Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 tutor

About Sol

TUTORING EXPERIENCE:
I have helped students to excel in the following subjects:
Basic Math
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Math Analysis
Pre-Calculus
Calculus (AP/BC)
Physics

INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE:
I was employed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where I received several outstanding achievement awards. Previous industrial affiliations have included Digital Enterprises, Application Research Corporation, IBM and Hughes Aircraft Company. My experience includes the application of mathematics and physics in computer based research and software development.

ABOUT ME:
I am a Caltech graduate who is currently retired from working as an engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I am now working as a professional Math and Science tutor. I live in West Los Angeles. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, both obtained at the California Institute of Technology.


TEACHING APPROACH:
I am very patient and methodical. A student's confusion or lack of understanding is dealt with in an empathetic and caring manner. The student quickly understands that I am there to help, not to judge. I relate to the student as a mentor. I will grasp a student's level of understanding, and present information tailored to that level. I also concentrate on viewing the subject matter from the student's point of view. I want to see what the student sees, and know what the student understands. I teach using that as a guide. I explain concepts in ways that are easy to understand, with analogies to scenarios that are intuitively clear. I find ways to present information tailored to a person's strengths. The tutoring sessions are interesting and easy.

Many of my students have raised their grades to A's. I believe that with the right guidance, any student can achieve success in any subject. First and foremost, I care about my students. Their success is what makes me successful. I treat all students with respect.


TESTIMONIALS:
"My son's math scores were very low due to illness and missed school. We hired tutors in the past but it always ended with a lot of frustration and tears. When Sol started working with my son it was different from the very first session. Instead of tears and frustration I saw my son transformed to a happy confident teen that now enjoys math. It takes time, doesn't happen overnight. The difference in my child is priceless. Sol has a way about him that children respond to. As a parent I highly recommend Sol." ~ Ariel

"Sol is a wonderful Math tutor who really helped my daughter grasp Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus in a short time, which helped her improve her grade significantly! My daughter began the first semester of this school year (last Fall) confused, frustrated and hating her class. Within a few short months with Sol's help she is now feeling confident and able to understand the complexities of this Math class and navigates her way through the lessons and homework with ease and confidence! I can't thank Sol enough for his ability to teach and simplify a subject that gives so many kids nightmares! Thank you, Sol!!!" ~Marina

"Our daughter started working with Sol in the fall. She went from a 2 to a 5 on the Calculus BC AP test. Sol was very kind and patient. He was always punctual, and flexible about accommodating our schedule. Most importantly though, he was very creative and intuitive in helping our daughter. He analyzed the problems she was having and tailored the sessions to address her weaknesses. He did not come in with a set approach that he uses with every student. He was able to communicate well with our daughter and continued to adjust his help to address her changing needs. Sol seems to listen better than some tutors. He did a great job and we recommend him very highly." ~ Damon

"My daughter has been having trouble in math since second grade. I've been taking her to after-school classes, group tutoring and tutor programs but none of them really made much impact. By ninth grade, she was convinced she couldn't keep up with her classmates and (understandably) had an aversion to even trying. Thankfully, we found Sol, and she started working with him one-on-one, one to two hours a week. It's been a huge relief to see her go from so confused to having a good understanding of what she's doing. Sol has a way of just keeping a kid on track without pushing too hard, or wasting any time. He is always patient and just gets to work. He explains things clearly and provides study problems when necessary. Through working with Sol and practicing the specific types of problems that were the most difficult for her, my daughter is finally comfortable with math, and can keep up with her grade level. I recommend Sol very highly!" ~Abby

"Sol is patient, listens, is heart-felt, and he has addressed my needs (as I have some learning challenges) and he has demonstrated a willingness to find ways to present the information tailored to my strengths." ~ Jeanni

"Hi Sol!
Just wanted to tell you that I got an A on the final in math, as well as an overall A in the class! Thank you so much for everything, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this without you!!" ~Shishi

"Please know that I really cherished our sessions--you're a great teacher and I enjoyed your company a lot. Hoping our paths cross again." ~Matthew

"Thank you, Sol,
For your thoroughness, and for your focus and gentleness. I'm so glad we found you." ~Abby

""Sol!! Great news! I got into USC!!!
This is so amazing, this wouldn’t have been possible without you! Fight on!" ~Alonzo

"Exciting news - my daughter got 100% on her math test last week! This is amazing. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher. All of her hard work with your help is paying off big time. She really enjoys working with you. We are lucky to have met you." ~ Nikki