"Core Experience: Working with elementary & middle school students preparing for competition math as well as high school students aiming for 750+ on SAT Math .

Background: I graduated with BS and MS degrees from MIT. In high school, I won 1st place 4 years in a row in our county's math competition. I tutored high school and SAT math during summers in college.

After taking many years off, I returned to teaching once my sons were in school. I was recruited by the elementary school principal to coach a Math Olympiad team of 4th and 5th graders which I did for 4 years. During that time, 2 of my teams won first place in the county. I taught both of my boys math, and I'm proud to say my oldest son was accepted to both MIT and Stanford. My younger son is a junior in high school and is scoring 800 in his Math SAT.

Curriculum: I created a math book focused only on the hardest problems found on SAT & ACT tests (generally the hardest 1-2 problems on a test). I use this for tutoring students and in probably 10 sessions, can get through a substantial set of the hardest problems that any test taker will come across. The goal is to master these and get them prepared to be able to score a perfect 800 on the math SAT section.

Approach: I enjoy teaching fundamental math concepts. I believe in teaching for understanding and problem solving skills - not for memorization. My favorite subjects are Algebra and Geometry as I feel these are the fundamental building blocks to succeed in all math. I most enjoy the tougher problems on the SAT which are more similar to the problems on math competitions which employ both fundamental mathematics understanding but also creative problem solving. When I teach, I solve the problems alongside the students. I do this without the answer book as my approach is to work with the student and observe how they approach the problem. I discuss alternative approaches that can be taken, and I want to ensure students at least understand them all and pick what approach they prefer." less...