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.

Sam

Lead Instructor

Education: 

Pursuing B.A. in Computer Science

Years of experience teaching math: 

2.5 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I like being able to make connections and better understand how the word works. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Teaching students how to think about problems makes them more confident in their skills and builds a long-lasting skill beyond memorization.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Using real-world examples makes math more understandable and interesting for students, but it’s also a great opportunity to connect with students about their interests and show them the significance of what they’re learning. 

Barb

Instructor

Education: 

BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering

Years of experience teaching math: 

5 years

What do you like most about learning? 

As a grad student, I found that the best way to learn something is to teach it. And learning helps to keep the mind sharp.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

One of our long-time students progressed 3 grade levels in less than 2 years at Mathnasium. It has been so rewarding to watch him grow!

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I encourage the kids to do their best and that it is OK to make mistakes. We are there to help them learn how to fix it. Also, I try to never use the word ‘wrong’. 

Bob

Instructor

Education: 

BA History University of Chicago; MA Medieval History University of Chicago; MDivinity Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Years of experience teaching math: 

25 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

Being in touch with elegant ideas.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Helping students believe in their capacities — and then seeing themselves proven right by results.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

By asking them what their thinking might be; asking them about themselves; gently prodding them toward reaching a goal of some sort; tossing in unusual instances of use of numbers; genuinely listening to them and showing interest in them.

Sheilah

Instructor

Education: 

B.S. geology

M.S. geology, civil engineering 

Experience teaching math: 

Taught math in summer school (ISD 625), as well as within Earth Science & Life Science classes, and also to young adults in a Construction training program. Tutored math privately and for A+ Tutoring 

What do you like most about learning? 

The world is always fresh and new for people who are interested in learning!

How do you make learning math fun for students?

First, I take a sincere interest in the student. Just a couple minutes of discussion (with sincere listening) really helps make a good connection. Students like to catch teachers in mistakes, so when they do that, giving them honest feedback about it feels really good for them. 

Taylor

Instructor

Education: 

I am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in applied mathematics with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028.

Years of experience teaching math: 

1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

My favorite part about learning is feeling that light bulb go off. I love when a topic just clicks in my mind and then it's fun getting to solve the puzzle. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

The biggest impact that I have on a student's ability to become proficient in math is changing their mindset. A lot of kids struggle at first with finding the missing addends, but when I break it down into smaller parts, I can see the spark light off in their mind. The smaller steps make the problem more manageable and the kids gain confidence in themselves and their math skills. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I make learning math fun for kids by bringing in their interests into whatever math problem they are working on. Whether that be pizza, candy, or something else they are passionate about, it makes their math relatable and helps them to stay engaged. 

Nathan

Instructor

Education: 

Obtaining a B.S in Mathematics

Years of experience teaching math: 

<1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

The conversations I am able to have with others. Education is a pathway to connecting with everyone.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

By teaching math through a lens of logical problem solving rather than rote memorization. Having an understanding of a problem solving process allows students to translate these skills into other situations that may not be math related.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

By connecting with them on a more personal level. If they feel comfortable in a learning environment, they’ll have a better time. 

Anna

Instructor

Education: 

Senior in high school 

Years of experience teaching math: 

3 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

The process of learning is very fun for me; I like finding out why things are the way they are and it’s very satisfying to have eureka moments, especially when it’s something I find cool. Learning new topics also gives one a special kind of confidence. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I tailor my teaching to the student. For example, one time I had a student who was struggling to focus and when he accidentally drew an extra line over a number, I told him it looked like he’d given it a hat. He found this hilarious, and I suggested we give each number an accessory, which encouraged him to focus on the rest of his work because dressing up the numbers made the assignment fun. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I like telling stories, sometimes about my own life or about times I’ve struggled in order to motivate them. I also believe that my students can teach me, so I make a point to get to know them on a deeper level beyond just math tutoring. 

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

Quote Quote
What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.
Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

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Student using math cubes to solve fractions
Student working with a math tutor at a local math learning center

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