Southwest Minneapolis
5315 Lyndale Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.
Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.
Education:
B.S. in Pulp and Paper Science Technology, North Carolina State University
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University
M.S. in Paper and Printing Science and Engineering, Western Michigan University
Ph.D. in Engineering Education, Purdue University
Years of experience teaching math:
20+ years
What do you like most about learning?
For me, it is the new ideas and ways of doing things that I did not know how to do before. With students, it is the light-bulb moment where something a student has been working on “clicks” and the math now makes sense to them.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
Helping a student to recognize what a question is asking. Many times, particularly with word problems or in higher level math, students think they know what a question is asking and do not read through the question carefully. Many times a question will provide hints to assist a student in solving the question.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
The higher-level math of geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
By building rapport with the student through learning about them and their interests. This allows for stories and jokes, especially about the math the students are working on. These connections allow me, as an instructor, to construct a learning environment where the student becomes comfortable asking questions about math.
Education:
Bachelors of Science in Education from Wright State University
Masters of Education in Mathematics from The City College of New York
Years of experience teaching math:
15 years
What do you like most about learning?
That there is always more to learn. We all have gaps in our knowledge, mathematical or otherwise.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
I've had students who have become more confident in school in general after gaining confidence in math. The confidence to tackle whatever life throws at you is incalculable.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
I enjoy teaching students the topics they like the least. It is always a joy seeing students a month later surprise themselves at what they used to struggle with.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I am a story teller to the core. Connecting difficult math topics to stories, real world or otherwise, can help make learning math more fun and memorable.
Education:
Bachelors of Business Administration
Years of experience teaching math:
1.5 years
What do you like most about learning?
I love the initial excitement of a student when they have an "aha!" moment regarding a new math concept. It is satisfying for me as an instructor and satisfying for the student as they gain confidence.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
I have been able to bring certain students who may initially not like math to a point of comfortability with math through my excitement for it. I love math, and I have seen that rub off on students.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
I love teaching algebra. Solving for variables and taking students through that process brings me a lot of joy.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I take time to learn about my students. I have some that discuss k-pop with me for the first 5 minutes of the session. I have others who discuss dance and theater with me. I try to show my kids that I care about their interests and that I'm not a math robot.
Education:
High School diploma from Lakeville South High School
University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program
Additional courses in higher math including Linear Algebra, and proof writing
Working towards a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota
Years of experience teaching math:
6 years
What do you like most about learning?
The thing I like most about learning (math in particular) is finding ways to connect abstract numbers into real world applications; finding ways that numbers and formulas connect into everyday puzzles.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
Over the course of about 2.5 years and many hours, I was able to help a student who was behind in math catch up to their grade level and help them understand and keep up with what was being taught in class.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
My favorite types of math to teach are Algebra and Pre-Calculus. For each problem, there are many different ways to solve it, and I enjoy finding the method that works best for each student.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I try to make math fun for students by teaching them tricks and shortcuts that simplify the problems. Math becomes less of a chore and more of a fun puzzle that can be solved.
Education:
BS Elementary Education/Middle School Mathematics from Evangel University
Years of Experience Teaching Math:
10 years of classroom teaching, over 10 years of tutoring
What do you like most about learning?
I like seeing things in new and different ways. I like to understand how others think and feel and experience the world.
What is the biggest impact you've had on a student's ability to become proficient in math?
The biggest impact I have been able to make on a student’s ability is to grow their comfort level, which grows confidence, which leads to wanting to take on more challenges with others and on their own. I have the ability to take math concepts and explain them in ways that make sense to the individual student.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
I love algebraic thinking. The topics taught in middle school are my favorite to teach. It’s really fun for me to teach solving equations because it is like a puzzle that needs to be unraveled.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I think the most effective way of making something fun is overcoming the anxiety that goes along with something that is a challenge. I do this with a calm presence, engaging manipulatives, and clear explanations. There are so many interesting patterns and connections in math and when the student’s confidence grows and they start seeing those, it becomes fun for them to see how the next thing connects.
Education:
Masters in Physics from University of MN
Years of Experience Teaching Math:
2 years
What do you like most about learning?
The magic moment when things click after some struggling.
What is the biggest impact you've had on a student's ability to become proficient in math?
I’ve found giving students interesting problems, not necessarily aligned with curriculum, can motivate them to think creatively.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
Linear algebra has some beautiful visualizations and theorems.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I love creating interactive DESMOS animations that others can play with at their own pace.
Education:
Mathematics major; Psychology major; Statistics minor at Macalester College. Graduating June 2026.
Years of experience teaching math:
3 years
What do you like most about learning?
The connection with others when people are learning together is irreplaceable. There’s a feeling that comes with solving a problem with others you would be unable to do on your own that I can’t describe with any word other than satisfying.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
The most important thing I can do for a student to become proficient in math is to engage them wherever they’re at. All the impact I have had on my students’ math abilities has been through connecting with them personally.
What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?
Calculus; algebra
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I want to give my students the ability to set goals for themselves, but more importantly, I want to find the things they enjoy and show them how math can apply to it. I’ve found joy in applying math to games and activities that I love and I want to show other people that they can do the same.
Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.
Are you interested in changing lives through math? We're looking for outstanding individuals with a high level of commitment who are passionate about teaching math. Find out if there's a Mathnasium position that's just right for you!
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(612) 643-0484
