Geometry
Chemistry
Algebra II
Precalculus

Emily began her ninth-grade year earning C’s and D’s in Branson physics. Following the start of tutoring in November, Emily began to enjoy physics, and her grade rose to an A. Each new topic confused Emily temporarily, but I helped her understand physics thoroughly and become adept at handling new problems. Emily maintained her A in physics throughout the school year, and the following year she earned an A-plus in chemistry. Emily also lacked confidence in her math skills. I supported her in math and science during her four years at Branson, after which she was accepted into an elite university biochemistry program.

Marin Catholic
Honors Physics

Madison was a diligent student who excelled in English and history. In eleventh grade she took honors physics and was doing very poorly in the course. At the end of October, her mother contacted me. I found that Madison had a poor understanding of physics and no idea how to approach problems. At first I guided her through every concept and every step of problems. Little by little, I encouraged her to do more of each problem on her own. She became increasingly capable and confident, and she finished the course with an A-minus.

Tamalpais High School
Algebra
Geometry
Advanced Algebra
Precalculus

An intelligent and hardworking student with ADHD, Lizzy had always earned B’s and C’s in math and A’s in all other subjects. Lizzy found algebra confusing, and near the end of the fall term she had an F in the course. I helped her understand each math topic, provided supplementary problems as needed, and fostered confidence. Lizzy earned an A on the fall final exam and continued to earn A’s in math. Lizzy and I worked together until her graduation.

Redwood High School
Algebra Foundations
Algebra
Geometry
Advanced Algebra

Alex was a bright and creative teenager who struggled with severe ADHD. Although he had good basic math skills, he could not focus well enough to succeed in algebra. I treated Alex with understanding, patience, humor, and respect. Weekly sessions enabled Alex to earn A’s in Algebra Foundations. I helped Alex continue to do well in math throughout high school, and I supported him in his science studies.

Marin Catholic
Honors Algebra II
Honors Chemistry
Honors Precalculus
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus BC

Although interested primarily in literature and history, Olivia had always been good in math and science. At midyear, however, she was discouraged with her C’s in honors algebra II and honors chemistry. She wanted to give up. I supported Olivia in becoming a better problem-solver, and Olivia finished the school year with A-minuses in both courses. Olivia regained enthusiasm for math and science as I helped her stay at the top of her honors precalculus, AP Calculus, and AP Chemistry classes.

Redwood High School
Geometry

Matthew was a responsible student with a positive attitude toward school, but he had always struggled in math. He began geometry with B’s and C’s. During the spring term, however, his grade fell to an F, even with the help of tutors. During my first session with Matthew, I saw that he was accustomed to having a tutor show him every step. I insisted that Matthew figure out each solution with only a little targeted guidance. Although initially upset, Matthew was soon thrilled and proud when he began to earn A’s on every test, and he gained a new enthusiasm for mathematics.

The Bay School
Precalculus
Calculus

Chase was frustrated with his precalculus course and was receiving D’s. He needed extensive review of algebra topics to catch up and to handle his challenging tests. Over several weekly sessions, Chase’s performance and attitude steadily improved. He finished the school year with a B-plus. During the following year, I helped Chase keep up with his calculus studies, which again involved challenging tests. Chase’s confidence in math markedly improved, and he earned A’s in his calculus studies.

Redwood High School
Chemistry

Sarah was discouraged by the challenging workload in her chemistry class and disliked the subject. She had a C in the course when she began working with me in November. I helped Sarah better understand the material and focus on the most important concepts and skills. Sarah’s father said that because sessions were fun, interesting, and fruitful, Sarah looked forward to each session and began to enjoy chemistry. By December Sarah had an A in the course, a grade she maintained with tutoring throughout the remainder of the school year.

Redwood High School
Honors Physics

Kevin began honors physics well, but during the middle of the fall term his grade fell from an A to a C. Because Kevin was a senior who aspired to attend a prestigious college, he and his parents were keenly concerned about his difficulties in physics. I worked with Kevin for the remainder of the school year, emphasizing thorough comprehension of physics topics. Kevin’s grade returned to an A, and he was admitted to his first-choice college.

UC Berkeley
General Chemistry

Even with the help of tutors, Jason was doing poorly in General Chemistry, a course he needed for his goal of attending medical school. I diagnosed and repaired Jason’s weaknesses in knowledge and skills. I helped him master chemistry, and to his surprise he began to find the subject fascinating. He earned an A in the course and is now a successful medical doctor.

UC Berkeley
Calculus 1A and 1B

Holly wanted to do well in UC Berkeley’s challenging calculus courses, which she needed to take for her major in environmental sciences. Although highly capable in most subjects, Holly had difficulties with math, lacked much of the background required for calculus, and was having trouble grasping the material. I guided Holly through the course, providing individualized help with concepts and skills. Holly quickly developed mathematical competence as well as an appreciation for calculus, and she earned A’s on her exams.

UC Berkeley Extension
General Chemistry
General Physics

Nicole was in her mid-thirties and beginning premedical courses with the goal of becoming a medical doctor. After failing her first exam in general chemistry, she contacted me. I saw that Nicole needed to be shown how to study for science courses and how to handle the required mathematics. I guided Nicole in her studies and worked with her weekly on carefully selected problems. Sessions continued the following year for general physics. Nicole often remarked that she felt great after her sessions with me, that she found the material fascinating, and that I always knew what she should focus on for tests. Nicole quickly began to earn A’s on all tests and was usually at the top of her class. She entered medical school soon after working with me.