Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 tutor

About Steven

Hi everyone! My name is Steven, and my passion for teaching stems from an inquisitive, balanced thinking that can see where students are coming from at all angles. Even though I was very interested in learning different subjects in school, I was never the smartest. I was getting mediocre grades, and I struggled through math year after year. It came to a point where I had to decide if math was a determining factor in my college major choice when I nearly failed Algebra II in high school. However, I had an amazing teacher that encouraged me to take her Pre Calc course the next marking period, even though I didn't have confidence that I would succeed in the class. It turns out that I was much stronger in this subject area than I realized, and that there were very simple and common mistakes I was making that were hindering my progress. I ended up getting an A in the course, which inspired me to take AP Calc the next year and go to engineering school the following year!

As much confidence as I had built up, there were still obstacles I had to overcome in order to achieve my goals. Because I wasn't the greatest test taker, I was not able to initially get into the Chemical Engineering program at Rowan University that I desired to study. But I went in as an undeclared major, mimicked the first-year coursework, and eventually got into the program because of my GPA and work ethic. This adversity had helped me through the rest of my undergraduate career when facing an overabundance of coursework or a challenging problem.

In fact, I had two students going through the same struggles getting into their respective Engineering programs at Rowan when I was working as a tutor there. By helping them through Calculus and Physics, they had achieved their dreams by getting good grades and showing that they have what it takes to succeed. There is nothing more satisfying than that "Ah-ha!" moment when a student finally gets a concept that they have been struggling with for some time. To see students retain the knowledge I personally helped them obtain and use it to become more successful is truly humbling. Sometimes all you need is a little boost to achieve greatness!

I have been tutoring for more than 3 and a half years now, including 9 months as a Professional Exam Prep teacher at a franchised learning center where I am still currently working. I have experience tutoring a multitude of subjects, including Calculus, Pre-calculus, Physics [Newtonian], Chemistry [General], Statistics, and various algebra and pre-algebra courses. These opportunities have come through the Academic Success Center at Rowan University, where I worked while earning my Bachelor's Degree, and through one-on-one students whom I have worked with and are still currently working with throughout their academic careers. I've also worked part time as a Graduate Learning Assistant in the Math Lab at Brookdale Community College as well as Portland Community College.

I have personal experience tutoring students with learning disabilities such as Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, and have helped through algebra and calculus courses to pass with flying colors. Other mathematical subjects that I have expertise tutoring include: Calculus I and II, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Algebra I and II, Pre-Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Algebraic Modeling, SAT Math, and ACT Math. I can also help with Engineering coursework (Intro to Engineering/Dimensional Analysis, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Chemical Processes/Kinetics).

From my time tutoring privately, I have found that each person learns in their own unique way, and you really need to communicate with someone and be attentive to their studying skills in order to truly help them in their subject matter. Like me, sometimes all it takes is one teacher or mentor to tell you they believe in you and give you a push in the right direction. I strive to make you the best you can possibly be!